Strength training my hamstrings has been an absolute game changer

For context, I injured my hamstring in the upper tendon connecting to my glute a few months ago doing a pole split. I started going to physical therapy, and they’ve had me doing a lot of strength training of my hamstrings and glutes and all the connecting muscles. I had done glute and quad lifting for a few years now, and never considered the importance of training my hamstrings as well.

Now that my injury is starting to heal up, as I’ve been continuing in pole I’ve noticed a massive improvement in things I had struggled with a lot previously. For one, my active flexibility/ability to do splits aerially has improved tremendously. For those that may not be aware, that type of flexibility is truly more about strength than it is just stretching. I had gotten my full split on the ground almost a whole year ago but aerially it was not even close until now!!

Another massive improvement has been in my leg hang strength. I can hang from one knee with relative ease now, whereas before I felt extremely uncomfortable releasing my hands. This has helped significantly with like basically all moves involving the lower body.

Just wanted to spread the message to those coming up in pole, train those hamstrings!!! If you would like any insight as to what types of exercises to do to train them effectively let me know.

Also, the glute strength is really important too, the ideal is to do plenty of combination exercises which can target both muscles at the same time. Hope this helps!! ✨