Seated Leg Curl

Also called seated hamstring curl.

Works

Hamstrings

Equipment

Machine

Level

Beginner

Type

Isolation

How to do it

Setup. Adjust the machine lever to fit your height and sit on the machine with your back against the back support pad.

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. Slowly return to the starting position as you breathe in.
4. Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.

Cues

• Pad just above the heel.
• Curl all the way under.
• Resist the return for three seconds.

Common mistakes

• Hips lifting off the seat.
• Half reps.

Where to start

A starting point, not a law. Pick a weight you could lift two or three more times than the top of the range. Tempo is seconds down, pause, up. When every set hits the top of the range, add a little weight.