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Exercises › Hamstrings › Lying Leg Curl

Lying Leg Curl

Lying Leg Curl is a beginner isolation machine exercise that mainly works your hamstrings.

💪 Hamstrings🏋️ Machine📈 Beginner🔗 Isolation🎯 3 sets of 10-15 reps
Lying Leg Curl: starting position
Starting position
Lying Leg Curl: end position
End position

How to do the lying leg curl

  1. Adjust the machine lever to fit your height and lie face down on the leg curl machine with the pad of the lever on the back of your legs (just a few inches under the calves). Tip: Preferably use a leg curl machine that is angled as opposed to flat since an angled position is more favorable for hamstrings recruitment.
  2. Keeping the torso flat on the bench, ensure your legs are fully stretched and grab the side handles of the machine. Position your toes straight (or you can also use any of the other two stances described on the foot positioning section). This will be your starting position.
  3. As you exhale, curl your legs up as far as possible without lifting the upper legs from the pad. Once you hit the fully contracted position, hold it for a second.
  4. As you inhale, bring the legs back to the initial position. Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.

Muscles worked

Primary: Hamstrings

Sets and reps

Do 3 sets of 10-15 reps with 60-90 seconds of rest, using a weight you can control through the full range. Add reps first, then weight.

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Lying Leg Curl alternatives

Exercises that train the same main muscle, including options with other equipment.

Seated Leg CurlMachine · BeginnerProne Manual HamstringBodyweight · BeginnerBall Leg CurlOther · BeginnerRomanian DeadliftBarbell · IntermediateDumbbell CleanDumbbell · IntermediateKettlebell SwingKettlebell · Intermediate

FAQ

What muscles does the lying leg curl work?

It mainly works your hamstrings.

How many sets and reps of lying leg curl should I do?

Do 3 sets of 10-15 reps with 60-90 seconds of rest, using a weight you can control through the full range. Add reps first, then weight.

Is the lying leg curl good for beginners?

Yes. It is a beginner-friendly movement: start light and focus on the form steps above.

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