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Hamstrings

Lying leg curl: how to do it right

In the lying leg curl you bend your knees face down against a roller. It isolates the back of your thigh.

Main muscle
Hamstrings
Also works
Calves
Equipment
Leg curl machine
Level
Beginner
Lying leg curl: start position
Start position
Lying leg curl: end position
End position

Step by step

  1. Lie face down with your knees just below the edge of the bench.
  2. Place the roller over your ankles, above your heels.
  3. Bend your knees, bringing your heels towards your glutes.
  4. Lower slowly until your legs are almost straight.

Tip: Pointed toes work your hamstrings more; flexed feet bring in your calves too.

Common mistakes

Lifting your hips

Keep your hips down on the bench.

Dropping the weight

Control the lowering over about two seconds.

Short range

Curl as far as you can and lower almost all the way.

Sets and reps

Guide ranges. Start with a weight where the last rep is hard but your technique holds.

GoalSetsRepsRest
Strength3–53–62–3 min
Build muscle3–46–121.5–2 min
Health and fitness2–310–151 min

In GymOrbita you log every set and the app suggests the weight for your next session based on what you did last time.

Alternatives

If the machine is busy or you want a variation:

FAQ

Lying or seated?

Both work your hamstrings. The seated version stretches them more; the lying one is the classic.

General technique information, not a substitute for professional advice. If you have an injury or pain, check with a doctor or physiotherapist first.

Add lying leg curl to your routine

GymOrbita has this exercise with its animation: log the weight and reps of every set and track your progress. Free.