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Hamstrings

Seated leg curl: how to do it right

In the seated leg curl you bend your knees down against a roller. The seated position stretches your hamstrings a lot.

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

Step by step

  1. Adjust the backrest so your knees line up with the pivot.
  2. Place the lower roller behind your ankles and lower the thigh pad.
  3. Bend your knees, bringing your heels down and back.
  4. Return slowly until your legs are almost straight.

Tip: Leaning slightly forward stretches your hamstrings more.

Common mistakes

Loose thigh pad

Tighten the thigh pad so your thighs don't lift.

Going fast

Control the return.

Knees misaligned

Adjust the backrest to line up your knees with the pivot.

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

Is it better than the lying version?

It works your hamstrings in a more stretched position, which helps build muscle. Both are good.

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

Add seated 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.