Bodybuilding.com - Seated Leg Curl Exercise Guide and Video

Seated Leg Curl

Also Known As: Seated Leg Curls

Exercise Data

Type: Strength
Main Muscle Worked: Hamstrings
Equipment: Machine
Mechanics Type: Isolation
Level: Beginner
Sport: No
Force: Pull
Your Rating:

6.3

Out of 10

Good

Exercise Rating Read Seated Leg Curl Reviews

Exercise Widget

Click to enlarge

Main Muscle: Hamstrings

Adjust the machine lever to fit your height and sit on the machine with your back against the back support pad.
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.
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.
Slowly return to the starting position as you breathe in.
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.

No alternative exercises found. Know of one? Tell us in the tips section below.