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Last updated March 2, 2026
AdductorsCalvesHamstringsQuadriceps
Leg Curl - Lying (Machine)
Lie face down. Curl your heels towards your glutes. Keep your hips pressed firmly into the pad to prevent your lower back from taking over.
Quick facts
- Level
- Beginner
- Mechanic
- Isolation
- Force
- Pull
- Type
- Strength
- Injury Risk
- Low
- Hypertrophy
- High
- Calorie Burn
- Low-Medium
Muscle focus
Primary and secondary muscle groups targeted by this movement.
Primary
Hamstrings
Secondary
Calves
Equipment & setup
What you need and how to position yourself before starting.
Equipment
Weight Machines / Selectorized
Movement pattern
Bilateral
Posture
Lying
Tracking parameters
repsweight
Step-by-step instructions
Follow these cues to master proper technique and stay safe through every rep.
- Step 1Setup
- Adjust the machine so that the pad is positioned just above your ankles.
- Lie down on your stomach on the machine, ensuring your knees are just off the edge of the bench.
- Step 2Position Your Legs
- Place your legs straight out behind you, with your feet resting against the padded lever.
- Make sure your hips are pressed against the bench and your body is aligned.
- Step 3Adjust the Machine
- Set the weight on the machine according to your fitness level.
- Ensure that the machine is properly adjusted for your height to avoid any strain.
- Step 4Engage Your Core
- Tighten your core muscles to stabilize your body during the movement.
- Keep your head and neck in a neutral position, looking down at the floor.
- Step 5Perform the Curl
- Flex your knees to lift the padded lever towards your glutes, squeezing your hamstrings at the top of the movement.
- Keep your hips down and avoid lifting them off the bench.
- Step 6Lower the Weight
- Slowly lower the padded lever back to the starting position, fully extending your legs.
- Control the movement to avoid any sudden drops that could cause injury.
- Step 7Repeat
- Perform the desired number of repetitions while maintaining proper form throughout each rep.
- Step 8Finish the Exercise
- After completing your reps, carefully exit the machine.
- Ensure to adjust the machine back to its original settings for the next user.
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