Effective Hamstring Exercises for Strength and Flexibility

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Jongvolwassen vrouw doet thuis hamstring heel slides met een handdoek in de woonkamer.

 

Training the hamstrings is crucial for both athletes and non-athletes. Strong and flexible hamstrings help support daily activities and reduce the risk of injuries and hamstring issues. This article highlights various hamstring exercises, hamstring exercises, and hamstring workouts that can be performed both at home and in the gym to strengthen the hamstrings and promote flexibility.

Did you know that the Nordbelt is an essential tool for hamstring exercises? Discover how it can speed up your recovery.

Why Training Hamstrings Is Essential

1. Injury prevention: Research shows that regularly training and strengthening the hamstrings significantly reduces the risk of hamstring injuries and hamstring complaints, especially in athletes who run or sprint intensively (Rudisill et al., 2022).

2. Improved PerformanceTraining hamstrings contributes to higher running speed and explosive power. Specific hamstring exercises such as the Nordic Hamstring Curl have been shown to increase eccentric hamstring strength, which is important for athletes in sports with high-speed components. (van Dyk et al., 2019).

3. Balance and Stability: Regularly training the hamstrings plays an essential role in stabilizing the hips and knees, which reduces the risk of knee injuries and hamstring problems, especially in sports with sudden movements (Al Attar et al., 2017).

Hamstring Exercises in the Gym

The gym is an excellent place for hamstring exercises in the gym. Below you will find some effective hamstring exercises for the gym that you can try:

Nordic Hamstring Curl: The Nordic Hamstring Curl is considered the most effective hamstring exercise in the gym for strengthening the hamstrings. This exercise increases eccentric strength, which has been proven to halve the risk of hamstring problems and injuries and to improve performance. Athletes who regularly Nordic hamstring curls perform, often see an improvement in their sprint time, with an increase in maximum speed of up to 4% possible (van Dyk et al., 2019) (Petersen et al., 2011).

Lying Hamstring Curl: This hamstring exercise in the gym targets the hamstrings and isolates this muscle group, which helps in improving strength and endurance in the hamstrings.

Deadlifts: Both the hamstrings and the lower back are strengthened with this hamstring exercise in the gym, which is important for overall core stability (Maliaropoulos et al., 2012).

Glute-Ham Raise: Strengthens the eccentric strength of the hamstrings and helps prevent hamstring complaints, which contributes to injury prevention (Maliaropoulos et al., 2012).

Hamstring Exercises for Home

Even without a gym, you can perform effective hamstring exercises, hamstring exercises, and hamstring workouts:

Nordic Hamstring Curl with the Nordbelt: The Nordic Hamstring Curl is effective for preventing hamstring injuries and strengthens the hamstrings with every repetition. With the Nordbelt, you can safely perform this hamstring workout at home (van Dyk et al., 2019) (Petersen et al., 2011).

Bridges (Glute Bridges): Without equipment, this hamstring exercise strengthens both the hamstrings and the glutes, which is ideal for beginners.

Single-Leg Romanian Deadlift: Improves balance and coordination, crucial for an effective hamstring workout without the need for equipment.

Strength Exercises Running

For runners, specific strength exercises for running, such as the Nordic Hamstring Curl, are very useful. By increasing the eccentric hamstring strength, this hamstring workout helps improve sprint performance, with a potential increase in speed of 4% over short distances. For example, this could mean that a sprinter who runs 100 meters in 11 seconds could achieve a time gain of about 0.44 seconds with proper hamstring-strengthening training. (Petersen et al., 2011).

Other useful strength exercises for running are:

Hill Sprints: Running on a slope strengthens the hamstrings through increased resistance, an excellent hamstring workout for runners.

Plyometric Exercises: Just as box jumps improve explosive power, essential in strength exercises and running.

Interval training: Alternating speed intervals strengthen the hamstrings and improve endurance, important aspects of strength training running.

Invest in strength: With the Nordbelt Can you effectively train your hamstrings at home and improve running results.

Tips for Effective Training

1. Warm-up: Begin each session with a warm-up to prevent hamstring complaints and to perform your hamstring exercises optimally (Fradkin et al., 2006).

2. Correct Technique: Prevent hamstring complaints and injuries by performing hamstring exercises, hamstring exercises, and hamstring workouts with the correct technique.

