Explore hamstring exercises with barbells, dumbbells, cables, machines and bodyweight. Find technique guidance and practical training variations.
Hamstring exercises target the muscles along the back of the thighs. This category includes hip-hinge movements, leg curls and bodyweight variations using equipment such as barbells, dumbbells, cables and machines.
The hamstrings assist with hip extension and knee flexion. Exercises such as Romanian deadlifts, seated leg curls and glute-ham raises train these functions in different ways. Select a variation that matches your experience and equipment, since range of motion, resistance and setup vary between exercises.
For hip-hinge exercises, keep your spine controlled and send your hips back before standing tall. During leg curls, keep the pad aligned with the lower leg and move smoothly rather than swinging. Use a load you can control, and stop if you feel sharp or unusual pain.
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The dumbbell single-leg split squat (also called a Bulgarian split squat) can be compared to lunges. The difference is that you do not step forward or back. You complete a full set with one leg forward first, then repeat it with the other leg. This can make proper execution easier. You only need to
The Dumbbell Single-Leg Split Squat is a powerful exercise that focuses on improving your balance, strength, and stability. By training one leg at a time, you work not only on your muscle strength but also on correcting muscular imbalances between your legs. Execution Find an elevation, such as
The Dumbbell Single-Leg Squat is a powerful exercise that focuses on improving your balance, coordination, and lower-body strength. Performing this exercise on one leg challenges you to build greater stability and strength, offering unique benefits compared with traditional squats. Instructions:
The Dumbbell Single-Leg Squat with Support, also known as the supported pistol squat, is a challenging exercise that combines balance, strength, and flexibility. This variation allows you to practice the pistol squat technique with extra stability, making it an excellent choice for both beginners an
The Dumbbell Single-Leg Step-Up is an effective exercise that targets strengthening and toning your lower body, with a special focus on your legs and glutes. This exercise offers the unique benefit of improving your balance and coordination while also helping build muscle strength in a controlled an
The single-leg dumbbell deadlift trains the hamstrings, glutes and balance through a controlled hip hinge.
The dumbbell leg split squat can be compared to lunges. The difference is that you do not step forward or back. You first complete an entire set with one leg forward and then repeat it with the other leg. This can make proper execution easier. After all, you only need to concentrate on pushing yours
The Dumbbell Split Squat is a powerful exercise targeting the lower body, with a particular focus on the quadriceps, hamstrings, and glutes. This exercise offers the unique benefit of improving your balance and stability while also helping to build muscle mass and strength in your legs. Execution
Introduction: The Dumbbell Split Squat is a powerful exercise that focuses on strengthening your lower body, with particular emphasis on the legs and glutes. This exercise offers the unique benefit of improving your balance and stability by working in a split stance. Execution: Begin with a dumbbel
Dumbbell sprawls are a dynamic exercise that combines cardio with strength training. This exercise is unique because it not only raises your heart rate but also trains multiple muscle groups simultaneously, allowing you to get a full workout in a short amount of time. Instructions Begin with a d
The squat is one of the best-known exercises for the legs. It is a compound, or multi-joint, exercise; an exercise that involves multiple joints and muscle groups. This is also evident from the long list of muscles involved, as mentioned above. There can be many differences in how the squat is perfo
The Dumbbell Squat is a versatile strength exercise that focuses on strengthening your lower body. Using dumbbells adds extra resistance, which leads to increased muscle growth and strength development. This exercise also offers the flexibility to be adapted to your fitness level. Execution Begi
Dumbbell squats are a fantastic way to train your lower body, with the added benefit of improving your core and stability. This exercise is perfect for anyone who wants to increase their strength, endurance, and muscle mass without using heavy machines. Execution Begin by standing with your feet
Introduction: The Dumbbell Staggered-Stance RDL (Romanian Deadlift) is an effective exercise for strengthening your lower back, hamstrings, and glutes. This variation of the traditional RDL places greater emphasis on balance and stability, resulting in a more intensive workout for the core muscles.
Calf raises target the two main muscles in the calves: the gastrocnemius and the deeper soleus. In this variation, you perform the exercise on an elevated surface and use dumbbells for resistance. Compared with the single-leg version, this variation shifts the emphasis from maximum strength effort t
If you are looking for an effective way to strengthen your calf muscles, the Dumbbell Standing Calf Raise is an excellent choice. This exercise is unique because it allows you to train each calf muscle individually, which can lead to more symmetrical muscle development and improved balance. Executi
The Dumbbell Static Lunge is a powerful exercise that targets the lower body, with a particular focus on the legs and glutes. This exercise offers the unique benefit of improving your balance, coordination, and stability while also building muscle and endurance. Execution Begin by standing uprig
The Dumbbell Step-Up is a versatile exercise that promotes strength and stability in your lower body while also engaging your core. The unique benefit of this exercise is that it improves balance, coordination, and unilateral strength, which helps correct muscle imbalances. Execution Begin by ho
The Dumbbell Step-Up onto Bench is an effective exercise that targets strengthening your lower body and improving your balance. Using dumbbells increases the intensity, leading to better results. Execution Find a stable bench or elevated surface and choose a pair of dumbbells appropriate for you
Introduction: Dumbbell Step-Ups are an effective exercise for strengthening your legs and glutes. Using dumbbells increases the intensity while also improving your balance and coordination. Execution: Begin by choosing a pair of dumbbells that you can lift comfortably. Place a bench or step in fron
The Dumbbell Stiff-Leg Deadlift is an effective strength exercise that targets the lower back, hamstrings, and glutes. This exercise offers a unique combination of flexibility, strength, and stability, making it an excellent choice for both beginners and advanced athletes. Execution Begin by pla
The deadlift is also known as the king of all exercises. Looking at the list of muscles involved above, you can infer why. The calf muscles bring the lower legs, which extend forward, back into alignment above the ankles when you stand up and also provide stability throughout the entire movement. T
The Dumbbell Straight-Leg Deadlift is an effective strength exercise that targets your lower back, hamstrings, and glutes. This exercise is unique because it helps improve your posture and increase your core stability. Execution Begin standing with your feet hip-width apart, holding a dumbbell i
The Dumbbell Straight-Leg Deadlift is an effective exercise that targets your lower back, hamstrings, and glutes. This exercise offers a unique combination of strength training and core stabilization, making it an excellent addition to your fitness routine. Execution Begin by standing with your