Hi, I need help on the leg curls. I work them by doing 3 sets of 10. The problems im having are bad cramps. Whenever i do the second or third sets, i get really bad cramps in my hamstrings. It usually happens when i fully flex them. I don't know what to do. All the other things i do i have no problem with, like leg extensions, bench press, etc. I even try to stretch them for a couple minutes before doing them, but still same. It makes me hate working the hamstrings. Please help. Also, is it safe to work the quads and not the hams?
You need to work both quads and hams. An imbalance there is just begging for injury. Try something other than ham curls for a while (good mornings, straight-leg deadlifts, glute-ham raises). Or lighten the weight and do slow reps. I had the same problem with my calves until they got a lot stronger. Keeping hydrated will also help with cramping. Also might just stick to big compound movements like deads and squats.
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3 or 4 years ago, I had the same problem with directly stimulating hamstrings (cramping-up)....I avoided leg curls until last fall! I found out that, once I got over the initial cramping (lasted until the 3rd workout), I was ok! Try to work through it...drink plenty of water...maybe add a banana before your work-out.
Good luck
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You might want to try lightening the load first and after a week or so, increase it back to where it was. I suspect you're doing too much too soon, instead you should give your muscles a chance to build themselves up. Also, it can't hurt to warm up before lifting weights; I usually ride an indoor bicycle first.
Last edited by KingFootie; 04-28-2004 at 10:47 AM.
Re: Leg curls 
