The 'posterior chain' is a group of muscles in the lower body that are important in force development for explosive movements like jumping and sprinting. The muscles that fall into the posterior chain are the
hamstrings, the
calves, the
glutes and those in the
lower back.
Exercises
The primary exercises for developing the posterior chain are the
Olympic lifts,
good-mornings and
deadlifts (particularly Romanian and stiff-legged deadlifts); the common denominator among these movements is an emphasis on hip extension. Other exercises include hyperextensions, reverse hyperextensions, glute-ham raises, lunges and full depth back
squats.