Lever Kneeling Leg Curl

An isolation exercise for the hamstrings. The kneeling position allows for a better stretch and isolation of each leg individually.

Exercise Details

Level: Beginner
Body Area: lower
Type: pull

Required Equipment

Leverage Machine

Target Muscle Groups

Primary

Hamstrings

Secondary

Glutes

Setup

Kneel on the machine's pad and place one leg under the lever arm. Support your upper body on the armrests.

Instructions

1. Curl the lever toward your glute.
2. Squeeze the hamstring at the top.
3. Slowly lower the lever to the start.
4. Keep your hips stable and pressed into the pad.
5. Repeat on the other leg.

Common Mistakes

1. Arching the back.
2. Using momentum.
3. Lifting the knee off the pad.

Alternative Exercises

Sumo Squat

Beginner / Bodyweight-only / Glutes / squat

A wide-stance squat variation. It shifts the emphasis to the adductors and glutes while improving hip mobility.

Toe Touch Sit

Beginner / Bodyweight-only / Hamstrings / isolation

A core exercise targeting the rectus abdominis and hip flexors. It improves abdominal strength and hamstring flexibility.

Static Lunge Kick

Beginner / Bodyweight-only / Glutes / lunge

Combines lower-body strength with explosive power and balance. It targets the quads and glutes while challenging the core.

Sumo Deadlift

Intermediate / Barbell / Hamstrings / hinge

A deadlift variation that targets the glutes and adductors. The wide stance allows for a more upright torso, making it ideal for those with long limbs.

Sumo Deadlift High Pull

Intermediate / Barbell / Hamstrings / pull

An explosive full-body movement that combines a wide-stance deadlift with an upright row. It develops power in the posterior chain and shoulders.

Smith Sumo Squat

Beginner / Smith Machine / Glutes / squat

A squat variation with a wide stance that emphasizes the adductors (inner thighs) and glutes. The fixed bar path helps maintain balance in this wide position.

Sled Wide Hack Squat

Beginner / Sled Machine / Glutes / squat

A wide-stance hack squat that shifts focus toward the adductors and gluteus maximus. The stable sled allows for a safe, controlled wide-stance movement.