April 04, 2023 3 min read
The hamstrings are an important group of muscles that are located in the back of the upper leg. They are used for activities like running, jumping, and sports that require quick bursts of speed. Strong hamstrings help with stability and balance and can even reduce the risk of injury. But how do you build up strength in your hamstrings? One way is to perform bodyweight exercises.
Shop The Collection: KettlebellsBodyweight exercises are a great way to increase strength and tone the muscles without the need for additional equipment. You can do them anywhere, anytime, and they can be modified to suit any fitness level. By incorporating bodyweight hamstring exercises into your workout routine, you can build strength and improve your overall performance.
Shop The Gear: MAGMA Cast Iron Kettlebells, from $11.99 CADThere are many different bodyweight hamstring exercises that you can do to strengthen your hamstrings. Here are a few of the most effective:
Shop The Collection: DumbbellsThe glute bridge is a great exercise for strengthening your hamstrings and glutes. To do this exercise, start by lying on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Then, tighten your core and raise your hips off the ground until your body forms a straight line from your shoulders to your knees. Hold this position for a few seconds before slowly lowering your hips back down to the floor.
Shop The Gear: MAGMA Rubber Hex Dumbbells, from $5.99 CADThe single-leg glute bridge is similar to the regular glute bridge, but it adds an extra challenge. To do this exercise, start by lying on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Then, lift one leg off the ground and extend it straight out in front of you. Tighten your core and raise your hips off the ground until your body forms a straight line from your shoulders to your knee. Hold this position for a few seconds before slowly lowering your hips back down to the floor.
Reverse lunges are a great exercise for targeting the hamstrings. To do this exercise, stand with your feet hip-width apart. Step backward with one leg, bending both knees until your rear knee almost touches the floor. Push off your front foot to return to the starting position. Repeat on the other side.
Lying leg curls are great for targeting the hamstrings. To do this exercise, lie face down on a flat bench or other stable surface. Bend your knees and hold onto the sides of the bench. Slowly curl your legs up toward your glutes, keeping your hips on the bench. Pause for a few seconds at the top, then slowly lower your legs back down to the starting position.
Step-ups are a great way to work your hamstrings and improve your overall strength. To do this exercise, stand in front of a step or box. Place one foot on the step and push down through your heel to lift your other leg up onto the step. Step back down with the same leg, then repeat with the other leg.
When doing bodyweight hamstring exercises, it’s important to keep a few things in mind. First, make sure that you keep your core engaged throughout the entire exercise. This will help to stabilize your spine and ensure that you are working the right muscles. Second, focus on form over speed. It’s better to do fewer reps with perfect form than it is to rush through a bunch of reps with poor form.
Finally, it’s important to listen to your body. If an exercise feels too difficult, take a break or modify the exercise. Remember, everyone has different fitness levels and what works for one person may not work for another. Listen to your body and adjust your workout accordingly.
Bodyweight hamstring exercises are an effective and convenient way to build strength in your hamstrings. Incorporating these exercises into your regular workout routine can help you increase your strength, improve your performance, and reduce your risk of injury. With proper form and technique, you can get the most out of these exercises and see results quickly. So give these bodyweight exercises a try and get ready to feel the burn!