Hamstring hurting like whoa!!!!

rmfails417

I'm looking for some assistance and answers if possible. I've been working out now consistently for about 3 months. Well the other day I go to do some seated leg curls (may not be the exact name of the machine). As I was on my last set, I did once set and my hamstrings just tightened up into massive balls! (Well at least it felt like it). I could barely get off of the machine and when I finally was able to stand up it took about 5 minutes for me to stand up straight! What the heck?!???!!! I have changed my eating habits, basically cutting waaaay back on red meat, sugar, and carbs. I mainly eat fruit, veggies and fish. I have increased my water intake, especially when I go to the gym.

What am I lacking or what do I need to change up? That pain was worse than when I pulled a hamstring while dancing and doing a split back in high school!!!!!!!

Cherimoose

Cramps can happen for a lot of reasons - not warming up properly, scar tissue from an old injury, too much sodium in the diet, or, occasionally, a medical problem (kidneys, etc).
Try doing squats and split squats instead. It spreads the work over a larger number of muscles, so there's less chance of cramping. Freeweights are more functional than machines, too. Check Youtube for proper form.

jacklis

Need to do some dynamic stretches with those hammies.
I am currently doing a lot of hamstring work and if I do not stretch them right after- and do a cool down with some cardio (stairs or light jogging and walking on incline) they will lock up.
They are the one muscle that gets really tight and won't let go if you don't stretch and loosen them up after.

rmfails417

Thanks! I've been stretching, but will stretch much more than I have been.

jacklis

also- I go by the adage that if it hurts, go back and use it- doing the same thing to get the blood where it needs to be. Perhaps not as heavy, or as hard, but just to stimulate healing in that area.