Exercise Library / Standing Hamstring Curl
Standing Hamstring Curl
The standing hamstring curl bends one knee while you stand.
Strength TrainingWhat this exercise does
The standing hamstring curl bends one knee while you stand. It strengthens the back of the thigh and builds balance on the standing leg.
At a glance
- Body part
- Legs – Thighs
- Muscles worked
- Hamstrings
- Experience
- Beginner
- Equipment
- No Equipment
How to do it
- Stand tall holding a counter or chair back with both hands.
- Bend your right knee and lift your heel toward your buttock.
- Keep your thighs side by side, with your knee pointing down.
- Hold for a second.
- Lower slowly. Do 8 to 10 reps, then switch legs.
Common mistakes
- Leaning forward.
- Letting the knee swing forward.
- Swinging the leg.
Make it easier or harder
Make it easier
Hold with both hands and lift only partway.
Make it harder
Hold on with one hand, or add an ankle weight.
Keep it safe
Hold something sturdy. If the back of your thigh cramps, stop and rest.
Related exercises
Leg Curl
- Type
- Strength Training
- Body area
- Legs – Thighs
- Experience
- Intermediate
- Equipment
- Weight Machines
TRX Hamstring Curl
- Type
- Strength Training
- Body area
- Legs – Thighs
- Experience
- Intermediate
- Equipment
- TRX / Suspension
Bodyweight Squat
- Type
- Strength Training
- Body area
- Legs – Thighs
- Experience
- Beginner
- Equipment
- No Equipment
Lunge
- Type
- Strength Training
- Body area
- Legs – Thighs
- Experience
- Beginner
- Equipment
- No Equipment, Dumbbells
Step-Up
- Type
- Strength Training
- Body area
- Legs – Thighs
- Experience
- Beginner
- Equipment
- No Equipment, Dumbbells +1
