Best Hamstring Exercises for Mass: Reddit's Top Picks
Building strong and massive hamstrings is a goal for many fitness enthusiasts. Reddit, being a treasure trove of fitness knowledge, provides a platform for sharing experiences and recommendations. Here's a compilation of the best hamstring exercises that Redditors swear by:
1. Romanian Deadlifts (RDLs)
Why they're great: RDLs are a staple hamstring exercise that works the entire posterior chain, from your glutes to your hamstrings. They emphasize hamstring and glute activation while promoting hip hinge mechanics.
Reddit's Take: "RDLs are the king of hamstring development. They hit every part of the muscle and feel amazing." - u/FitnessGuru
Form Tips: Maintain a flat back, engage your core, and focus on driving your hips back as you lower the weight.
2. Barbell Good Mornings
Why they're great: Barbell good mornings are a compound exercise that targets the hamstrings, glutes, and lower back. They help build strength and muscle mass while improving hip mobility.
Reddit's Take: "Good mornings are brutal, but the results are worth it. They really challenge your hamstrings and give you that tight, defined look." - u/IronWill
Form Tips: Keep your back straight, engage your core, and focus on driving your hips backward as you lower the weight.
3. Leg Curls
Why they're great: Leg curls are an isolation exercise that targets the hamstrings directly. They're perfect for adding volume and isolating the hamstring muscles for maximum growth.
Reddit's Take: "Leg curls are a must-have for hamstring development. They allow you to really feel the burn in your hamstrings and pump up the muscle." - u/MuscleMax
Form Tips: Focus on controlled movements and squeeze at the top of the rep for optimal muscle activation.
4. Glute-Ham Raises (GHRs)
Why they're great: GHRs are a challenging exercise that targets the hamstrings, glutes, and lower back. They're a great way to build strength and improve hamstring flexibility.
Reddit's Take: "GHRs are a true test of hamstring strength and build insane muscle. They're a must-try if you want to take your hamstring development to the next level." - u/StrengthAddict
Form Tips: Start with a lighter weight and focus on maintaining a straight body position as you raise yourself up.
5. Hamstring Walking Lunges
Why they're great: Hamstring walking lunges are a functional exercise that works the hamstrings, glutes, and quads. They challenge balance and coordination while building muscle and strength.
Reddit's Take: "Lunges are great for building functional strength and hitting the hamstrings from multiple angles. They're also a great exercise to add variety to your routine." - u/FitFam
Form Tips: Keep your torso upright, engage your core, and focus on pushing through your heel as you drive yourself up.
6. Single-Leg Deadlifts
Why they're great: Single-leg deadlifts are a unilateral exercise that works the hamstrings, glutes, and core. They challenge balance and coordination while promoting hamstring growth.
Reddit's Take: "Single-leg deadlifts are awesome for hamstring development and balance. They hit the muscle from a different angle and challenge your stability." - u/BalanceGuru
Form Tips: Maintain a straight back, engage your core, and focus on driving your hips backward as you lower the weight.
7. Hyperextensions
Why they're great: Hyperextensions are a great isolation exercise that targets the hamstrings and lower back. They're perfect for building strength and muscle mass while improving spinal extension.
Reddit's Take: "Hyperextensions are a great way to strengthen your lower back and hamstrings. They're also a good exercise to do after your main hamstring workout." - u/BackStrong
Form Tips: Keep your core engaged and focus on extending your body through the hips as you raise your torso.
Remember to listen to your body, choose the exercises that best suit your goals, and focus on proper form for optimal results.
