Hamstring curls strengthen the hamstring muscle in the back of the thigh and can be performed with or without equipment. Different variations are available, including using elastic tubes or dumbbells, and caution should be taken to avoid injury. Machines may better target the hamstring muscle, but other forms of resistance may be better for sculpting lean and toned thighs.
A hamstring curl is an exercise that strengthens the hamstring muscle found at the back of the thigh. Using a machine, sports equipment, or just gravity for resistance, one leg is bent in such a way that the heel is bent toward the buttocks. The hamstring muscles are used for walking, running, and jumping, so athletes of all levels benefit from hamstring exercises. A hamstring curl is also an important part of a leg workout to sculpt the muscles for cosmetic reasons.
In its purest form, a hamstring curl is performed without any weight. The person performing the hamstring curl stands with their feet shoulder-width apart, holding on to a table or wall for support. Shift your weight onto one foot and, keeping your knees together, bend one knee. When your shin is parallel to the floor, you hold the position for a minute before repeating on the other leg.
Many variations of the basic hamstring curl are available with minimal gym equipment required. If the basic leg bend becomes too easy, elastic tubes can be inserted around both ankles to provide additional resistance. The same general movement can be performed while lying on the floor with a dumbbell gripped between your ankles. Exercise ball fans can perform a variation of the hamstring curl while lying on their back with their feet placed on the ball.
There are three main types of leg curl machines that strengthen the hamstrings and quadriceps. These leg exercises can be performed in a sitting, standing, or lying position, depending on the machine. The weights that provide resistance against the calf can be adjusted as the performer bends their leg a little more than ninety degrees. The pivot point can also be adjusted on most machines based on height to provide the most efficient leg workout possible.
Most athletes practice hamstring curls as part of their regular strength training program. The hamstring muscle provides power when running, jumping, and lunging. Precautions should be taken against straining the hamstring muscle during overly zealous leg curl sessions. Although machines may better target the hamstring muscle, other forms of resistance carry less risk of injury.
Depending on your goals, hamstring curls on machines may not be the best option for those interested in sculpting thigh muscles. If well-defined, rock-hard thighs are ideal, then hamstring curls on machines are the best option. If the goal is to have lean and toned thighs, the isometric hamstring curl exercise may be a better option.
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