Monday, March 25, 2013

Hamstrings: Single-Leg Dumbbell Straight-Leg Deadlift

Single-leg dumbbell straight-leg deadlift
The benefit: Besides targeting your hamstrings, this exercise works your glutes and core. It also helps eliminate muscle imbalances between your legs, reducing your risk of injury. And as a bonus, it can improve the flexibility of your hamstrings, because it stretches these muscles every time you lower the weight.

How to do it: Grab a pair of dumbbells with an overhand grip and hold them at arm's length in front of your thighs. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and knees slightly bent. Now raise one leg off the floor [A]. Without changing the bend in your knee, keep your back naturally arched, bend at your hips, and lower your torso until it's almost parallel to the floor [B]. Pause, then squeeze your glutes, thrust your hips forward, and raise your torso back to the starting position.

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