But those lifters that want to isolate one specific muscle, such as the hamstrings, will need an isolation exercise. First, the seated lever machine gives you the option to curl with one leg or both legs. Leg Curl. After achieving full contraction, hold the The cyclist squat, or quad squat, is another leg extension alternative. Getting Stronger: Weight Training for Men and Women; Bill Pearl. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. Substitution #1: Dumbbell Lying Leg Curl sure that the lever pad is on the back of the right leg while the knee of the The machine guides your form without much variance from repetition to repetition, and it forces you to use one precise motion through both phases of the curl. This configuration doesn’t guide your form, forcing you to focus on finding the correct angle for the curl and executing it identically for each repetition. This configuration concentrates the stress of the lift directly on the hamstrings. To a beginner, it may seem like deadlifts target the whole arm and the upper body more, but this simply isn’t true. Swapping out the seated for the standing version every other week allows you to reap the benefits of both machines. Simply lie down on your back with your arms on the ground for stability or crossed over your chest for a little more difficulty. The configuration of the cable machine used for standing curls requires a foot or ankle strap that attaches to a cable and pulley that lifts and lowers stacked weight. Get access to the latest health and fitness insights, tools and special offers to keep your career moving. The deadlift is a common weightlifting exercise. Weights get added to the bar or, if this is a cable machine, the pin can be moved to change the resistance. Adding or removing resistance from the sissy squat is not so easy. Deadlifts are a great alternative to the leg curl for a few reasons. Reverse lunges are actually real lunges. The important aspect of this exercise is your back leg. 13 Seated & Lying Leg Curl Alternatives (You Can Do at Home) Leg Press Vs Hack Squat: The Quest For Maximum Quadriceps Hypertrophy. Here is the how-to: Stand with your feet shoulder width apart, while … But, to keep it simple, this exercise is a good leg extension alternative for several reasons: ... Leg Extension Alternative #6: Standing Leg Extension. You’ll actually be lying supine, holding onto the barbell during this movement so your forearms are added to the list of muscles worked. Athletes and advanced lifters may find that the variance available with the standing version provides a more thorough exercise. You don’t curl the weight directly off the ground in the same way you would with biceps curls. If you’re going to be standing in a queue to use any machine at the gym, it’s likely to be the leg curl machine. Also known as the leg curl or the natural glute-ham raise, the Nordic hamstring curl is one of the best exercises to strengthen your hamstrings.You can perform this exercise with a partner or with the help of some simple equipment. Why is the Reverse Nordic Curl a Good Leg Extension Substitute? When looking for the best leg curl alternatives, the lateral squats are always the top choice for all fitness enthusiasts. raising the other leg from the pad. position for one second. About Brian Ward. You are not going to use a lot of weight in this exercise, but it will heat your adductor muscles (the inside of your thigh) more than any other. Serious Strength Training; Tudor O. Bompa, et al. Strength Training Anatomy; Frédéric Delavier, Privacy Notice/Your California Privacy Rights. The leg curl specifically targets the hamstrings, but due to the mechanics of the form, it’s a lift that must be performed with a machine, not free weights. The best standing leg curl alternatives are exercises that will simulate both hamstring flexion and hip extension. Also, deadlifts work on your abs, glutes, and posterior trap muscles. All rights reserved. The forgotten exercise of old-school bodybuilding. His work has been published by the Santa Fe Writers Project, "DASH Literary Journal," the "Inland Valley Daily Bulletin" and WiseGEEK. Think of it as the dumbbell leg curl. Standing Hamstring Curl. The other distinct difference is muscle engagement. First, they target your hamstrings, just like the leg curl. standing leg curl by stacking lighter weights on the leg curl machine and He has been lifting weights & writing about fitness for over 5 years. Place the pulley on the lowest height setting and attach the ankle strap to your leg. and stretch your legs fully with the torso bent. Single Leg Hip Thrusts You work on one leg while being supported by the other leg. 5. One benefit of these is that you only need a set of dumbbells and does not require any special machines or other equipment. The standing version engages a broader network of muscles in your legs, back and neck to keep you upright. Using the ankle attachments allows you to