Seated Leg Curl

The leg curl is a popular machine-based exercise for the legs, particularly the hamstrings. It comes in seated and lying varieties, but the seated leg curl machine is more common in commercial gyms. Leg curl variations are usually performed for moderate to high reps, such as 8-12 reps per set or more, as part of a leg pre-exhaust or as a muscle-building movement for lower-body training.

Benefits

  1. Builds size and strength in the hamstrings
  2. Less glute and hamstring involvement than lying curl variations
  3. Great accessory movement for a stronger squat and deadlift
  4. Great burnout on leg day
7.9
Average

Seated Leg Curl Images

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Seated Leg Curl Instructions

Seated Leg Curl muscle diagram
  1. Adjust the machine lever to fit your height and sit on the machine with your back against the back support pad.
  2. Place the back of lower leg on top of padded lever (just a few inches under the calves) and secure the lap pad against your thighs, just above the knees. Then grasp the side handles on the machine as you point your toes straight (or you can also use any of the other two stances) and ensure that the legs are fully straight right in front of you. This will be your starting position.
  3. As you exhale, pull the machine lever as far as possible to the back of your thighs by flexing at the knees. Keep your torso stationary at all times. Hold the contracted position for a second.
  4. Slowly return to the starting position as you breathe in.
  5. Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.

Caution: Do not ever use so much weight on the exercise that you start using swinging and jerking as you can risk both lower back injury and also a hamstring tear.

Variations: Since you have three foot positions you have in reality three exercises.