Seated leg curl

Seated leg curl machine

Also called seated hamstring curl

Sit in the machine with the thigh pad across the lower thighs. Curl the lever down under the thighs, then return slowly.

Movement

Main movers get full credit for a set, helpers half.

Lower body

Scores 1-5 averaged over sources. Tap a rating for the claims behind it. Claims are our summaries of the linked sources, fact-checked by AI.

Muscle growth higher is better4.0
Very good; among the better picks for the muscle. 2 sources.
- 4/5 A to S depending on the machine; best for hamstrings thanks to hip-flexed stretch and a good thigh pad. Renaissance Periodization, Every Gym Machine Ranked by Exercise Scientists @ 48:52videoExpert opinion2025checked by AI
- 4/5 Knee-dominant work best builds lower hamstrings, so it belongs in the weekly routine; point toes away to cut calf help. Jeremy Ethier, 4 “Must Do” Exercises You’re Doing WRONG (Less Gains, More Injury) @ 4:05videoExpert opinion2019checked by AI
Injury risk lower is better3.0
Moderate; needs attention to form or load. 1 source.
- 3/5 As fatigue builds the hips are locked so the butt rises and low back arches, causing next-day back soreness; go lighter or stop short of failure. Jeremy Ethier, 4 “Must Do” Exercises You’re Doing WRONG (Less Gains, More Injury) @ 6:08videoExpert opinion2019checked by AI