Standing Leg Curl: how to do it and muscles worked

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

Muscles worked

How to do the standing leg curl

  1. 1

    Stand facing the machine, adjust it so your knee lines up with the pivot, and place the pad on the back of your working leg just above the heel.

  2. 2

    Hold the handles, keep your hips square and curl your heel up toward your glute until your knee is bent about 90 degrees or more.

  3. 3

    Squeeze for a moment, then lower slowly over 3 seconds without letting the weight stack touch down. Finish all reps on one leg, then switch.

Form tip: Keep your hips and thigh still and do not arch your lower back to lift the weight.

Common questions

Which muscles does the standing leg curl work?
The standing leg curl mainly works your hamstrings.
What equipment do I need for the standing 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 standing 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.

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