Primary
Hamstrings
Secondary
Calves
Equipment
Machine
Difficulty
Beginner
Type
Pull
See how Single Leg Lying Curl could fit a workout
The example below shows one possible placement. Your purchased plan is built from your assessment, and Ely checks every exercise before approving it.
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This page is not medical advice or a rehabilitation protocol. Ely's personal review applies to purchased workout plans and does not replace an in-person assessment by a licensed healthcare professional.
The single leg lying curl trains one hamstring at a time on the lying leg curl machine, allowing you to identify and correct strength imbalances between legs. Working unilaterally ensures each hamstring does its full share of work without the stronger leg compensating. This builds more balanced hamstring development.
When to use it
Use for unilateral hamstring isolation work.
Who it's for
All levels wanting to fix imbalances.
Position only one leg under the pad and let the other leg rest. Curl the working leg fully while keeping your hips flat on the pad. Complete all reps on one side before switching. Start with your weaker leg and match reps on the stronger side.
Browse all hamstrings exercises
Also targets: Calves
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Lie face down on leg curl machine.
Position pad on one ankle only.
Keep other leg relaxed or off pad.
Curl working heel toward glutes.
Squeeze hamstring at peak contraction.
Lower with control then switch legs.
Great for addressing muscle imbalances.
Focus on each hamstring individually.
Dont compensate with hip rotation.
Program single leg lying curls when you notice strength imbalances between legs, when you want focused unilateral work, or for variety from bilateral curls. Use them for moderate reps. They pair well with bilateral hip hinge movements.
Lifting hips during the curl.
Losing hip position during the Single Leg Lying Curl changes the loading pattern and can reduce the intended work for your Hamstrings (biceps femoris). Keep your hips aligned with the setup cues and move only through the range you can control.
Rotating body to assist movement.
On a lower-body pulling movement like the Single Leg Lying Curl, this mistake changes the intended joint path and can reduce tension on your Hamstrings (biceps femoris). Keep the working leg stable and move through a controlled range.
Not achieving full range of motion.
Cutting the range of motion short on the Single Leg Lying Curl can reduce the training stimulus for your Hamstrings (biceps femoris). Use the largest comfortable range you can control without changing the intended setup.
All levels wanting to fix imbalances.
Lower reps with heavier weight builds raw strength. Your muscles and nervous system adapt to handle more load over time. This range is best for strength-focused goals.
This rep range keeps your muscles under tension long enough to trigger growth. Most people see the best muscle-building results in this zone. It balances strength and muscle size.
Higher reps with lighter weight builds muscular endurance and improves conditioning. This range is good for joint health and building work capacity.
General guideline: 3 sets of 10-12 reps per leg. Rest 45 seconds.
This is one example of how Single Leg Lying Curl could sit inside a complete workout. Your plan may use different movements after Ely checks your assessment.
Sample workout
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Frequently Asked Questions About the Single Leg Lying Curl
The Single Leg Lying Curl primarily targets the Hamstrings (biceps femoris), making it an effective exercise for hamstrings development. Secondary muscles worked during the Single Leg Lying Curl include Gastrocnemius, providing additional training stimulus. Stabilizer muscles engaged include Core.
Yes, the Single Leg Lying Curl is an excellent choice for beginners due to its straightforward movement pattern and lower technical demands. All levels wanting to fix imbalances. Start with lighter weights to master proper form before progressing.
For the Single Leg Lying Curl, the recommended approach depends on your goals. 3 sets of 10-12 reps per leg. Rest 45 seconds. For strength, use 6-8 reps. For muscle growth, perform 10-12 reps. For endurance, complete 15-20 reps.
The Single Leg Lying Curl typically requires a machine, which most home gyms don't have. For a home-friendly alternative targeting the same muscles, check the variations section above.
Good alternatives to the Single Leg Lying Curl include: Lying Leg Curl, Standing Leg Curl, Cable Leg Curl. These exercises target similar muscle groups as the Single Leg Lying Curl and can be used as substitutes based on your equipment availability, gym setup, or training preferences.