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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.

Jumping Jacks

Jumping Jacks

Jumping jacks are a dynamic, full-body exercise that raises your heart rate and activates your muscles. This exercise, which offers both cardiovascular and muscle-strengthening benefits, is an excellent addition to any workout routine. Execution Begin in a standing position with your feet togeth

Quads Strength Training
Jumping Lunges

Jumping Lunges

Jumping lunges are a dynamic variation of traditional lunges. They combine strength training with a cardio element, allowing you not only to strengthen your muscles but also to improve your endurance. This exercise is ideal for anyone looking to take their workout to the next level. Execution Be

Quads Strength Training
Jumping Split Lunges

Jumping Split Lunges

Jumping split lunges are a dynamic and powerful exercise that improves both your strength and endurance. This exercise combines the traditional lunge with a jumping element, resulting in higher intensity and increased calorie burn. Execution Begin in a standing position with your feet hip-widt

Quads Strength Training
Kettlebell Bulgarian Split Squat

Kettlebell Bulgarian Split Squat

The Kettlebell Bulgarian Split Squat is a dynamic exercise that focuses on strengthening your lower body, with particular emphasis on the glutes, quadriceps, and hamstrings. This exercise offers a unique combination of balance, strength, and flexibility, making it an excellent addition to your fitne

Quads Strength Training
Kettlebell Bulgarian Split Squat Right

Kettlebell Bulgarian Split Squat Right

The Kettlebell Bulgarian Split Squat is a dynamic exercise focused on strengthening and toning your lower body, with special emphasis on the right side. This exercise combines balance, strength, and flexibility, making it an excellent addition to your fitness routine. Execution Find an elevated

Quads Strength Training
Kettlebell Bulgarian Split Squat Right Side View

Kettlebell Bulgarian Split Squat Right Side View

The Kettlebell Bulgarian Split Squat is a dynamic exercise focused on strengthening your lower body, with an emphasis on the legs and glutes. This variation provides a unique challenge by adding a kettlebell, which creates extra resistance and requires you to maintain your balance. Execution Fin

Quads Strength Training
Kettlebell Deadlift

Kettlebell Deadlift

The Kettlebell Deadlift is a powerful exercise that focuses on strengthening your lower body and improving your posture. This exercise offers a unique combination of flexibility, strength, and stability, making it an excellent choice for both beginners and advanced exercisers. Execution Begin by

Hamstrings Strength Training
Kettlebell Deadlift to Upright Row

Kettlebell Deadlift to Upright Row

The Kettlebell Deadlift + Upright Row is a powerful compound exercise that challenges not only your lower body but also engages your shoulders and upper back. This exercise offers a unique blend of strength training and functional movement, allowing you to train multiple muscle groups in one fluid m

Quads Strength Training
Kettlebell Goblet Squat

Kettlebell Goblet Squat

The Kettlebell Goblet Squat is an effective exercise for strengthening your lower body and improving core stability. Holding the kettlebell close to your chest increases the load on your core and improves your posture during the squat. Execution Pick up a kettlebell and hold it with both hands

Quads Strength Training
Kettlebell Half Lunges

Kettlebell Half Lunges

Kettlebell Half Lunges are a dynamic exercise that combines strength, balance, and flexibility. This exercise offers a unique way to train your lower body while also engaging your core and stabilizer muscles. Execution Begin with your feet hip-width apart and hold a kettlebell in your right hand

Quads Strength Training
Kettlebell Half-Kneeling Shoulder Press

Kettlebell Half-Kneeling Shoulder Press

The Kettlebell Half-Kneeling Shoulder Press is a dynamic exercise that combines strength and stability. This exercise targets not only your shoulders but also improves your core stability and balance. What makes this exercise unique is the half-kneeling position, which provides an additional challen

Shoulders Strength Training
Kettlebell Hip Bridge

Kettlebell Hip Bridge

The Kettlebell Hip Bridge is a powerful exercise that targets strengthening your glutes, hamstrings, and core. This exercise offers a unique combination of strength training and stabilization, making it an excellent choice for anyone who wants to strengthen their lower body and core. Execution L

