Seated leg curl
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Muscles worked
- High load
- Hamstrings · Knee flexion
- Low load
- Calves
Primary muscles
Secondary muscles
How to do it
Sit with the back against the pad, the knee joint lined up with the machine's pivot, and the lap pad locked down firmly. Curl the heels down and back, pause briefly at full contraction, then let the legs extend under control for the stretch — this position gives a longer hamstring stretch than the lying version. Keep the hips still and never let the weight snap you back into extension.
Form cues
- Longer hamstring stretch than the lying version
- Pause at full contraction
Safety
Talk to a professional before this exercise if you have any of the following:
Knee
This is general exercise reference, not medical advice. Stop and consult a qualified professional if an exercise causes pain, and never work through joint pain.