Smith Machine Lunge vs Glute Ham Raise
Which one fits your Leg workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Smith Machine Lunge more often — 4,124 sessions vs 179. Compare Leg form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Smith Machine Lunge and Glute Ham Raise and pick the one that fits your Leg workout.
Smith Machine Lunge vs Glute Ham Raise: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Smith Machine Lunge more often — 4,124 sessions compared to 179 for Glute Ham Raise.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Smith Machine Lunge and Glute Ham Raise differ in the muscles they work, the equipment they need, and how hard they are to learn — the comparison below covers each.
How Smith Machine Lunge and Glute Ham Raise Differ
| What differs | Smith Machine Lunge | Glute Ham Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | quads, hamstrings, and glutes | hamstrings, glutes, and calves |
| One side at a time | Yes | No |
| Difficulty | 3 of 5 | 5 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 4,124 sessions | 179 sessions |
How to Do Smith Machine Lunge
Smith Machine Lunge Muscles Worked: Leg
Form
- 1. Please lower down until the angle of both knees is 90 degrees.
- 2. Keep your chest open and your back straight as you return to the starting position.
- 3. Complete the repetitions on one leg and then proceed to the other side.
Coach's Tips
- 1. Please be careful not to lean your upper body forward.
- 2. When bending your knees, please be careful that the knee of the foot you step forward with does not go beyond the foot.
- 3. Please ensure that your center of gravity does not lean too far forward.
For a full Smith Machine Lunge guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Smith Machine Lunge exercise guide.
How to Do Glute Ham Raise
Glute Ham Raise Muscles Worked: Leg
Form
- 1. Use the thigh and glute muscles to lower your upper body until it is parallel to the floor.
- 2. Keep your core tightly engaged and raise your upper body back up.
Coach's Tips
- 1. Keep your chest up and engage your core to avoid bending your waist.
- 2. If your core strength is insufficient, do not push yourself to continue exercising.
For a full Glute Ham Raise guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Glute Ham Raise exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Leg, Smith Machine Lunge or Glute Ham Raise?
Planfit users log Smith Machine Lunge more often — 4,124 sessions against 179 for Glute Ham Raise. Both train Leg, so pick the one that matches the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
Do Smith Machine Lunge and Glute Ham Raise work the same muscles?
Not quite. Smith Machine Lunge loads quads, hamstrings, and glutes, and Glute Ham Raise loads hamstrings, glutes, and calves.
What equipment do Smith Machine Lunge and Glute Ham Raise need?
Smith Machine Lunge needs a machine, and Glute Ham Raise needs a machine.
Which is easier to start with?
Smith Machine Lunge is the easier place to start. Move to Glute Ham Raise once your form holds up.
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