Hamstring exercises

Machine Reverse Hyperextension

Also known as: Hyperextension inversée à la machine · Ανάποδες υπερεκτάσεις σε μηχάνημα · Reverse Hyperextension · reverse hyper

Primary
Hamstrings
Equipment
Machine
Level
Intermediate
Type
Compound
Force
Pull
Suggested rest
2 min

How to do the Machine Reverse Hyperextension

  1. Place your feet between the pads after loading an appropriate weight. Lay on the top pad, allowing your hips to hang off the back, while grasping the handles to hold your position.

  2. To begin the movement, flex the hips, pulling the legs forward.

  3. Reverse the motion by extending the hips, kicking the leg back. It is very important not to over-extend the hip on this movement, stopping short of your full range of motion.

  4. Return by again flexing the hip, pulling the carriage forward as far as you can.

  5. Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.

Sets and reps

GoalSetsRepsRest
Muscle growth3–48–122 min
Muscular endurance2–315–201 min

When you hit the top of the rep range on every set, add 5 kg (10 lb) next session and work back up.

Starting points from training research. Stop each set 1–3 reps short of failure.

Muscles worked

Primary

Hamstrings

Secondary

Calves, Glutes

The hamstrings bend the knee and extend the hip, so train both: hinges like Romanian deadlifts and leg curls.

Alternatives

Same muscles, similar movement: swap in one of these if the Machine Reverse Hyperextension doesn’t suit your gym or your joints.

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Machine hamstring exercises