7 Best Banded Hamstring Exercises for Building Leg Strength

7 Best Banded Hamstring Exercises for Building Leg Strength

By Dr. Marcus Chen, Ph.D.

November 22, 2024 at 05:36 PM

Resistance bands provide an effective, affordable way to strengthen your hamstrings at home. These exercises target the three main hamstring muscles: biceps femoris, semitendinosus, and semimembranosus, which are crucial for hip extension, knee flexion, and injury prevention.

Banded hamstring stretch with resistance band

Banded hamstring stretch with resistance band

Benefits of Banded Hamstring Training:

  • Continuous variable tension for better muscle activation
  • Promotes muscle growth and strength gains
  • Versatile exercise options
  • Convenient for home or travel workouts

7 Best Banded Hamstring Exercises:

  1. Lying Hamstring Curl
  • Lie face down
  • Attach band to ankle
  • Curl heel toward buttocks
  • Control the return movement
  1. Romanian Deadlift
  • Stand on band's center
  • Hinge at hips
  • Keep back straight
  • Lower until hands pass knees
  • Drive hips forward to return
  1. Nordic Hamstring Curl
  • Anchor band at height
  • Kneel with secured ankles
  • Lower torso to 45 degrees
  • Pull back to start position
  1. Seated Hamstring Curl
  • Sit facing anchor point
  • Band around feet
  • Curl legs back
  • Control the return
  1. Donkey Kickback
  • Loop band above ankles
  • Kick leg back and up
  • Hold briefly at top
  • Return controlled
  1. Single Leg Romanian Deadlift
  • Stand on band with one foot
  • Hinge forward while lifting rear leg
  • Lower until hands reach below knee
  • Return to start
  1. Band Pull Through
  • Center band under feet
  • Grab handles
  • Hinge at hips
  • Return controlled

Training Tips:

  • Train hamstrings twice weekly
  • Allow 48 hours between sessions
  • Perform 10 sets per workout
  • Vary reps between 6-20
  • Progress gradually with band resistance

Sample Workout:

  • Lying Hamstring Curl: 3 sets (20/15/10 reps)
  • Romanian Deadlift: 3 x 15 reps
  • Donkey Kickback: 3 x 12 each leg

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