Muscle Atlas
Hamstrings
Biceps femoris / Semitendinosus / Semimembranosus
The hamstrings comprise several muscles on the back of the thigh.
Hip hinges and leg curls load different functions of the same muscle group.
Open in interactive Muscle AtlasTraining-relevant regions
These labels help with training navigation. They are not presented as completely isolated muscles.
Exercises for this area
The selection is curated around training roles. It is not a ranking or a claim that one exercise is optimal for everyone.
Classic exercises
Romanian Deadlift
Barbell
Established
Classic exercises
Hip Thrust
Barbell · Bench
Well supported
Isolation exercises
Leg Curl
Machine
Well supported
Classic exercises
Rack Pull
Barbell
Well supported
Classic exercises
Deadlift
Barbell
Established
Classic exercises
Back Extension
Bodyweight
Well supported
Isolation exercises
45-Degree Back Extension
Bodyweight
Well supported
Isolation exercises
Reverse Hyperextension
Machine
Limited direct evidence
Bodybuilding Classics
Good Morning
Barbell
Bodybuilding Classic
Classic exercises
Bulgarian Split Squat
Dumbbells · Bench
Established
Classic exercises
Glute Bridge
Bodyweight
Well supported
Classic exercises
Step-Up
Dumbbells · Bench
Well supported
Classic exercises
Sumo Deadlift
Barbell
Well supported
Bodybuilding Classics
Barbell Glute Bridge
Barbell
Bodybuilding Classic
Classic exercises
Nordic Hamstring Curl
Bodyweight
Established
Classic exercises
Glute-Ham Raise
Bodyweight
Well supported
Classic exercises
Seated Leg Curl
Machine
Well supported
Isolation exercises
Lying Leg Curl
Machine
Well supported
Isolation exercises
Single-Leg Curl
Machine
Well supported
Bodybuilding Classics
Stiff-Legged Deadlift
Barbell
Bodybuilding Classic
Isolation exercises
Superman Raise
Bodyweight
Well supported
Classic exercises
Bodyweight Reverse Lunge
Bodyweight
Established
Classic exercises
Bodyweight Split Squat
Bodyweight
Established
Classic exercises
Pistol Squat
Bodyweight
Well supported
Isolation exercises
Sliding Leg Curl
Bodyweight
Well supported
Classic exercises
Single-Leg Glute Bridge
Bodyweight
Well supported
Isolation exercises
Donkey Kick
Bodyweight
Well supported