Hamstrings vs. Quads

[trixie108]

I know this is the reverse of what most people have, but my hamstrings are a lot stronger than my quads. When I do PLB, there is about a 10# difference between my deadlifts and my squats.

Should I lower the weight I use on deadlifts, so that it matches the weight I use in squats, even though it would not challenge the muscle? Or should I do more squats? Or use a higher weight for squats, and just do as many as I can? Or is it okay to have that big of a weight difference? Help!

 

[kathryn]

Using a heavier weight for deadlifts doesn't automatically mean your hamstrings are stronger than your quads (you'd have to compare isolation moves like quad extension vs. hamstring curls to know that). Remember that glutes are used in deadlifts, and they are a strong muscle group.

 

[LauraMax]

That is unusual! Darn, I work so hard to build my hams & the progress is absurdly slow. I'm kinda jealous.

You can try what I do--I throw in an extra 3 sets of hamstring exercises on my shoulder/tricep day. You can do some isolation exercises to build your quad strength to even it out w/your hams. There are a variety of different ways to do leg extensions at home--all seated--you can put a dumbell betw. your feet, or use exercise bands or tubing for resistence, & probably others that I'm not creative enough to think of.

 

[maddiesmum]

I agree with Kathryn and I wouldn't worry too much. I can use a very heavy barbell with all kinds of deadlifts but the true test of your hamstring strength and therefore whether or not you have an imbalance going is to do supine hamstring curls on a machine, double and single leg. I can do about 45 pounds! I can squat much more. And I can leg press way, way more, and I am sure that if you did all these exercises, you would come out with similar results.

Clare

 

[SirenSongWoman]

Yea, I do deads with, what for me, is absurdly heavy weight because they're the only moves where I can!