Standing Leg Curls
Standing leg curls involve a similar motion to that of the
lying variation.
The benefit here, of course, is that you are able to train each leg individually. Start by leaning over the bench while placing one leg in position behind the support pads. Grab the sides of the bench for support and remember to keep your back straight. Then, bend your knee to curl your leg upwards and lift the weight.
Continue the upwards motion until the lower part of your leg is about parallel to the floor, then return to the starting position slowly and under control.
Tips
* This exercise mainly works the hamstrings, although the calves also contribute to the movement somewhat. By flexing or pointing your toes however, you can increase or decrease the involvement of the calf muscles, respectively.
* As previously mentioned, the advantage to this exercise over the
lying version
is that you are able to work one leg at a time. Not only is a balance in overall strength between the quadriceps and hamstrings important in preventing injuries, but a balance between these two respective muscle groups on each individual leg must be achieved as well. If there is no balance between the strength of the muscle groups of each leg, the problem will only get worse over time and an injury is likely.
Return from Standing Leg Curls to view more exercises for the Legs
Return to Home Workout Routines
|
