Abstract: A floor standing exercise machine enables a user to perform an assisted back extension to exercise his lower back. The exercise machine contains: (a) a frame; (b) a stationary pad angled at about 30 to 60 degrees to the floor for supporting the user's lower body; (c) a footrest for supporting the user's feet; (d) a horizontal restraint bar for restraining the user's lower body against the stationary pad; (e) a pivoting pad connected to the top of the stationary pad, the pivoting pad being movable between a first position parallel to the stationary pad to a second position that is angled downward from the first position; (f) a means for providing a sufficient upward force to the pivoting pad to hold the pivoting pad in the first position when not in use; (g) a means for providing an adjustable upward force to the pivoting pad that partially offsets a downward gravitational force exerted by the user's upper torso.