What do you get when you combine the knee flexion function of a lying leg curl with the hip extension of a standing good morning?
The Glute Ham Raise of course!
This exercise should not be taken lightly. It is for experienced athletes who have good posterior chain strength to begin with!
Why should you aim to use this exercise?
Because:
1) It is great for athletic function, since it combines both knee flexion and hip extension, safely, at the same time (something you can't get from deadlifts, good mornings and squats).
2) You can train different areas of weakness through the lower back by adjusting the height of the foot plate
3) It breaks the boredom of traditional leg curls for those who need to add plates to the leg curl machine.
4) You can train the entire back side REALLY hard without putting your spine at risk, which squats and deadlifts can sometimes do.
5) By training the hamstrings, glutes and lower back in this manner, you will greatly decrease your risk of knee injury.
*If you are new to this exercise, start slow and warm up with lying leg curls.
*If you cannot perform a repetition yet, begin with just performing the eccentric version and then get someone to help you on the way up!
Lastly, because of the strength necessary to perform this exercise concentrically, your calves are called into play (the calves help with knee flexion since they cross the knee joint), therefore stimulating new growth from the neck down into the bottom of the feet!
Science + Determination = Results!
For more information on this excellent exercise, please read this article:
http://www.charlespoliquin.com/ArticlesMultimedia/Articles/Article/787/Faster_and_Stronger_with_the_Glute-Ham_Raise.aspx
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