Lazy? Do Seated Leg Curls for Tight Hamstrings
Picture this: it's leg day. You're dreading the inevitable Romanian Deadlifts (RDLs). They've done wonders for your hamstrings, but man, are they exhausting! Does it feel familiar? That was me a while ago. RDLs were the king when it came to making my hamstrings both strong and long, but I couldn't incorporate them more than once a week.
Enter Seated Leg Curls
The love I have for seated leg curls isn't just because they're the lazy answer to our hamstring woes. It's because they're effective. This underrated gym equipment has been a game-changer for many, especially those looking to combat those stubborn, tight hamstrings without spending hours on RDLs.
Why Seated Leg Curls?
Seated leg curls are great because they focus on the hamstrings in their lengthened position. They provide the resistance needed to work those muscles out, but without the exhaustive effort that comes with deadlifts. The controlled movement means less risk of injury, and it also means targeting those hamstring muscles directly.
I remember when I first tried them out. I began with the lever at a 45-degree angle, thinking it'd be a piece of cake. But, oh, was I wrong! It was challenging, yet not overtly draining. Over time, I worked my way up to a straight leg start or a 90-degree angle. The progress was visible, not just in the mirror but in the ease with which I could perform daily activities.
Blending RDLs and Seated Leg Curls
Instead of giving up on RDLs completely, I found a balance. I'd do RDLs one leg day and seated leg curls the next. This balanced routine provided my hamstrings with the strength training they needed while also giving them the stretch and elongation that seated leg curls offered. It was a win-win!
The Takeaway
If you're someone who finds RDLs beneficial but a tad too tiring to incorporate multiple times a week, seated leg curls might be your best bet. They're less taxing, but they do the job. Plus, who doesn't love the idea of being a little lazy while still being productive? It's the best of both worlds.
Join The Movement
Flexibility and strength are two sides of the same coin. By working on both, we pave the way for a healthier, injury-free life. So, give seated leg curls a try, and if you've got a buddy who's always complaining about tight hamstrings, share this post with them. Together, we can make tight hamstrings a thing of the past!
Before you head out to give this a shot, if you're on the lookout for more fitness tools to boost your workouts, check out our shop for something as simple yet effective as a tib bar. It might just be the next addition to your fitness routine!
