Setup and loading
Use the rollers of a lat pulldown or a preacher bench.
How to do the natural glute-ham raise step by step
- Hook your ankles under the rollers with your knees on the seat, facing away from the machine.
- Lower your torso forward, braking with your hamstrings.
- Pull yourself back up with your hamstrings.
Form cues
- Hips extended
- Control the descent
Common mistakes
- Bending at the hips
Sets and reps for your goal
Hypertrophy
3-4 x 8-12 · rest 60-90 s3-4 sets of 6-12 reps (up to 15-20 on isolation exercises) at 65-80% of your max. Rest 1 to 2 minutes.
Get close to failure (0-3 reps in reserve) and control the lowering for 2-3 seconds. Accumulate 10-20 sets per muscle per week.
Max Strength
4-5 x 3-6 · rest 2-3 min3-6 sets of 1-6 reps at 80-90% of your max (1RM). Rest 2 to 5 minutes.
Leave 1-3 reps in reserve. If your technique breaks down, lower the weight: strength is built with good reps.
Injury Prevention
2-3 x 10-15 slow2-3 sets of 10-15 slow reps with a light or moderate load, 2-3 times per week.
Control the lowering (about 3 seconds). This is quality work, not fatigue work: finish every set feeling good.
A guide for healthy adults. Adjust the load to your level and see a professional if you have an injury.
Check your form
Film yourself from the side or ask someone to watch, then tick what you get right.
Sports it suits
Gear for this exercise
- Exercise matThick (8-10 mm) for floor work.
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