3. Progressive Overload: Gradually increase the weight in your hamstring workouts to effectively stress the muscles.

4. Rest and Recovery: Give your muscles enough time to recover for optimal results and to prevent hamstring problems.

Conclusion

Regularly training the hamstrings and performing hamstring exercises, hamstring exercises, and hamstring workouts provides significant benefits, not only for athletes but also for non-athletes. By adding specific hamstring exercises, such as the Nordic Hamstring Curl, both the strength and flexibility of the hamstrings can be improved. These exercises help prevent hamstring issues and support better performance, especially in sports where speed and explosive movements are important. The Nordbelt can be a useful tool here, because it provides the right support at home for effective hamstring training and hamstring workouts. With a targeted training routine, including sufficient warm-up, technique control, and rest, it is possible to strengthen the stability of the knees and hips, which is essential for safe and effective training. All of this contributes to stronger hamstrings and a fitter, injury-resistant lifestyle.

Start recovery and prevention today! Order the Nordbelt and take the first step toward a stronger hamstring and better results with effective hamstring exercises and hamstring workouts.

Nordic Hamstring Curl Tool

Strengthen your hamstrings to top-sport standards.

Up to 50% fewer hamstring injuries, now possible with Nordbelt at home or wherever you train. Up to 50% fewer injuries.

Works on door, bench, fence or beam. Includes storage bag + training protocol. Up to 50% fewer injuries No partner needed.
No partner needed. Start within 1 minute. Can be used anywhere: at home, gym or field Developed with professional physio input
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Strengthen your hamstrings to top-sport standards.

Trusted by professionals and athletes

Trustpilot 4.4/5 Google Reviews 4.8/5
Google Reviews 4.8/5
We use the Nordbelt in our physio practice and recommend it for recovery, performance and specific hamstring training.
Chantal - Sports physiotherapist MSc Google review
Trustpilot 4.4/5
G Google Reviews 4.8/5

Trusted by professionals and athletes

★★★★★ 4.8/5 120+ athletes 30-day return period 20+ partner physio practices
Google Reviews 4.8/5

We use the Nordbelt in our physio practice and recommend it for recovery, performance and specific hamstring training.

Chantal - Sports physiotherapist MSc Google review

Easy and quick to use, anywhere

Super fast and easy to use: in three short steps you are ready for your first rep.

1

Choose your setup: door, fitness bench or fence.

Place Nordbelt under a sturdy door and pull it through the buckles.

2

Clip in and adjust the length.

Clip the buckles closed and adjust the length for the right fit.

3

Start immediately with your first set.

You are locked in. Time for Nordic Hamstring Curls and stronger hamstrings.

Where can Nordbelt be used?

Use Nordbelt everywhere, regardless of your training location

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Nordbelt attached to door

Nordbelt attached to door

Doors

Place under a sturdy door and train at home without additional equipment.

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Nordbelt on fence or beam

Nordbelt on fence or beam

Fences or beams

Simply attach to a fence or beam and train on the field or in the park.

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Nordbelt on fitness bench

Nordbelt on fitness bench

Fitness bench

Use Nordbelt on almost any stable fitness bench and train directly in the gym.

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Evidence

Up to 50% fewer hamstring injuries with consistent Nordic Hamstring Curl training.

The Nordic Hamstring Curl is the safest and strongest proven exercise for strong, resilient hamstrings.

*Source: Petersen et al., BJSM 2011

Nordic Hamstring Curl animation

Evidence-basedResearch shows NHC can be built up safely, including during hamstring rehab.

Top sport provenWidely used in elite sport (football and athletics) and directly usable at home, gym or field.

A few reps per weekHighly studied and safe to progress gradually with controlled loading.

Open: view protocol, clinic quotes and source detail

Programmes with the Nordic Hamstring Exercise. 51%  fewer hamstring injuries reported.

The Nordic Hamstring Exercise is a strongly researched training principle; programmes with NHE report up to 51% fewer hamstring injuries.

Nordbelt facilitates the Nordic Hamstring Curl and makes the exercise practical, repeatable and controlled in clinic, sport setting and at home.

Progressive protocol

10-week progression protocol included

A practical progression the clinician can adapt to load tolerance, technique and the agreed pathway.

Reps per session
  1. 5 5×1 W1
  2. 6 6×2 W2
  3. 7 7×3 W3
  4. 8 8×3 W4
  5. 9 9×3 W5
  6. 10 10×3 W6
  7. 10 10×3 W7
  8. 12 12×3 W8
  9. 12 12×3 W9
  10. 12 12×3 W10

Source: van Dyk N, Behan FP, Whiteley R. Br J Sports Med. 2019;53(21):1362-1370. PMID: 30808663. DOI: 10.1136/bjsports-2018-100045.

