Mostly feeling squats in my hamstrings

singingflutelady
singingflutelady Posts: 8,736 Member
edited March 5 in Fitness and Exercise
For the last 2 months or so I mostly have been feeling squats in my hamstrings (and glutes to a point). I used to feel them mostly in my quads but it has switched. Does this mean that my hamstrings are my weak link and that I should work harder on getting them as strong as my quads? I have been working on depth but I am not going significantly lower than before (I mostly go to parallel except during my warm up I now go ATG). I also use a slightly wider stance than most people (I have long legs) with my toes pointed slightly out but I have always done this. Should I be concerned about this and should I be doing more hamstring accessory lifts (I am doing good mornings and one legged back extensions with weight in my program)? The oddest thing is that when I do Zercher squats I feel them more in my quads.

Replies

  • SassyCalyGirl
    SassyCalyGirl Posts: 1,932 Member
    are you pushing up through your heels?
  • singingflutelady
    singingflutelady Posts: 8,736 Member
    yes I am pushing through my heels
  • Galatea_Stone
    Galatea_Stone Posts: 2,037 Member
    Are you going ATG or at least below parallel? A wider stance will have slightly more glute activation because of the pivot of the hip bone.

    For what it is worth, you're supposed to activate your glutes and hamstrings with squats. It's why you go below parallel. You can see it in a lot of people who don't hit parallel. They will develop quads, but hamstrings will be lacking.

    You can always take a video for a form check.

    ETA: You're probably doing them right and feeling them in the right place.
  • dbmata
    dbmata Posts: 12,950 Member
    You want to feel it in your glutes and hams

    Do some sumo squats too, you'll see how that feels. You're probably good to go, but might be useful to check out form.
This discussion has been closed.

Categories