try an even wider variety of exercises on the functional trainer machine. Variability adds another wrinkle, in that you don’t have to choose one over the other permanently. Face the machine and extend your leg behind you to really target your hamstrings and glutes. Alternative Reverse Lunges. The range of motion for the sissy squat is a bit longer if you touch your hamstrings to your calves. It can be included in your leg routine or performed as a part of your overall workout routine. Attach a resistance band at knee height to an immovable object in front of you. These leg curl alternatives can be done at the gym or even at home in some cases. Standing Leg Curls. left leg is on the machine pad. Move your right leg back to the initial position and This exercise is sometimes referred to as the reverse leg curl or kneeling leg curl, but for this exercise you’ll need a workout buddy around to hold your feet or you can anchor your feet under a weighted barbell or anything else that is stable. Your feet are placed close together and your heels are raised. Why People Do Leg Curl Alternatives One of the main reasons is some people prefer to do their workouts at home rather than getting a gym membership. Leg Curl Exercise Information. Here’s how to do it: Start in a kneeling position with your feet anchored down firmly. The standing hamstring curl is a bodyweight exercise that tones your hamstring muscles. This exercise is not always the easiest for many people -- your hamstrings and ankles might not be accustomed to lifting heavy objects. adjusting the height of the lever. Read Next. Hold the side handles of the leg curl machine Leg curls target the hamstrings on the upper backs of the legs and the glutes of your buttocks. There are three versions of the leg curl, lying, standing, and seated. This is a very basic abdominal workout that has evolved over time to include different isolating movements and contractions. Popular for building strong and shapely hamstrings, the leg curl machine never goes astray in any serious lower body workout regime. Each form of the leg curl presents two distinct differences based on the available equipment. © 2019 www.azcentral.com. We’ll discuss the pros and cons of leg curls (and alternative leg curl options) in detail shortly. We could go on for some time about the benefits of the reverse Nordic curl. The standing leg curl or the single leg hamstring leg curl is a variation of the basic leg curl and a resistance exercise used for strengthening your hamstrings, calves, and butt. Single Leg Romanian Deadlift The single leg Romanian deadlift is another great alternative hamsting exercise to leg curls. Leg Curl Alternatives Now we’ve seen some variations on the traditional leg curl, let’s look at some alternative movements that will stimulate your hamstrings and posterior chain through a mixture of different stimuli and angles. Top 10 Lower-Body Exercises for Women to Do at the Gym. But, because stopping the movement kills off momentum completely, you will get the main benefit a preacher curl. The leg curl is a popular machine at commercial gyms that many people use, and nearly every training program involves one of the variations of the leg curl. If you want to build or tone the inner thighs, the lateral squat is your friend. Lie on the machine, It’s an ideal workout for improving balance and leg strength. Does the Seated Leg Curl Give You Bigger Calves? Also, there are machines that aid in carrying out a leg curl, and this makes it more fun. You’ll actually be lying supine, holding onto the barbell during this movement so your forearms are added to the list of muscles worked. Conquering Kilimanjaro: Q&A with Sara Sampaio on Her Hike to the Top of Africa’s Tallest Mountain. Make What is the Best Standing Leg Curl Alternative? Set up for the Standing Leg Curl. Alternative dynamic hamstring exercises include standing long jumps, squat jumps, band pull-throughs and power cleans. 5 Leg Machine Alternatives to Tone Your Legs The Path. This lying leg curl substitute can easily be done by utilizing a dumbbell. The mechanics that provide the resistance are similar, but the machine is free form, requiring you to brace yourself against the machine or the wall while balancing on one foot and curling with the opposite leg. Leg raises have as many variations as ice cream has flavors. The leg curl specifically targets the hamstrings, but due to the mechanics of the form, it’s a lift that must be performed with a machine, not free weights. Single-leg deadlifts, Romanian deadlifts, kettlebell swings and a horse stance are four great exercises for alternatives to … The standing leg extension is more easily loaded, which means it's easier to make the exercise lighter or heavier. Your email address will not be published. Alternative: Floor hamstring raise, barbell stiff leg deadlift The standing leg curl or the single leg hamstring leg curl is a variation of the basic leg curl