Back Extension - stage 6

[CaraBeth]

Does anyone have any recommendations on how to make the back extension progressively harder as #of reps decreases in stage 6? In stage 5 I was doing them holding a 35lb plate against my chest. Last night, for my first stage 6 B workout, I needed to do 10 reps so I grabbed the 25lb plate instead. Next workout is 8 reps, and I think I can handle the 35lb. But after that, I'm not sure what to do - I don't think I can comfortably hold the 45 lb plate because it's so large. Can I make them more difficult by pausing at the top with the 35lb weight? Slowing down the motion considerably? Any other ideas? Thanks!

[mimi_pope]

I would definitely agree that slowing down the move would definitely make it harder, as well as holding the contraction at the top of the movement. That's what I did for the swiss ball crunches as holding a plate was uncomfortable.
Let us know how this works for you

[outofcontrol]

Holding the weight overhead also makes it more difficult.

[Melly]

Holding the plate overhead would be harder, I agree. Would a dumbbell work? They seem to be a bit more compact laterally.