Posterior
Posterior means toward the back of the body or behind another structure in anatomical position.
Definition
Posterior is a relative anatomical direction: toward the back surface of the body or behind another structure. Its opposite is anterior.
OpenStax/NCBI · Medical Terminology
Use in training
The term locates a structure or direction. It does not by itself show that posture is faulty, that a muscle is weak or that a particular exercise is required.
OpenStax/NCBI · Medical Terminology
Program posterior chain work at a 1:1 or 1.5:1 ratio relative to anterior chain exercises. Most athletes need more pulling than pushing to achieve balance. Use Repz to identify whether your sled pull or SkiErg times lag behind other stations, which often indicates posterior chain weakness that can be addressed with targeted training.[^1]
How do I know if my posterior chain is weak?
Signs include: sled pull times significantly slower than sled push times, lower back pain after training, hamstring tightness, forward-leaning posture during late-race lunges, and SkiErg power that drops off quickly. Comparing your station splits in Repz can reveal pulling-versus-pushing imbalances.
FAQ
What does posterior mean?
It means toward the back of the body or behind another structure.
OpenStax/NCBI · Medical Terminology
Is posterior the same as posterior chain?
No. Posterior is a directional term; posterior chain is an informal training label whose included muscles vary by context.
Was this helpful?