Natural Glute Ham Raise
The glute ham raise is a great exercise for targeting the glutes and hamstrings. It's a simple move to perform, but the results are well worth the effort. To perform the glute ham raise, you need a GHD (Glute Ham Developer) machine.
You start by sitting on the GHD machine with your feet secured in the stirrups. Your knees should be bent at a 90-degree angle and your torso should be vertical. From here, lower your body down as far as you can until your upper body is parallel to the ground. As you lower yourself, make sure to keep your torso upright and your core engaged.
Once you reach the bottom of the movement, drive your feet into the stirrups and use your glutes and hamstrings to pull yourself back to the starting position. Make sure to keep your core tight and your spine neutral throughout the entire exercise.
The glute ham raise is an incredibly effective exercise for building strength and power in your glutes and hamstrings. It may take some practice to get the movement down, but the results are worth the effort. Give it a try and you'll be amazed at how quickly you'll see results.
Type:
Strength
Muscles Used:
Hamstrings
Level:
Beginner
Equipment:
Body Only
Benefits Of This Exercise
- The glute ham raise is an incredibly effective exercise for building strength and power in the glutes and hamstrings.
- It can help increase the size and strength of the hamstrings and glutes.
- The glute ham raise also works the core and low back musculature.
- It's a great accessory movement to help increase the deadlift strength.
- The glute ham raise is a simple move to perform, and with practice, you can quickly see results.
Step by Step Instructions For Natural Glute Ham Raise
- Position yourself on a GHD (Glute Ham Developer) machine, sitting with your feet secured in the stirrups.
- Bend your knees at a 90-degree angle and keep your torso vertical.
- Lower your body down as far as you can until your upper body is parallel to the ground.
- Keep your torso upright and engage your core throughout the movement.
- Drive your feet into the stirrups and use your glutes and hamstrings to pull yourself back to the starting position.
- Maintain a tight core and neutral spine throughout the exercise.
- Repeat the movement for the desired number of reps.
- If needed, use a band, a partner, or a box to assist in completing a repetition.
- Perform the glute ham raise regularly to build strength and power in your glutes and hamstrings.
- Be patient and consistent, as it may take some practice to perfect the movement.
- Enjoy the results of your hard work and dedication to this effective exercise.
Warm Up Tips
- Position yourself on a lat pulldown machine or preacher bench with your ankles under the leg pads and knees on the seat, facing away from the machine.
- Lower yourself under control until your knees are almost completely straight.
- Raise yourself back up to the starting position.
- If unable to complete a rep, use a band, a partner, or push off of a box for assistance.
- Secure your feet in the stirrups of a GHD machine and sit with bent knees and a vertical torso.
- Lower your body down until your upper body is parallel to the ground, keeping your core engaged.
- Drive your feet into the stirrups and use your glutes and hamstrings to pull yourself back up.
- Maintain a tight core and neutral spine throughout the exercise.
- Practice the movement to perfect your form and see optimal results.
Natural Glute Ham Raise Safety Tips
- Ensure that the leg pad of the lat pulldown machine or preacher bench is securely positioned to support your ankles and knees.
- Maintain good posture throughout the exercise, keeping your back upright and aligned.
- Lower yourself under control until your knees are almost completely straight, avoiding any jerky or sudden movements.
- Focus on engaging your glutes and hamstrings to raise yourself back up to the starting position.
- If you are unable to complete a repetition, consider using a band, partnering with someone, or using a box to assist you.
- When using a GHD machine, ensure that your feet are securely positioned in the stirrups to prevent any slipping or instability.
- Keep your knees bent at a 90-degree angle and your torso vertical throughout the exercise.
- Lower your body down as far as you can while maintaining an upright torso and engaged core.
- Drive your feet into the stirrups and use your glutes and hamstrings to pull yourself back up to the starting position.
- Maintain a tight core and neutral spine throughout the entire exercise to prevent any strain or injury.
Incorporating Into Other Workouts
One way to incorporate the glute ham raise into your workouts is as follows:
1. Warm up your body with some light cardio and dynamic stretches.
2. Begin your workout with compound exercises such as squats or deadlifts to activate your glutes and hamstrings.
3. Once you have completed your main compound movements, move on to the glute ham raise.
4. Position yourself on the GHD machine with your feet secured in the stirrups and your knees bent at a 90-degree angle.
5. Lower your body down as far as you can, keeping your torso upright and your core engaged.
6. Drive your feet into the stirrups and use your glutes and hamstrings to pull yourself back to the starting position.
7. Repeat the movement for the desired number of reps, focusing on maintaining a tight core and neutral spine throughout.
8. If you are unable to complete a rep, you can use a band, a partner, or a box to assist in completing the movement.
9. Perform the glute ham raise regularly, aiming to increase the weight or reps over time to continue challenging your muscles.
10. Finish your workout with some static stretching to cool down and promote muscle recovery.
By incorporating the glute ham raise into your workouts, you can effectively target and strengthen your glutes and hamstrings, which will not only improve your overall lower body strength but also enhance your deadlift performance. Remember to prioritize proper form and gradually increase the intensity of

