Aesthetic and Physiological Importance of the Hamstrings
Here are some of the best strength building exercises for the Hamstrings
Romanian Deadlifts
To perform Romanian Deadlifts (RDLs), start by standing with your feet shoulder-width apart and a barbell or dumbbells in front of your thighs, gripping the weight just outside your legs with either an overhand or mixed grip. Engage your core, keep your chest lifted, and maintain a neutral spine as you slightly bend your knees and push your hips back to lower the weights, feeling a stretch in your hamstrings—typically down to mid-shin. Focus on preserving a straight back throughout the movement, then push through your heels, engaging your glutes and hamstrings to return to the starting position by extending your hips forward. Repetitions, ensuring you prioritize form over weight and remember to breathe correctly—inhale on the way down and exhale on the way up. Aim for 2-4 sets of 5-8 reps. Go for max weight which allows you to maintain proper form.
Seated Hamstring Curls
Seated Hamstring Curls target the hamstrings while you sit upright on a dedicated machine. To perform the exercise, adjust the seat so that your knees align with the machine's pivot point. Sit with your back straight and feet positioned under the leg pad. Curl your legs downwards by bending your knees, bringing your heels towards your glutes. Slowly return to the starting position, fully extending your legs. This exercise isolates the hamstrings, helping to strengthen and define the muscles in the back of the thigh. Aim for 2-4 sets of 5-8 reps. Go for max weight which allows you to maintain proper form.
Nordic Hamstring Curls
Nordic Hamstring Curls are a challenging bodyweight exercise that targets the hamstrings. To perform them, kneel on a padded surface with your feet secured or anchored. Slowly lower your torso forward by extending your knees, keeping your hips fully extended and your body in a straight line from head to knees. Use your hamstrings to control the descent and pull yourself back up to the starting position. This exercise emphasizes eccentric contraction of the hamstrings, promoting strength and resilience in the posterior thigh. Aim for 2-4 sets of 5-8 reps. Go for max weight which allows you to maintain proper form.