Hamstrings

[realdeal]

When i do Stiff legged deadlifts i bend my knees when i get the bar down to my feet then use my hams to bring the weight back up, but i only bring it up just above my knees. I was wondering what the difference between keeping your knees locked or bending them? or is it different for everyone?

 

[Yanks20]

you are not getting a FULL stretch in the hamstrings. also bring the weight all the way back up to waist level to maximize the lift. also try standing on a elevated platform to get even more of a stretch.

 

[Fade]

The straighter your leg the more stretch the hams get. If you lift heavy it's better to keep your knees bent a little.

 

[realdeal]

i do lift semi-heavy on this. Everytime i keep my legs locked i kill my spinal erectors and i can hardly bend over!! then when i bend at the knees there is no pain. And today my hams are feeling sore. so i guess it all depends on the person.

 

[thleckey]

My hamstrings are really tight after I work them out. Would ithelp to drink a lot of water during my work out ? I do stretch after I am done but I get really tight during the day.

 

[Arnold]

When I do stiff legged dead lifts I bend my knees slightly and I don't go all the way down, the stretch is not necessary to hit the hams.

 

[101Tazman]

When I do them I bend the knee slightly and go from the top of the knee to the ankle area. I think if you go all thw way up you bring your lower back in the movement. I try to isolate the ham only.

 

[Skyliner]

I bent my knees too. Not sure the reason but I heard it is safer that way, and I'm more comfortable with it anyway. I normally use lighter weight for SLDL and go as low as possible with a slight arch. During the downward movement (midpoint), I normally stay there for a few seconds to absorb a bigger burn in my Hamstrings. That stretch rules

 

[Scotty the Body]

It also helps to elevate your toes a bit so you won't have to lower the weight so far to get a good stretch.

 

[gopro]

Originally posted by Scotty the Body
It also helps to elevate your toes a bit so you won't have to lower the weight so far to get a good stretch.

Hmmmmm...where'd you get that idea from?????


Did them the other day with 365 lbs for 4 reps. Can't walk today...getting around by sitting on a skateboard and pushing myself with my hands, lol.

 

[Scotty the Body]

Originally posted by gopro


Hmmmmm...where'd you get that idea from?????

From a very wise man!!

 

[gopro]

Originally posted by Scotty the Body


From a very wise man!!

You are a wise man yourself for listening to this other wise man say Confucious...

 

[CJMAJOR]

Do you guys always use a barbell or do you use dumbells? Also do you always have to go heavy to really work the hammy's? Because the first day I done them I was really sore but havnt been sore again. Why?

 

[gopro]

Originally posted by CJMAJOR
Do you guys always use a barbell or do you use dumbells? Also do you always have to go heavy to really work the hammy's? Because the first day I done them I was really sore but havnt been sore again. Why?

I always use a barbell because I use 300 lbs plus for this exercise.

Generally, hams should be worked heavy...6-10 reps...because the hams are primarily made up of fast twitch fibers. These are best stimulated with lower reps and more weight. On occasion, however, there is no reason why you can't go lighter to change things up.

 

[realdeal]

I feel like im doing the same exercises for my hammy's. I do Lying leg curls, stiff legged deadlifts with Bar or Dumbbell, seated hamstring curl.

I was thinking of adding lunges? what else can i do? i work out by myself.

 

[Tank316]

Originally posted by gopro


Hmmmmm...where'd you get that idea from?????


Did them the other day with 365 lbs for 4 reps. Can't walk today...getting around by sitting on a skateboard and pushing myself with my hands, lol.

and you have to use the hadicap toilet because of the handrails...

 

[gopro]

Originally posted by Tank316
and you have to use the hadicap toilet because of the handrails...

Hehehe...true!

 

[gopro]

Originally posted by realdeal
I feel like im doing the same exercises for my hammy's. I do Lying leg curls, stiff legged deadlifts with Bar or Dumbbell, seated hamstring curl.

I was thinking of adding lunges? what else can i do? i work out by myself.

Do you have a single leg curl machine? If not, try doing one leg at a time on the lying or seated machine. It will give you a different feel.

You can also do leg presses with your feet very high on the platform...heels on but toes off. Push through the heels. This is a favorite of Skip LaCour.

 

[realdeal]

I will be switching to a different gym in a week and they do have a single leg curl machine, and i think that machine is great for cutting the hammys