Seated Leg Curl: how to do it and muscles worked

The seated leg curl mainly works your hamstrings. You need a gym machine.

Muscles worked

How to do the seated leg curl

  1. 1

    Sit on the machine with your back against the pad, adjust it so your knees line up with the machine pivot, and set the pad above your heels.

  2. 2

    Lock the thigh pad down and curl your heels back and under the seat by bending your knees as far as you can.

  3. 3

    Squeeze your hamstrings for a second, then let the pad rise slowly over 3 seconds back to straight legs. Exhale while curling, inhale on the way up.

Form tip: Do not rock your torso or yank the weight; keep your back flat on the pad and the movement smooth.

Common questions

Which muscles does the seated leg curl work?
The seated leg curl mainly works your hamstrings.
What equipment do I need for the seated leg curl?
You need a gym machine.
How many sets and reps should I do?
A common starting point is 2 to 4 sets of 8 to 12 controlled reps, with a weight that leaves a couple of reps in reserve. Adjust it to your goal and experience, and stop if something hurts.
How do I track the seated leg curl in SweatByte?
Add it to a routine or a workout. Log the weight and reps for each set. SweatByte shows your last session's numbers on every set, so you know what to beat.

More hamstrings exercises

General information, not medical advice. Learn the movement with light weight first, and see a doctor or physiotherapist if you have an injury or pain. More guides in Learn.

Seated Leg Curl: how to do it and muscles worked · SweatByte