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Best Hamstrings Workouts With Weight Machines For Women

About

Workout machines are carefully designed devices that help users perform specific movements with optimal stability and focus.

These apparatuses provide an effective way to target the hamstrings, which are crucial muscles responsible for knee flexion and hip extension.

Tailored considerations for biomechanics and capabilities ensure women, based on averages such as a height of 5’5”, weight of 140 lbs, and age of 34 years old, can achieve their fitness objectives effectively and safely with these routines.

Individual ability should guide adjustments to repetitions and weights to maximize progress and minimize injury risk.

The 5 Best Hamstrings Exercises with Weight Machines for Women

Ranked By

Ranked based on Fitbod's internal data set of the most effective exercises. Learn More

  • 1. Lying Hamstrings Curl

    Lying Hamstrings Curl demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    2,368,667
    Hamstrings Strength
    97 mScore
    Hamstrings
    Photo of Leg Curl Machine
    Leg Curl Machine

    The Lying Hamstring Curl is an exercise that focuses on strengthening the hamstrings using a machine. It is effective for building muscle and strength in the lower body, while providing stability throughout the movement.

    How to do it

    1. Lie face down on the hamstring curl machine with the pad above your ankles.
    2. Hold the handles and engage your core to stay stable.
    3. Bend your knees to lift the pad up.
    4. Lower the pad back to the starting position.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    40lbs
    2
    8reps
    40lbs
    3
    8reps
    40lbs
  • 2. Seated Leg Curl

    Seated Leg Curl demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    3,535,105
    Hamstrings Strength
    99 mScore
    Hamstrings
    Photo of Leg Curl Machine
    Leg Curl Machine

    The Seated Leg Curl is a machine exercise that focuses on strengthening the hamstrings. It helps build muscle mass by isolating these muscles, making it a good choice for lower body workouts.

    How to do it

    1. Sit upright in the leg curl machine.
    2. Adjust the top pad to sit just above your knees and the lower pad to rest on your ankles.
    3. Hold the machine handles for support.
    4. Bend your knees to pull your heels down in an arc.
    5. Return to the starting position once you can no longer flex your knees.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    45lbs
    2
    8reps
    45lbs
    3
    8reps
    45lbs
  • 3. Smith Machine Stiff-Legged Deadlift

    Smith Machine Stiff-Legged Deadlift demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    481,043
    Hamstrings Strength
    89 mScore
    Hamstrings
    Photo of Smith Machine
    Smith Machine

    The Smith Machine Stiff-Legged Deadlift is a beginner-friendly variation of the Romanian Deadlift that works your glutes and hamstrings. Using the Smith Machine provides stability, allowing you to focus on proper form as you lift the bar.

    How to do it

    1. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart behind the machine bar.
    2. Hinge at your hips and lean forward to grab the bar with palms facing you, resting it against your shins.
    3. Keep your hips high and bend your knees slightly, straightening your back by pulling your shoulders back.
    4. Engage your glutes and hamstrings to lift the bar in a straight line, keeping it close to your shins.
    5. Maintain a strong core and straight lower back throughout the lift.
    6. Pause briefly at the top, then lower the bar back to the ground.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    40lbs
    2
    8reps
    40lbs
    3
    8reps
    40lbs
  • 4. Standing Leg Curl

    Standing Leg Curl demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    334,645
    Hamstrings Strength
    90 mScore
    Hamstrings
    Photo of Leg Curl Machine
    Leg Curl Machine

    The Standing Leg Curl is an exercise that strengthens the hamstrings by isolating one leg at a time. Using a machine helps stabilize your movement, making it easier to focus on building muscle without compensating for strength differences between legs.

    How to do it

    1. Set your left knee on the pad, bending it at a 90-degree angle, while your right leg is extended and the pad is positioned on the back of your lower leg, just above your ankle.
    2. Brace your core and lean slightly forward to hold onto the support handles.
    3. Keeping your right ankle flexed at 90 degrees, raise the pad in an upward arc by bending your right knee. Make sure your right thigh stays still until you fully flex your knee, then lower the pad back to the starting position.
    4. Repeat the exercise with your left leg.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    22.5lbs
    2
    8reps
    22.5lbs
    3
    8reps
    22.5lbs
  • 5. Smith Machine Hang Power Clean

    Smith Machine Hang Power Clean demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    14,254
    Hamstrings Strength
    94 mScore
    Hamstrings
    Photo of Smith Machine
    Smith Machine

    The Smith Machine Hang Power Clean is a stable version of the traditional Hang Power Clean, using a Smith Machine to help with balance. This exercise works your lower body, shoulders, and back, focusing on explosive strength.

    How to do it

    1. Stand with feet shoulder-width apart and the Smith Machine bar just above your knees.
    2. Brace your core and hinge at your hips while bending your knees to grip the bar with both hands.
    3. Lift the bar by extending your hips, knees, and ankles, pulling it to your chest while keeping it close to your body.
    4. Catch the bar on your chest with elbows under it and palms facing up, bending your knees.
    5. Stand up straight and lower the bar back to the starting position.

Alternative Workouts

Alternative Workouts with Weight Machines for Women

Alternative Hamstrings Workouts with Weight Machines

Alternative Hamstrings Workouts for Women