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Hamstring Exercises: Training and Technique

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.

About hamstring exercises

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.

Technique and training guidance

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.

Glute Bridge Bodyweight

Glute Bridge Bodyweight

The rear decline bridge / glute bridge is intended to extend the back and align the upper body with the lower body. The erector spinae in the back, glutes, and hamstrings are involved. This exercise therefore also fits into a glute workout. The glutes work hardest in this exercise. A good exercise f

Glutes Strength Training
Glute Bridge on Stability Ball

Glute Bridge on Stability Ball

Practise the glute bridge with your heels on a stability ball, using your glutes and hamstrings to raise your hips while keeping the ball steady.

Glutes Strength Training
Glute Ham Raise Machine

Glute Ham Raise Machine

Introduction: The Glute Ham Raise Machine is an effective fitness machine designed to strengthen the hamstrings, glutes, and lower back. This exercise offers a unique combination of strength and stability that is essential for various sports and daily activities. Execution: Follow these steps to pe

Hamstrings Strength Training
Glute Kick Band

Glute Kick Band

If you're looking for an effective way to strengthen your glutes, the Glute Kick Band exercise is for you. This exercise is unique because it specifically trains the gluteus maximus, medius, and minimus using a resistance band, providing an extra challenge and effectiveness. Execution Begin by f

Glutes CrossFit
Glute Kickback

Glute Kickback

The so-called Bird Dog aims to align the thigh with the upper body. This is a function of the gluteal muscles, hamstrings, and erector spinae. This is somewhat comparable to a stiff legged deadlift. Here, only the leg is aligned with the upper body instead of the other way around. In this exercise,

Glutes Strength Training
Glute Kickbacks

Glute Kickbacks

Introduction: Glute kickbacks are an effective exercise for strengthening and shaping your glutes. This exercise also helps improve your balance and coordination. Execution: Start on your hands and knees on a mat. Make sure your knees are under your hips and your hands are under your shoulders. Eng

Glutes Strength Training
Glutes

Glutes

If you are looking for an effective way to strengthen your glutes, the Glutes exercise is for you. This exercise not only focuses on firming your glutes, but also improves your posture and supports the health of your lower back. Execution Begin in a standing position with your feet shoulder-widt

Glutes Stretching
Goblet Kettlebell Squat

Goblet Kettlebell Squat

The Goblet Kettlebell Squat is a fantastic exercise that focuses on strengthening your lower body while also improving your core stability and balance. Because the kettlebell is held close to your chest, you are encouraged to keep your back straight and squat deeper, leading to a more effective work

Quads Strength Training
Goblet Squat

Goblet Squat

The squat is one of the best-known exercises for the legs. It is a compound 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 performed, such as wit

Quads Strength Training
Goblet Squat

Goblet Squat

The Goblet Squat is a fantastic exercise that improves lower-body strength and flexibility. Holding a weight in front of your chest, such as a kettlebell or dumbbell, increases the intensity of the traditional squat and places additional emphasis on core stability. Execution Start with your feet

Quads Strength Training
Goblet Squat with Heels Elevated

Goblet Squat with Heels Elevated

Introduction: The goblet squat with heels elevated is a variation of the traditional goblet squat that focuses on deeper quadriceps activation and improved posture during the squat. Elevating your heels allows you to squat deeper while keeping your torso more upright, making the exercise more effect

Quads Strength Training
Golf Squat

Golf Squat

The squat is one of the best-known exercises for the legs. It is a compound exercise; an exercise that involves multiple joints and muscle groups. This is evident from the long list of muscles involved, as mentioned above. The golf squat is a variation of the squat that requires greater engagement o

Quads Strength Training
Hack Squat

Hack Squat

The Hack Squat is a powerful exercise that targets the development of the lower-body muscles. It is an excellent way to strengthen the quadriceps, hamstrings, and glutes while minimizing stress on the lower back. Execution Adjust the machine to your height and stand with your back against the

Quads Strength Training
Hack Squat Machine

Hack Squat Machine

The Hack Squat Machine is a fantastic way to train your lower body, focusing on the quadriceps, hamstrings, and glutes. This exercise offers a unique combination of safety and effectiveness through the machine's support, allowing you to fully concentrate on the movement and reducing the risk of inju

Quads Strength Training
Half Burpees

Half Burpees

The Half Burpee is a dynamic exercise that helps improve your fitness and train multiple muscle groups simultaneously. It is a less intense variation of the full burpee, but still offers excellent benefits for your speed, strength, and endurance. Execution Start in a standing position with your

Full-body training Cardio
Half Squats

Half Squats

Half squats are a fantastic exercise for anyone who wants to strengthen their lower body without having to reach the full depth of a traditional squat. This variation places less stress on your knees and back, making it an excellent choice for beginners or people with injuries. Execution Start w

Quads Strength Training
Hamstring Curl Stability Ball

Hamstring Curl Stability Ball

Introduction: The stability ball hamstring curl is an effective exercise for strengthening your hamstrings and glutes. This exercise also improves your balance and stability through the use of the unstable ball. Execution: 1. Lie on your back with your feet on a stability ball and your arms beside

Hamstrings Strength Training
Hamstring Lying Curl Up Stretch

Hamstring Lying Curl Up Stretch

The Hamstring Lying Curl Up Stretch is an effective exercise that focuses on strengthening and stretching your hamstrings. This exercise offers a unique combination of flexibility and strength training, which is essential for a balanced fitness regimen. Execution Lie on your back on a comfortabl

Hamstrings Stretching
Hamstring Stretch

Hamstring Stretch

The Hamstring Stretch is an essential exercise for improving flexibility and reducing tension in your hamstrings. This stretch may help prevent injuries and improve your overall performance in both daily activities and sports. Execution Begin by standing upright with your feet hip-width apart.

Hamstrings Stretching
Hamstrings

Hamstrings

The hamstrings are crucial muscles at the back of your thighs, essential for powerful leg movements. Training these muscles may help improve your athletic performance and reduce the risk of injuries. This exercise specifically targets strengthening and toning the hamstrings. Execution Begin by p

Hamstrings Stretching
High Knee Run

High Knee Run

The High Knee Run is a dynamic cardio exercise that raises your heart rate and improves your coordination. It is a fantastic way to activate your lower body and strengthen your core muscles while working on your fitness. Execution: Start standing with your feet hip-width apart. Begin jogging i

Quads Cardio
High Knees Chop

High Knees Chop

The High Knees Chop is a dynamic exercise that combines cardio and strength, raising your heart rate while simultaneously strengthening your core and lower body. This exercise is unique because it combines the benefits of high knees with the powerful chopping movement, resulting in a full-body worko

Full-body training Strength Training
High-Bar Squat

High-Bar Squat

Introduction: The High-Bar Squat is a powerful exercise that targets the lower half of your body. This squat variation places the bar higher on your shoulders, promoting a more upright posture and allowing for a deeper squat. This primarily strengthens your quadriceps and core. Execution: Begin by

Quads Strength Training
High-Intensity Training

High-Intensity Training

High-Intensity Training (HIT) is a training method involving short, very intense exercises followed by short rest periods. This method is ideal for quickly burning fat and improving your fitness. Execution: Begin with a 5–10-minute warm-up to warm up your muscles. Choose an exercise such as sp

Full-body training Cardio