Strong hamstrings are a key in speed, strength and injury prevention. A lot of people work their legs poorly, and have dominant quads and some pretty shoddy hamstrings.
The hamstring group consists of the biceps femoris, the semitendinosus and the semimembranosus muscles. They bend the knee and they extend the hip, which is why they are so important to athletic function. The fast twitch fiber count in the hamstrings is high, so they respond well to heavy explosive training, as well as eccentric work. If you are anything like me, you are quad dominant and it will take you a lot of work from now to build up your hamstrings and will need to be worked more often.
Try these four exercises out and get some strength into those hamstrings.
Single Leg Stiff Leg Deadlifts
Start without weights using this variation to ensure you get the technique down pat.
Glute Ham Raises
Assisted Glute Ham Raise
Inclined Back Raises
For more exercises check out the best hamstring exercises.