Standing Leg Curl

Adjust the machine lever to fit your height and lie with your torso bent at the waist facing forward around 30-45 degrees (since an angled position is more favorable for hamstrings recruitment) with the pad of the lever on the back of your right leg (just a few inches under the calves) and the front of the right leg on top of the machine pad. Keeping the torso bent forward, ensure your leg is fully stretched and grab the side handles of the machine. Position your toes straight. This will be your starting position. As you exhale, curl your right leg up as far as possible without lifting the upper leg from the pad. Once you hit the fully contracted position, hold it for a second.

Standing Leg Curl primarily trains the hamstrings. The exact demand depends on your setup, range, and chosen load.

Rehearse the setup with a manageable load or easy variation. Follow the exercise-specific steps below through a controlled range. Repeat the same setup each set and stop when you lose control of the movement.

Related options include Seated Leg Curl, Lying Leg Curls, Calf Press. These can have different equipment, range, and movement demands. Open the guides below to compare the setups before choosing a replacement.