Glutes Strength Training
Kettlebell Lunge

Kettlebell Lunge

The Kettlebell Lunge is a dynamic exercise that combines strength and balance, using a kettlebell to increase the intensity. This exercise helps build muscle strength in the legs while also improving your stability and coordination. Execution Grasp a kettlebell with one hand and hold it at you

Quads Strength Training
Kettlebell Single-Arm Overhead Lunge

Kettlebell Single-Arm Overhead Lunge

The Kettlebell Single-Arm Overhead Lunge is a dynamic exercise that combines strength, balance, and coordination. By balancing the kettlebell overhead, you engage not only your lower body but also your core and shoulders intensely. Execution Begin standing with your feet hip-width apart, holding

Quads Strength Training
Kettlebell Single-Leg Romanian Deadlift

Kettlebell Single-Leg Romanian Deadlift

The Kettlebell Single-Leg Romanian Deadlift is an effective exercise that focuses on improving your balance, strength, and stability. Performing this exercise on one leg challenges not only your muscles but also your coordination and focus. Execution Begin by holding a kettlebell in your right h

Hamstrings Strength Training
Kettlebell Split Squat

Kettlebell Split Squat

The Kettlebell Split Squat is a dynamic exercise that focuses on strengthening your lower body, with particular emphasis on the quadriceps, hamstrings, and glutes. This exercise provides not only strength training but also improves balance and coordination through its unilateral nature. Execution

Quads Strength Training
Kettlebell Squat

Kettlebell Squat

The Kettlebell Squat combines the strength of squats with the dynamic aspect of working with a kettlebell. This exercise is perfect for building lower-body strength while also improving core stability and balance. Execution Start with your feet shoulder-width apart while holding the kettlebell w

Quads Strength Training
Kettlebell Squat

Kettlebell Squat

The Kettlebell Squat is a dynamic exercise that combines strength, flexibility, and balance. Adding the kettlebell not only trains your lower body but also improves the stability of your core and shoulders. Execution Start with your feet shoulder-width apart and hold the kettlebell with both han

Quads Strength Training
Kettlebell Squats

Kettlebell Squats

If you're looking for an effective way to train your lower body, kettlebell squats are an excellent choice. This exercise combines the traditional squat with the additional weight of a kettlebell, helping you not only strengthen your muscles but also improve your balance and coordination. Execution

Quads Strength Training
Kettlebell Step-Up (Version 2)

Kettlebell Step-Up (Version 2)

The Kettlebell Step-Up is a dynamic exercise that combines strength, balance, and coordination. By using a kettlebell and an elevated surface, such as a bench or step, you strengthen not only your legs but also your core and upper body. This exercise offers a unique mix of strength training and card

Quads Strength Training
Kettlebell Suitcase Deadlift

Kettlebell Suitcase Deadlift

The Kettlebell Suitcase Deadlift is a powerful exercise that focuses on strengthening your lower body and core while also improving your grip strength. This exercise simulates lifting a heavy suitcase, making it a practical movement for everyday activities. Execution Place a kettlebell on the ou

Glutes Strength Training
Kettlebell Sumo Deadlift

Kettlebell Sumo Deadlift

The Kettlebell Sumo Deadlift is a powerful exercise that targets a wide range of muscle groups, with a particular focus on the lower-body muscles. This variation of the traditional deadlift has the unique advantage of activating the inner thighs (adductors) more due to the wider foot stance. Execut

Glutes Strength Training
Kettlebell Sumo Deadlift With High Pull

Kettlebell Sumo Deadlift With High Pull

The Kettlebell Sumo Deadlift with High Pull is a dynamic exercise that combines strength, flexibility, and coordination. This exercise offers a unique mix of strength training and cardio, allowing you to train multiple muscle groups and raise your heart rate in one movement. Execution Begin with

Quads Strength Training
Kettlebell Sumo Squat

Kettlebell Sumo Squat

If you're looking for an effective way to train your lower body, the Kettlebell Sumo Squat is an excellent choice. This exercise combines the benefits of the traditional squat with the added resistance of a kettlebell, giving your legs, glutes, and core an intense workout. Execution Begin with y

Quads Strength Training