The hamstring curl strengthens the back of the thigh and works the muscles opposite to those strengthened in the quadriceps extension. Doing both of these exercises will help keep the thigh muscles balanced.
Step 1
Start on all fours with your knees bent directly under your hip bones, weight supported on elbows. Keep elbows shoulder-width apart and forearms flat on the floor, hands crossed. Hold your abdominals in and keep your hips tucked up toward the ceiling to prevent arching your back. Straighten left leg and lift up to hip height, toes pointed toward floor.
Step 2Bend the knee and concentrate on the contraction in the hamstring. Straighten left leg through the knee joint with a slow, controlled motion. Repeat for 8 times. Repeat with right leg. Progress to 3 sets of 8 with each leg.
For more great exercises to improve your strength and fitness, check these out:
ABOUT THE AUTHORLisa Faremouth
is a fitness specialist who is a certified exercise instructor and
member of the American Council on Exercise and the Aerobic Fitness
Associates of America. She was awarded a silver medal in the Reebok
National Aerobic 1989 Championships for the Midwest region and has
served as director of exercise programs for a large health club in
Chicago. Through her company, Fitfully Yours, she provides education,
consultation, training, and workshops to fitness centers, corporations,
and individuals worldwide.
This information is solely for informational purposes. IT IS NOT INTENDED TO PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. Neither the Editors of Consumer Guide (R), Publications International, Ltd., the author nor publisher take responsibility for any possible consequences from any treatment, procedure, exercise, dietary modification, action or application of medication which results from reading or following the information contained in this information. The publication of this information does not constitute the practice of medicine, and this information does not replace the advice of your physician or other health care provider. Before undertaking any course of treatment, the reader must seek the advice of their physician or other health care provider.