Quizzes
The Hamstrings Cure: Training For Function & Aesthetics
LearnASP July 9, 2021
Legs days always place a large emphasis on the quadriceps. Aesthetically, the aim is undoubtedly to grow and shape these lower “mirror” muscles with the goal of developing feathered sweeps and a bulbous VMO. From common and often misguided practice, most gym goers by default also place an additional focus on their quads through sets of half squatting. As such, it’s easy to overlook a major part of the lower half development – the hamstring muscles.
As with sport, we see numerous hamstring injuries occur in running athletes largely because of under-training and the incomplete strength development for this muscle group. Not only does this do the lower half injustice from a functional perspective, it also keeps the legs looking 2-dimensional with a flat unimpressive posterior. So much for growing those legs! This is a look that all bodybuilders and female fitness athletes should avoid unless they are determined to place last.
This seminar focuses on the much-needed hamstring development for functional integrity, strength as well as aesthetics. There’s more to developing hamstrings than just the lying leg curl. We consider 10 important factors in a complete hamstring training protocol – from hypertrophy to sports function.
Key Takeaways:
- To understand the anatomy, function and neuromuscular activation of the hamstring musculature and how that relates to training specificity
- To understand why variation in equipment use, movement and training methods are needed for complete hamstring development
- To understand the role of the feet and calves in hamstring development
- To consider the importance of individualised and multi-faceted hamstring protocols rather than a general one.