The GHD is a versatile piece of strength equipment, and an essential tool for developing strength, power, and speed in the posterior chain. While the GHD is useful for a multitude of different movements that strengthen the core and posterior chain, like back extensions and GHD sit-ups, it is most commonly used for the Glute Ham Raise (GHR).
The Glute Ham Raise is an incredibly useful exercise for isolating the hamstrings and the glutes, increasing hypertrophy to these two essential muscle groups. The Glute Ham Raise is also believed to be superior to the leg curl because it works more muscles and puts a greater emphasis on the eccentric component of knee flexion. Increased time under tension, a more complete range of motion, and the ability to add resistance with bands or weight plates make for a very targeted approach to hamstring and glute development that will carry over to your heavy squats, deadlifts, and your explosiveness on the playing field.
It’s not just the hamstrings and glutes that benefit from the GHD and the GHR. The entire posterior chain benefits, including the spinal erectors. This not only improves strength and power in other major lifts and in sports but also helps one to resist injury as well.
Simply put, the GHD is the perfect tool for developing strength and power in the posterior chain, for improving performance on the playing field and in the gym, and for eliminating the risk of stress and injury to the lower back. The GHD can also be safely used by those with pre-existing low back issues who cannot use traditional, deadlift-style exercises to train their posterior chain.
Benefits of the Reverse Back Extension
The Reverse Back Extension is used for one critical accessory exercise; the Reverse Back Extension. The Reverse Back Extension is an excellent movement for the lower back, glutes, and hamstrings because it allows one to train the whole of the posterior chain in a way that is very similar to the deadlift, but without actually loading up the spine. This makes the Reverse Back Extension the perfect movement for athletes with a pre-existing low back issue or those who want to give their lower back a break without missing a training session.
Even for those who do not have an existing injury, the Reverse Back Extension can be an invaluable tool for developing strength, power, and explosiveness in the hamstrings and lower back. The Reverse Back Extension also improves hip extension, which will translate to better performance on the playing field and in the squat, deadlift, snatch, and clean and jerk.
Specs
Weight 280lbs
Long 1900mm/74″
Wide 1190mm/47″
Height 1065mm/42″
Strong Steel Tubing 2×3″
Heavy-gauge Steel Yes
Diamond-plate Yes
Anchor Holes Yes
Weight storage pegs Yes