Back to Library

Exercise Guide

How to do resistance band leg curl

Master the setup, range of motion, and tempo for safer, more effective reps.

This exercise provides a way to train the hamstrings without heavy machinery. By looping a band around an anchor and your ankles, you perform knee flexion to contract the back of the legs. The resistance increases as you curl, providing a peak contraction that is difficult to replicate with free weights. It is excellent for home workouts, rehabilitation, and improving muscle endurance.

Stats

TIER
3
DIFFICULTY
Untrained to Advanced
EQUIPMENT
Resistance Band
TARGET MUSCLES
Hamstrings

Instructions for Proper Form

Setup:

  1. Lying position: Lie on your stomach with your legs extended.
  2. Band Placement: Secure one end of a resistance band to a stable anchor point and loop the other end around your ankle.
  3. Engage your core: Tighten your core to help stabilize your body throughout the movement.

The Lift:

  1. Initiate the curl: Contract your hamstring and bend your knee, bringing your heel towards your glutes against the resistance of the band.
  2. Squeeze at the top: Pause briefly at the top of the movement and squeeze your hamstring.
  3. Controlled Lowering: Slowly lower your heel back to the starting position in a controlled manner, maintaining tension in the hamstring.
  4. Repeat: Perform the desired number of repetitions, then switch legs.

Tips:

  • Focus on your hamstring: Concentrate on the feeling of your hamstring muscle working throughout the movement.
  • Slight Hip Lift: You may find you can engage your hamstrings better by slightly lifting your hips off the floor.
  • Variations: Experiment with different foot positions like toes pointed or toes flexed to slightly shift the emphasis within the hamstrings.

Common mistakes: Not maintaining tension on the band throughout the entire range and jerky movements instead of controlled reps.

Alternatives

Leg Curl

seated leg curl

Hamstrings
Barbell

barbell deadlift

HamstringsGlutes
Barbell

barbell romanian deadlift

HamstringsGlutes
Bench

reverse hyper on bench

HamstringsGlutes
None

good morning

Hamstrings
Resistance Band

resistance band leg curl

Hamstrings
None

sliding floor bridge curl on towel

HamstringsGlutes
Landmine

landmine romanian deadlift

HamstringsGlutes
Kettlebell

kettlebell deadlift

HamstringsGlutes+1
Barbell

dumbbell deadlift

HamstringsGlutes+1
Kettlebell

kettlebell one arm legged deadlift

HamstringsGlutes+1
Kettlebell

kettlebell suitcase deadlift

HamstringsGlutes+1
Lying Leg Curl

machine lying leg curl

Hamstrings
Dumbbell

dumbbell romanian deadlift

HamstringsGlutes
Barbell

barbell sumo deadlift

HamstringsGlutes
Barbell

barbell stiff-leg deadlift

HamstringsGlutes
Barbell

barbell sumo romanian deadlift

HamstringsGlutes