What Are The Best Fitness Machines For Quads And Hamstrings?

An effective exercise program will not ignore any body part. When it comes to cardiovascular fitness and strength building, you will need to pay attention to your hamstrings and quadriceps. Both of these muscles are vital for running speed, running endurance and functioning on a day-to-day basis. Exercise machines can help you get your quads and hamstrings in excellent condition.

Leg Press Machine

The leg press machine builds strength in the quads and the hamstrings. It is primarily a seat with handles on either side and a platform for the feet to push against. Your feet push down against a stack of standard weight plates and that resistance helps build strength and tone the muscles.

Smith Machine

The Smith machine has a metal track with a barbell in the track. The barbell can move only straight up and down and is loaded with weight plates. It can be used to perform squats, an exercise that builds strength primarily in the quads and also benefits the hamstrings.

Quad Extension Machine

With this piece of equipment, you sit on an angled seat and grasp two handles. Your ankles hook behind two padded supports. After setting the quad extension machine with the amount of weight you want to lift, your raise your ankles until you have straightened your legs. Hold the lift for two seconds and return to the starting position.

Treadmills

Treadmills give you on opportunity to work on your hamstrings, quads and calf muscles, as well as your cardio conditioning. You can set the treadmill so that you are doing hill, interval or speed work. Using a treadmill for 25 minutes at a time will help you burn calories and get your heart rate up to target levels.

Benefits

Working on strength training machines that help build hamstrings and quads will help you become a more productive athlete and enjoy your day-to-day activities more than if you don't pay attention to these muscles. Additionally, when you are working on the treadmill, you are performing an effective cardiovascular workout. Quad and hamstring work is vital once you have reached the age of 30 because your muscles' strength and explosiveness diminishes, according to the American College of Sports Medicine.