Muscle & Fitness Ranks Best 12 Hamstring Exercises for Strength

Effective hamstring training requires targeting both hip extension and knee flexion to fully engage this biarticular muscle group, with exercises like lying and seated leg curls ranked among the best for maximizing hypertrophy through full range of motion and tension. Time-efficient workouts that engage multiple muscle groups, such as a four-exercise Pilates routine including bridges with leg lifts, can effectively activate the hamstrings along with other key areas like glutes and core in just minutes. For beginners, dumbbell exercises focusing on fundamental movement patterns such as squatting, pushing, pulling, and hinging offer a controlled way to build muscle and improve joint stability, emphasizing proper form and balanced strength development. Comprehensive pull-focused workouts targeting the back muscles through pull-ups, seated rows, and shrugs complement hamstring development by building upper body strength and definition. Together, these approaches highlight the importance of intentional exercise selection and proper technique to build strength, prevent injury, and achieve balanced muscular development.