Hammies

One of the most important muscle groups in performance and fitness training is also the one that goes ignored most often.

 Hamstrings is the name for the group of muscles that run down the back of your legs

They are the biceps of your lower body.

 Sports involving running, jumping, quick starts, stops and changes of direction like soccer, football, basketball, track and tennis, require and good strong set of hamstrings. Not only to perform well, but to avoid injury. They also provide support for every day activities.

There are several different ways to develop strong hamstrings. My favorite movement is the "Straight Legged Dead Lift"

*Its important to always do a 10-15 minute warm-up before performing any power lifting movements.

Also, this moment puts a lot of stress on the lower back. It is meant for individual with no preexisting lower back or hamstring contraindication.

Choose a weight that will allow you to perform the movement for 1 minute without loosing form.

Start standing upright, hands shoulder width apart.

Keeping your back completely flat and legs straight, lower your upper body as low as you can go without rounding your back

Bring upper body back up to starting position

Repeat for 1 minute or until you reach muscle failure (when you can no longer perform the movement with proper form). 

Perform 3 sets. Give yourself 60-90 seconds recovery between sets.

This movement strengthens the hammies, glutes, core, and lower back.

 It also make everything look real nice in your yoga pants ladies...