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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.

Bodyweight Lunge Rotation Left and Right

Bodyweight Lunge Rotation Left and Right

The Bodyweight Lunge Rotation Left and Right exercise is a dynamic movement that challenges not only your lower body but also tests your core and balance. The rotational movement activates your muscles in a unique way, leading to improved flexibility and strength. Execution Begin in a standing p

Quads Strength Training
Bodyweight Lying Leg Curl

Bodyweight Lying Leg Curl

The Bodyweight Lying Leg Curl is an effective exercise that helps strengthen the hamstrings without weights or machines. This exercise uses your own body weight, making it an accessible option for home or the gym. Execution Lie face down on a smooth surface, with your hands under your chin or al

Hamstrings Strength Training
Bodyweight Pulse Forward Lunge

Bodyweight Pulse Forward Lunge

The Bodyweight Pulse Forward Lunge is a dynamic exercise that targets strengthening and toning your lower body while also improving your balance and coordination. This variation of the traditional lunge adds a pulsing movement at the bottom position, increasing the intensity and challenge. Executio

Quads Strength Training
Bodyweight Pulse Squat

Bodyweight Pulse Squat

The Bodyweight Pulse Squat is a dynamic variation of the traditional squat that focuses on strengthening your lower body, with additional emphasis on the quadriceps and glutes. By adding small pulsing movements at the bottom of the squat, you increase the time under tension for your muscles, which l

Quads Strength Training
Bodyweight Rear Lunge

Bodyweight Rear Lunge

The Bodyweight Rear Lunge is an effective exercise that focuses on strengthening and toning your lower body, with particular emphasis on your glutes, hamstrings, and quadriceps. This exercise requires no equipment and can be performed almost anywhere, making it an excellent choice for both beginners

Quads Strength Training
Bodyweight Squat

Bodyweight Squat

The Bodyweight Squat is a powerful exercise that you can do to strengthen your lower body without needing weights. This exercise is ideal for building muscle strength, improving your balance, and increasing your overall flexibility. Execution: Stand upright with your feet shoulder-width apart.

Quads Strength Training
Bodyweight Squat Hold

Bodyweight Squat Hold

The Bodyweight Squat Hold is a powerful exercise that targets strengthening your lower body and improving your endurance. This exercise requires no equipment and can be performed anywhere, making it an excellent choice for both beginners and advanced athletes. Execution Begin with your feet shou

Quads Strength Training
Bodyweight Squat to Front Leg Lift

Bodyweight Squat to Front Leg Lift

The Bodyweight Squat to Front Leg Lift is a dynamic exercise that helps build strength and stability in your lower body. This exercise combines the traditional squat with an additional challenge to your balance and coordination by adding a front leg lift. Execution Begin standing with your feet

Quads Strength Training
Bodyweight Squat to Side Leg Lift

Bodyweight Squat to Side Leg Lift

The Bodyweight Squat to Side Leg Lift is a dynamic exercise that improves the strength and flexibility of your lower body. This exercise combines a traditional squat with a side leg lift, making it an excellent choice for strengthening your legs and glutes while also working on your balance and coor

Quads Strength Training
Bodyweight Squat to Side to Front Leg

Bodyweight Squat to Side to Front Leg

The Bodyweight Squat to Side to Front Leg is a dynamic exercise that helps develop strength and flexibility in your lower body. This exercise combines the traditional squat with a lateral and forward leg movement, making it an excellent choice for improving your balance and coordination. Execution

Quads Strength Training
Bodyweight Squats

Bodyweight Squats

Bodyweight squats are a fantastic exercise for building strength and endurance in your lower body. They require no equipment and can be performed almost anywhere, making them an accessible option for anyone looking to improve their fitness. Execution Begin with your feet shoulder-width apart, to

Quads Strength Training
Bodyweight Standing Back Stretch

Bodyweight Standing Back Stretch

The Bodyweight Standing Back Stretch is a simple yet effective exercise for stretching the muscles in your back and shoulders. This exercise helps improve your posture and can reduce tension in your upper back. Execution Stand upright with your feet shoulder-width apart. Place your hands on yo

