2 Hamstring Exercises To Add To Your Workout
The hamstrings are what’s known as “biarticular”, which simply means that they cross over two joints rather than just one.
This means that they can produce torque at each joint.
So, the hamstrings are responsible for both hip extension and knee flexion.
Incorporating both of these movements will grow your hamstrings, while squats and leg press will not.
The reason for this is that as the hamstrings lengthen at the hip during the leg press, they’ll shorten at the knee as you squat down.
The result is a net zero in tension.
Understanding this, we can incorporate exercises that better target the hamstrings for optimal growth.
In the video below, I’ll share my two favorite moves that will help strengthen hamstring muscles:
- The Nordic curl at the lat pulldown station
- Banded RDLs
Nordic curls are the number one exercise for hamstring growth, and you can do them just about anywhere.
If you do not want to do Nordic curls, substitute for any other type of leg curl.
RDLs or Romanian deadlifts are perfect for targeting hamstrings in the hip hinge movement.
Adding the band increases resistance and tension, while also giving you a great cue to bring your hips back as you descend and to push your hips forward as you come up from the mid-rep point.
You can also push against the band in the standing position.
What do you think? Will you give these two moves a try?
What would you like to see next?
Thanks for reading, watching, and sharing!