Legs·Machine·Isolation
Seated Leg Curl
Hamstrings · Machine
Beginner
Body Part
Legs
Equipment
Machine
Level
Beginner
Type
Isolation
Force
Pull
The Seated Leg Curl is a beginner machine exercise that primarily targets the Hamstrings.
Muscles Worked
In Position


How to Do the Seated Leg Curl
- 1Adjust the machine lever to fit your height and sit on the machine with your back against the back support pad.
- 2Place the back of lower leg on top of padded lever (just a few inches under the calves) and secure the lap pad against your thighs, just above the knees. Then grasp the side handles on the machine as you point your toes straight (or you can also use any of the other two stances) and ensure that the legs are fully straight right in front of you. This will be your starting position.
- 3As you exhale, pull the machine lever as far as possible to the back of your thighs by flexing at the knees. Keep your torso stationary at all times. Hold the contracted position for a second.
- 4Slowly return to the starting position as you breathe in.
- 5Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.
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Exercise data from the open-source Free Exercise DB. Library last reviewed June 22, 2026 · How these guides are written