EXERCISE GUIDE
Seated Leg Curl
A supported machine curl for the back of the thighs. Bend the knees while keeping your back, hips and thighs supported.
01Muscles used
Main muscles
- Hamstrings: biceps femoris, semitendinosus and semimembranosus
Assisting & stabilizing muscles
- Gastrocnemius (assists knee flexion; contribution varies with ankle and knee position)
- Trunk and grip muscles (stabilize posture and hold the handles)
Assisting roles include movement support and postural stability. Their contribution varies with form and load.
02See the movement
Illustrations are reproduced from the exercise guides. Select an image to enlarge it.
03How to perform
- Adjust the backrest so your knees roughly align with the machine pivot. Keep your back and pelvis supported.
- Place the roller behind the lower legs near the ankles. Secure the thigh pad above the kneecaps and hold the handles.
- Exhale and curl the roller down and back, keeping your hips and thighs supported. Stop within a comfortable, controlled range.
- Inhale and return slowly without snapping the knees straight or slamming the weight stack.
04Technique cues
- Keep knee/pivot alignment and pad contact throughout.
- Use a comfortable ankle position and move both legs at the same steady pace.
05Cautions
- Follow the machine instructions; secure all pins and adjust only with the stack resting.
- Let the stack rest before releasing pads or exiting. Stop for pain or dizziness; reduce the load if posture slips.