Glute Ham Raise Vs Back Extension (How Do They Compare?)

Glute Ham Raise Vs Back Extension (Key Differences Compared)

Complexity 

When discussing back extensions vs glute ham raise movements in terms of complexity, your fitness is a major factor. Both exercises can be adjusted via weight, time duration, range of motion, and more, but they are still advanced movements. 

Back extensions are typically easier to do; many healthy fitness fans struggle to do even one glute ham raise. Back extensions, on the other hand, can be done anywhere from 10 to 50 times in a set, depending on your ability. 

No matter which exercise is right for you, they both require hinge movements from your hips to work. Before you incorporate them into your routine, we recommend mastering the hip hinge technique first; this will help you with proper form and avoid injury in the future.

Once you start using these two moves, start with just your body weight and gradually add resistance over time without overdoing it. 

Also Check Out - 18 Best Dumbbell Glute Exercises

Equipment 

As we briefly mentioned, glute ham raises and back extensions are typically performed on different pieces of equipment – the glute ham developer and back extension bench, respectively.

It is possible to practice glute ham raises on back extension benches and vice versa, but that is less common. We recommend getting familiar with how these benches function at a gym with a trained professional before purchasing them for your home gym. 

Both exercises focus on using your body weight to challenge you, but you can gradually increase the difficulty with free weights or resistance bands. These are not necessary but can help you turn up the heat. 

Muscles Worked 

Glute Ham Raise (Overview + Benefits Explained)  

A glute ham raise is an accessory lift designed to increase hamstring and glute muscle development. Often performed on a glute ham developer, you see this move performed by powerlifters and deadlifters. Doing this move regularly as part of your routine could more effectively develop your posterior chain.

Strengthening your hamstrings and lower back this way could also aid in other training areas like running, jumping, squatting, and more. If you find yourself often sitting for work and have the fitness level, adding glute ham raises to your workouts could be beneficial. Sitting for long periods often leads to weakened glutes, forcing your hamstrings to overcompensate when working out. 

Here are some tips on performing a glute ham raise: 

You can choose to stick to your body weight or slowly add resistance once you’ve mastered the movement. 

Related Article - 7 Best Glute Ham Raise Alternatives

Pros And Cons Of Doing Regular Glute Ham Raises 

Benefits

Drawbacks 

Back Extension (Overview + Benefits Explained)  

While the back extension may seem like a similar movement to the glute ham raise, there are key differences between them. Back extensions are typically performed on a back extension bench, also known as a Roman chair.

You may on a rare occasion see someone performing them on a glute ham developer, but this is less common. Back extensions target your spinal erectors and lower back with less focus on your hamstrings.

Performing back extensions regularly could see you gaining increased strength and stability in your lower back and hip flexors. In addition, back extensions can aid in deadlifts by strengthening your stabilizer muscles and counteract the effects of sitting all day.  

Here are some tips on performing a back extension: 

As with the glute ham raise, you can just use your bodyweight or create additional resistance via bands and free weights. 

Related Article - 10 Best Back Extension Substitutes

Pros And Cons Of Doing Regular Back Extensions 

Benefits 

Drawbacks 

Common Glute Ham Raise Vs Back Extension Questions

How difficult is glute-ham raise?  

Glute ham raises are very difficult to achieve, even for experienced athletes; we would put them at the high intermediate to advanced level. It is possible to achieve hypertension when doing back extensions on a back extension bench, but it is less likely on a GHD. 

How much weight do you need for back extensions? 

The minimum that you will need is your body weight. When considering adding more weight, bear in mind that you do not need heavy free weights or intense resistance to feel the burn effectively. In this case, smaller is often better. 

Which one is best for me? 

That is hard to say, but as a rule, use back extensions if you want to strengthen your lower back and core brace. Use glute ham raises when you want to work your hamstrings and glutes while improving knee stability.