and a resistance exercise used for strengthening your hamstrings, calves, and butt. An alternative to the seated leg curl, the lying leg curl will work the hamstrings, glutes, shines, and calves. The decision of which leg curl machine is best depends on your goals. The exercise is done using a resistance band or a cable machine. Attach the other end of the band to your left ankle. The most standard way to do a leg curl is through a leg curl machine, which is an investment most people don’t want to make for their home gym. Curl the right leg up without If you like Good Mornings or barbell work in general, another leg curl alternative would be the stiff legged deadlift (sometimes called the Romanian deadlift). Here, we will list the best leg curl alternative exercises and how to do them correctly. The Nordic hamstring curl is a versatile exercise that can help you build bigger, stronger legs! repeat with the left leg. You have two broad options for leg curl machines -- seated or standing -- and the type that’s best for your program depends on several factors. © 2021 (101Exercise.com). This one is more of an alternative to regular biceps curl than to a preacher curl. If you are getting tired of doing the same old leg curls for you hamstring, the good news is that you can still tone the hamstring, the glutes, and the entire leg by engaging in alternative exercises. Brian Ward is a fitness writer, founder & editor of TheWorkoutDigest. Exercise 5: Lying Leg Raises. The preacher curl is a great bicep isolation workout. The Leg curl has many variations, such a the lying leg curl machine, and the seated leg curl machine. … Alternative Names: Lying leg curl, prone leg curl, hamstring leg curl, pronated leg curl Type: Strength Experience Level: Beginner Equipment: Machine Muscles Targeted: Hamstrings Mechanics: Isolation Average Number of Sets: 3-4 with 10-15 reps each Variations: Seated, standing, stability ball, dumbbell, and banded leg curls Alternative: Deadlift, glute-ham raise Tags: leg exercises. For the standing leg curl, here you get to work on your legs one after the one. This is one of the most convenient of all the leg curl alternatives. Your email address will not be published. All rights reserved. Athletes perform this exercise to increase their balance and strength thereby improving sports performance. It can be included in your leg routine or performed as a part of your overall workout routine. The seated leg curl machine is a rigid, lever-activated apparatus that uses stacked weight plates to provide counterbalanced resistance. You have two broad options for leg curl machines -- seated or standing -- and the type that’s best for your program depends on several factors. The leg curl is the easiest option for targeting the hamstrings. Spending too much on leg machines, such as the leg curl and leg extension station, is not an efficient or effective way to train. The Nordic Hamstring Curl. Jupiterimages/Brand X Pictures/Getty Images. Bobby R. Goldsmith is a writer and editor with over 12 years of experience in journalism, marketing and academics. You will then certainly ace at this leg curl alternative! Standing leg curl; If you’re not sure exactly which machine at your gym is used for leg curls, here is an image of a traditional lying leg curl machine: What Muscles Do Leg Curls Work? It also helps improve lower back strength, abs, and glutes; benefits that using a leg curl machine won’t be able to provide. facing forward and bending at your waist at an angle of 30-45 degrees. This setup includes a flat bench to lie down on with a levered lifting bar at the end. If you are new to the routine, I recommended starting with just your bodyweight. The seated version allows you to focus entirely on the hamstrings, as the machine provides all necessary balance and support. Alternative Exercises to Leg Curls. Performing standing leg curls at home will help increase your thigh strength and overall balance. Shop: Exercise Mat. Those who want to focus on improving power or endurance for the hamstrings, or who are rehabilitating a hamstring injury, will find that the seated version allows them to concentrate on a narrow fitness goal much more efficiently. A leg curl can be done while lying down, standing, and even while seated. The standing version requires you to focus only on one leg at a time. The standing hamstring curl primarily targets your hamstrings, as well as your abs as you stabilize your body. Buttock Lift. One of the best alternatives to using the leg curl machine when it comes to training your hamstrings is the stiff-legged deadlifts. It isolates the back of the thigh very well with minimal involvement of any other muscle group. There are alternatives to leg curls … While the gliding leg curl doesn’t require a standard leg curl machine, it does require a barbell with multiple pin attachments and a standard weight bench. 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