Back Stretching
Bodyweight Sumo Squat

Bodyweight Sumo Squat

The bodyweight sumo squat is an effective exercise that targets the lower-body muscles, with a unique emphasis on your inner thighs and glutes. This variation of the traditional squat not only helps you build strength but also improves your posture and flexibility. Execution Begin with your feet

Quads Strength Training
Bodyweight Sumo Squat

Bodyweight Sumo Squat

Introduction: The Bodyweight Sumo Squat is an effective strength exercise that targets the lower-body muscles. This variation of the traditional squat uses a wider stance, providing a more intense workout for the inner thighs and glutes. Execution: Begin with your feet wider than shoulder-width apa

Quads Strength Training
Bodyweight Wall Squat

Bodyweight Wall Squat

The Bodyweight Wall Squat is an effective exercise that helps strengthen your lower body without requiring weights. A unique benefit of this exercise is that it helps you maintain good posture and technique while focusing on the quadriceps, hamstrings, and glutes. Execution Find a flat wall and

Quads Strength Training
Bound Angel Leg Bounce - Woman Example

Bound Angel Leg Bounce - Woman Example

The Bound Angel Leg Bounce is a unique exercise that focuses on flexibility and muscle control, especially in the lower body and core muscles. This exercise is ideal for women who want to tone their hips, thighs, and abdominal muscles while also working on their balance and coordination. Execution

Glutes Stretching
Box Jumps

Box Jumps

Introduction: Box jumps are an explosive exercise in which you jump from a standing position onto an elevated platform. This exercise improves your jumping power, coordination, and burns many calories. Execution: Place a sturdy box or platform in front of you. Choose the height based on your own

Quads Cardio
Box Jumps

Box Jumps

Box jumps are a dynamic and explosive exercise that helps improve your jumping power, speed, and coordination. This exercise offers a unique combination of cardiovascular and strength training, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking to improve their overall fitness level. Execution Beg

Quads Strength Training
Bridge - Cross-Body Mountain Climber

Bridge - Cross-Body Mountain Climber

The Bridge - Cross-Body Mountain Climber is a dynamic exercise that combines strength and cardio. This exercise focuses on improving your core stability while also challenging your endurance and coordination. Execution Begin in a plank position with your hands directly under your shoulders and y

Abs Strength Training
Bridge Pose (Setu Bandhasana)

Bridge Pose (Setu Bandhasana)

Bridge Pose, or Setu Bandhasana, is a versatile yoga exercise that promotes both strength and flexibility. This pose is unique because it gently strengthens the back, abdominal muscles, and hips while simultaneously improving flexibility in the spine. Execution Lie on your back with your knees b

Abs Strength Training
Bridge With Alternating Leg Raise

Bridge With Alternating Leg Raise

The Bridge with Alternating Leg Raise is a dynamic exercise that not only improves core stability but also increases the strength and flexibility of your glutes and hamstrings. This exercise combines the benefits of the traditional bridge with those of leg raises, making it an excellent choice for a

Glutes Strength Training
Brisk Walking

Brisk Walking

Brisk walking is a simple yet effective cardiovascular exercise that you can perform anywhere. It requires no special equipment and can be a great way to raise your heart rate, improve your mood, and promote your overall health. Execution Begin in a comfortable, upright posture with your feet hip-w

Quads Cardio
Brisk Walking (360 Degrees)

Brisk Walking (360 Degrees)

Brisk Walking (360 Degrees) is a dynamic walking exercise that not only stimulates your cardiovascular system but also improves your coordination and spatial awareness. By moving in all directions, you challenge your body in ways that traditional walking or running do not. Execution Begin by sta

Quads Cardio
Bulgarian Barbell Split Squat

Bulgarian Barbell Split Squat

The barbell single-leg split squat (also called the 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

Quads Strength Training