“Programmes that include the Nordic Hamstring Exercise reported up to 51% fewer hamstring injuries.”
van Dyk, Behan & Whiteley · Br J Sports Med · 2019
“Nordbelt makes the same exercise setup practical in the treatment room and at home.”
Nordbelt clinic flow
−51% hamstring injuries reported in programmes with Nordic Hamstring Exercise
8,459 participants in the systematic review and meta-analysis
10 weeks practical progression plan for guided instruction
1 setup recognisable in clinic, sport setting and at home

Nordbelt is a training tool for performing the Nordic Hamstring Curl. Its use within treatment, rehabilitation or return-to-play is determined by the treating professional. Always use a stable anchor point, correct attachment and suitable load.

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GooglePhysio
A great solution for performing the Nordic Hamstring Curl properly and easily. Useful during my work as a physiotherapist and usable in different locations.
GooglePhysio
Very good tool for performing the Nordic Hamstring Curl. A must-have for every physiotherapy clinic. Very happy with it!

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Meet the team behind Nordbelt

Built by a team with a medical and sports science base

When I suffered a hamstring injury, I noticed how difficult it was to train properly at home without expensive equipment or help from others. That's why I developed Nordbelt.
  • Originated from real injury experience
  • Further developed with medical professionals
  • Practically tested for home, field and gym

Nordic Hamstring Curls without a partner, bench or hassle

Nordbelt makes one of the best hamstring exercises practical to perform: at home, on the field or in the gym. Fixed in under a minute and ready to train.

01

No partner needed

Secure your feet independently and train whenever you want. No teammate, physio or training partner needed.

02

No expensive Nordic bench needed

Use a sturdy door, gym bench, fence or beam. You do not need to buy a large or expensive machine.

03

Ready in under 1 minute

Compact, quick to secure and easy to carry in your sports bag. Ideal for home, practice or the gym.

04

Training protocol included

You get clear guidance to build up calmly and work consistently on hamstring strength.

It's that easy

Watch the full flow on video

In a few seconds, see exactly how to place, adjust and start training with Nordbelt.

4.8/5 customer score 30-day return period Used by 20+ partner physio practices

Answers to frequently asked questions

How do I use the Nordbelt™?

You use Nordbelt™ to perform the Nordic Hamstring Curl with a stable attachment to a door, fitness bench, fence or beam.

Choose a fixed spot, click the buckle closed, adjust the band to size and immediately start with controlled repetitions. This way you can train consistently at home, outside or in the gym.

Can I use the Nordbelt™ if no door is available?

Yes. Nordbelt™ also works on fitness benches, fences and beams, so you are not dependent on a door.

This means you can train almost anywhere: at home, on the sports field or in the gym. Always choose a sturdy, stable mounting location for a safe implementation.

What is included with the purchase?

With your order you will receive the Nordbelt™ itself, a storage bag and a practical manual with training protocol.

So you immediately have everything you need to start safely and follow your build-up in a structured manner.

Can I also order outside the European Union?

We currently ship within Europe and to England.

Orders outside this region are not yet available. For business or specific shipping questions, please contact contact@nordbelt.com.

What does shipping cost?

Shipping within the Netherlands is free.

For delivery outside the Netherlands, shipping costs are calculated automatically based on your location and the available carrier. You always see this clearly during checkout.

How soon can I start training?

Most athletes can start their first set within about 1 minute.

The quick setup and fixed protocol make it easy to incorporate your training into your weekly routine.

Is Nordbelt suitable for rehabilitation of hamstring injuries?

Nordbelt™ is widely used for controlled hamstring building, also in a rehabilitation context.

Always build up progressively and follow the advice of your physiotherapist or doctor in case of complaints or recovery process.

Do I need additional equipment or a partner?

No. You don't need an expensive machine or a training partner to get started.

With Nordbelt™ you create a stable setup on a door, bench, fence or beam and you can train independently.

Can I return if the product does not suit me?

Yes, you have a 30-day return period on your order.

If you return, the return shipping costs are borne by the customer.

This way you can evaluate Nordbelt™ within your own training situation without unnecessary purchasing risk.

Where can I find the complete manual and training protocol?

You will find the complete explanation on the How-to Guide.

You will also receive a practical manual with protocol upon purchase, so that you can start straight away in a structured manner.

For clinics, teams and groups

Work with multiple athletes?

Request a trial Nordbelt for your clinic or view Nordbelt for sports clubs, teams and gyms.

Strengthen your hamstrings to top-sport standards.

Ordered before 11 PM, delivered tomorrow 30 days of risk-free testing Secure checkout
Strengthen your hamstrings to top-sport standards.

Train anywhere. Immediately feel the Nordbelt vibe.

Start today with stronger hamstrings: one compact tool with which you can immediately train safely and effectively at home, outside and in the gym.

Ready to start immediately Less risk of injury Can be used anywhere