Seated Leg Curl
A beginner isolation strength exercise that works the hamstrings, using a machine.
Starting position
End position
How to Do Seated Leg Curl
- Adjust the machine lever to fit your height and sit on the machine with your back against the back support pad.
- Place 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.
- As 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.
- Slowly return to the starting position as you breathe in.
- Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.
Muscles Worked
Alternatives to Seated Leg Curl
10 movements that train the same primary muscle, closest substitutes first — same kind of training, then variations of the movement itself, then a similar difficulty.
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1
Ball Leg Curl
A beginner isolation strength exercise that works the hamstrings, using an exercise ball.
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2
Seated Band Hamstring Curl
A beginner isolation strength exercise that works the hamstrings.
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3
Standing Leg Curl
A beginner isolation strength exercise that works the hamstrings, using a machine.
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4
Lying Leg Curls
A beginner isolation strength exercise that works the hamstrings, using a machine.
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5
Platform Hamstring Slides
A beginner isolation strength exercise that works the hamstrings.
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6
Prone Manual Hamstring
A beginner isolation strength exercise that works the hamstrings.
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7
Stiff-Legged Dumbbell Deadlift
A beginner compound strength exercise that works the hamstrings, using dumbbells.
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8
Smith Machine Stiff-Legged Deadlift
A beginner compound strength exercise that works the hamstrings, using a machine.
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9
Alternating Hang Clean
An intermediate compound strength exercise that works the hamstrings, using a kettlebell.
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10
Deadlifts
The deadlift is a fundamental compound exercise that builds strength across the entire posterior chain. It's one of the best movements for developing raw strength, muscle mass, and functional fitness.
Frequently Asked Questions
What muscles do seated leg curl work?
Seated Leg Curl primarily works the hamstrings.
What equipment do I need for seated leg curl?
Seated Leg Curl uses machines.
Seated Leg Curl: is it suitable for beginners?
Yes. Seated Leg Curl is rated beginner. Movements you can learn in a session, with a low skill floor and a forgiving failure mode.
What can I do instead of seated leg curl?
Ball Leg Curl, Seated Band Hamstring Curl, Standing Leg Curl train the same primary muscles and are listed with 7 more alternatives above.
Can Fitnit count my seated leg curl reps automatically?
Not automatically yet. Fitnit's AI rep counting covers push-ups, squats, dumbbell curls, crunches and pull-ups today; seated leg curl can be logged manually in the app, and tracked movements are added over time.
Photographs and step-by-step instructions from free-exercise-db, a public-domain exercise dataset. Muscle mapping and alternatives by Fitnit.
Track Your Seated Leg Curl with AI
Fitnit automatically tracks push-ups, crunches, squats, pull-ups, and curls with advanced body tracking technology — and you can manually input any other workout too. Start free — Pro is $8.99/month.