
Get an alternative to 7 leg curls
Are you tired of working out the same legs at the gym? Try these 7 leg curl alternatives that not only target hamstrings, but also work your entire lower body.
When it comes to building strong, powerful legs, there is no shortage of movement to choose from. Gym people often rely on classic movements such as leg curls and leg expansion to target specific muscles, especially hamstrings. Although effective, these exercises can put unwanted stress on the knees, especially when performed in heavy weight or poor forms. That’s why it’s important not to rely solely on them. Whether your goal is to gain muscle or strength, there are plenty of equally effective leg curl alternatives. These exercises help strengthen the feet while being gentle on the joints.
What is leg curl exercise?
Lying leg curls are isolated movements that target mainly hamstrings and calf muscles. Including in your lower body workout is a great move, especially if you want to strengthen the back of your thighs. Before you know what leg curl alternatives are, learn how to run it on a machine.
- With your legs fully extended, lie down towards the top of the leg curl machine. Adjust the pads and place them just above the heel and behind the lower limbs.
- Holds the handle or side of the machine for stability. Keep your waist and torso flat on the bench.
- Tighten the core muscles to maintain proper shape and support the lower back.
- Slowly bend your knees and lift your heels towards the glut on your hamstrings.
- To fully engage your hamstrings, hold the upper position for a few seconds and reduce the weight with controls.
Run 3-4 sets of 15 repetitions.

Benefits of leg curl exercise
Strong legs are important as they support our daily activities, such as walking, climbing stairs, and standing for a long time. Leg curls are a great exercise that helps you build that strength. They mainly target your hamstrings, the muscles behind your thighs. According to medical and science research in sports and exercise, strengthening these muscles can lead to improved muscle tension and growth. They also work in calves, especially muscles known as abdominal muscularis. This helps improve balance, mobility and injury prevention. Plus, leg curls are a great addition to your leg day, along with squats and leg presses. However, you can always look for leg curl alternatives.
Side effects of leg curl exercise
There’s a reason to look for leg curl alternatives. Leg curls are safe and effective, but can put strain on your knees and hips, especially if they are inappropriate shapes or too heavy. Fixed movement limits natural joint movement and increases the risk of discomfort and injury. People with existing knee problems can be particularly uncomfortable. Therefore, it is wise to add leg curl alternatives to your daily training routine to avoid stress on the joints and improve more functional movements.
Leg curl alternatives
This exercise works behind the legs, hamstrings and calves, but activates the glute to increase strength. However, many people look for alternatives to leg curls because it can put strain on the knees. Here are 7 exercises you can try:
1. Dumbbell leg curl
- Lie against the bench, holding a dumbbell between his legs.
- Extend your legs completely and flatten your hips against the bench.
- Slowly bend your knees and point the dumbbell towards the glut.
- Pause at the top and squeeze the hamstrings.
- Return the dumbbell to its starting position.
- Repeat 3-4 sets of 12-15 reps on each leg.
2. band bone curl
- Lie on your back with a resistance band looped around your ankle and fixed at a fixed point.
- Keep your feet straight and bend your feet.
- You slowly bend your knees and curl your feet towards the glut and feel the tension in your hamstrings.
- Pause at the top for a moment and squeeze it out.
- Slowly return to the starting position and repeat.
- Run 3-4 sets of 15-20 reps.
3. Barbell deadlift
- Stand apart the barbell on the middle leg with your feet apart and run one of the best leg curl alternatives.
- Bend your hips and knees and grab the barbell with your hands slightly wider than your shoulders.
- Lift your back straight, your chest up and wrap around your core, as you stretch your hips and knees and lift the barbell.
- Push your hips backwards and keep your back straight and lower the barbell.
- Run 3-4 sets of 6-8 reps.
4. Hip thrust
- Place your upper back on the bench and waist and the barbell on the floor with your barbell on it.
- Roll the barbell in place, lay your feet flat on the floor, and hips apart.
- Push your heels, push your hips upwards, squeeze the glut and hamstrings to the top.
- Lower your hips with controlled movements.
- Repeat 3-4 sets of 12-15 persons.
Read again: Do you want lean legs? Try squats, lunges, and active walking.
5. Stability Ball Hamstring Curl
- This is one of the best leg curl alternatives. Lie on your back with your feet with a stable ball and feet straight.
- Lift your hips off the ground to attract glut and nuclei.
- Leave your knees up and bend your knees and roll the ball towards you.
- Once your knees are bent, pause and slowly return the ball to its original state.
- Run 3-4 sets of 12-15 reps.

6. Single Leg Bridge
- Lie down on your back with one knee bent and the other leg stretched out.
- It passes through the heels of your bent legs and lifts your hips off the ground, forming a straight line from your shoulders to your knees.
- Squeeze glut and hamstrings on top.
- Before switching your legs, lower your hips and do it 12-15 times and repeat.
- Run 3-4 sets per leg.
7. Single Leg Deadlift
- Keep your feet apart and hold a dumbbell or kettlebell in one hand.
- Bend your standing legs slightly, rub your hips against your hips, and lower the weight towards the floor.
- Keep your back flat and unlock the core as you carry out these leg curl alternatives by extending your free legs behind.
- Running through the heels of your standing leg will return to your starting position.
- Run 3-4 sets of 8-10 reps on each leg.
So, what are you waiting for? Try these leg curl alternatives and get your overall low health!
Related FAQs
Can I use a resistance band as an alternative to leg curls?
Yes, resistance bands can be used for a variety of hamstring exercises, such as standing hamstring curls and resisted leg curls. They provide resistance and are excellent alternatives to machine-based leg curls.
Can I create strong legs even if I skip curls on my legs?
While leg curls are a popular isolation exercise for hamstrings, other combined exercises such as squats, deadlifts and lunges can also effectively strengthen your feet and hamstrings.