15 Minutes Beginner Hamstrings Workout with Smith Machine
A 15 minutes strength workout targeting your hamstrings using smith machine equipment. 3 exercises, 15 total sets, designed for beginner lifters.
15 Minutes
Duration
15
Total Sets
3-6 reps
Rep Range
~263
Est. Calories
The Workout
Start with this as your primary movement. Warm up with 2 lighter sets first.
Form cues
- Set the bar on your upper traps and unrack in a split stance.
- Position your front foot far enough forward that your knee stays behind your toes at the bottom.
- Lower straight down until your rear knee is just off the ground.
Set the bar on your upper traps and take a wide stance with toes turned out 45 degrees.
Form cues
- Set the bar on your upper traps and take a wide stance with toes turned out 45 degrees.
- Push your knees out over your toes as you descend.
- Squat until your thighs are parallel or below, keeping your torso upright.
Finish strong — take the last set close to failure.
Form cues
- Stand inside the Smith machine with the bar on your thighs and feet hip-width apart.
- Unlock the bar and hinge at the hips, sliding the bar down your legs.
- Lower until you feel a deep hamstring stretch, keeping the bar against your thighs.
Why This Workout Works
This workout is built around the principles of strength training. Center your program around the big compound lifts: squat, bench press, deadlift, and overhead press. Use heavy loads (80-95% 1RM) with low reps and full recovery between sets. Periodize intensity — not every session should be a max effort.
Training Parameters
- Rep Range: 3-6 reps — heavy enough for maximal force production
- Rest Periods: 3-5 minutes — full recovery between heavy sets
- Sets Per Exercise: 4-6 sets — optimized for strength
Hamstrings Training Tips
- *RDLs are the king of hamstring exercises — feel the stretch at the bottom and squeeze at the top.
- *Include both hip-hinge movements (RDLs) and knee-flexion movements (leg curls) for complete development.
- *Nordic curls build eccentric hamstring strength that prevents pulls and tears.
Get this hamstrings workout personalized for you
Revy's AI will analyze your training history, recovery status, and strength levels to customize every set, rep, and weight for maximum strength results.