Semitendinosus of the hamstrings

Being one of the three muscles which comprise the hamstrings, the semitendinosus is found to the back of the upper leg and is noted as having a long tendon insertion.

As with the other hamstring muscles, the semitendinosus can be developed and strengthened with exercises which involve the flexion of the leg, as well as the extension of the hip. Popular leg flexion exercises are primary leg curling variations, such as the standing and seated leg curl. The hamstrings can be effectively targeted via hip extension with stiff leg deadlifts, traditional deadlifts and good mornings.

Strong hamstrings are important for a healthy and injury resistant knee joint.

Exercises

• Back extensions
• Barbell deadlift
• Barbell hack squat
• Barbell lunge
• Barbell squat
• Barbell stiff leg deadlift (SLDL)
• Box squat
• Deep (ATG) squat
• Dumbbell lunge
• Dumbbell stiff leg deadlift (SLDL)
• Front squat
• Good mornings
• Leg press
• Lying leg curl
• Side lunge
• Sled hack squat
• Standing leg curl

Other names

• Hamstrings
• Hammies
• Back of thigh