THE HAMSTRINGS, ONE of the major muscle groups in the legs, are invaluable for the types of movements performed by high-level athletes and everyday exercisers alike. Your hamstrings are essential ...

The hamstrings assist in powering some of your strongest exercises, like the squat and the deadlift.They are also key players in most athletic activities, like running and jumping.

5 easy exercises for your hips and hamstrings to alleviate desk job aches and pains (Patrick Hruby / Los Angeles Times) By Deborah Vankin. Staff Writer Follow. Feb. 11, 2025 3 AM PT .

* Strengthen your leg muscles, especially the hamstrings, by running backward, doing leg presses, squats, hamstring curls, wall slides, lunges, bounding and jumping exercises.

Do these exercises to help stretch and strengthen your hips and hamstrings. They're demonstrated by trainer Melissa Gunn, of Pure Strength LA, whose team trains desk workers on how to protect ...