A common misconception is to extend the spine to make it strong. This isn’t true, this loads the spinal erectors and the facet joints which aren’t designed to take heavy loads. Instead use the cue I use here, pulling the shoulder blades down engages the lats which support the thoracic spine but also extends your spine, you then engage the abs by thinking about pulling your ribs down to your pelvis which then tightens the core muscles 360 which transfers the load EVENLY to the vertebrae body and discs where the spine is in its strongest position. For a more personal touch on your technique, mobile PT available where I bring the gym to you.
