Primary
Hamstrings
Secondary
Calves, Core
Equipment
Machine
Difficulty
Beginner
Type
Pull
See how Standing Single Leg 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 standing single leg curl uses a dedicated standing leg curl machine to train one hamstring at a time. Standing upright with your working leg hooked behind the pad, you curl your heel toward your glute while maintaining good posture. This unilateral approach ensures each hamstring does its full share of work.
When to use it
Use to address hamstring imbalances or add variety to leg day.
Who it's for
All levels seeking unilateral hamstring isolation.
Stand tall holding the machine handles for balance. Hook your working ankle behind the curl pad. Curl your heel toward your glute while keeping your hips square and avoiding forward lean. Complete all reps on one side before switching.
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Stand facing the machine and hook one ankle behind the pad.
Hold the handles firmly for balance and stability.
Keep your standing leg slightly bent with core engaged.
Curl your working leg by flexing the knee fully.
Squeeze hamstring at the top and hold briefly.
Lower with control and repeat before switching legs.
Stand tall throughout the movement.
Avoid swinging or using momentum to lift.
Focus on mind-muscle connection with hamstring.
Keep hips square and avoid rotation.
Program standing single leg curls to address hamstring imbalances, for unilateral isolation, or when the standing position feels more comfortable than lying. Use moderate reps. They pair well with bilateral hip hinge movements.
Leaning forward excessively during the curl.
On a lower-body pulling movement like the Standing Single Leg 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.
Using momentum to swing the weight up.
Bouncing or using momentum during the Standing Single Leg Curl makes the movement harder to control and can shift work away from your Hamstrings (biceps femoris). Use a load you can move smoothly through the intended range.
Not achieving full range of motion.
Cutting the range of motion short on the Standing Single Leg Curl can reduce the training stimulus for your Hamstrings (biceps femoris). Use the largest comfortable range you can control without changing the intended setup.
Rushing through repetitions.
Rushing through the Standing Single Leg Curl makes it easier to lose position and harder to keep tension on your Hamstrings (biceps femoris). Slow down enough to control both the lifting and lowering portions of each rep.
All levels seeking unilateral hamstring isolation.
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: 3-4 sets of 12-15 reps per leg. Rest 45-60 seconds.
This is one example of how Standing Single Leg 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 Standing Single Leg Curl
The Standing Single Leg Curl primarily targets the Hamstrings (biceps femoris), making it an effective exercise for hamstrings development. Secondary muscles worked during the Standing Single Leg Curl include Gastrocnemius, providing additional training stimulus. Stabilizer muscles engaged include Core, Standing leg.
Yes, the Standing Single Leg Curl is an excellent choice for beginners due to its straightforward movement pattern and lower technical demands. All levels seeking unilateral hamstring isolation. Start with lighter weights to master proper form before progressing.
For the Standing Single Leg Curl, the recommended approach depends on your goals. 3-4 sets of 12-15 reps per leg. Rest 45-60 seconds. For strength, use 6-8 reps per leg. For muscle growth, perform 10-15 reps per leg. For endurance, complete 15-20 reps per leg.
The Standing Single Leg 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 Standing Single Leg Curl include: Lying Leg Curl, Seated Leg Curl, Cable Single Leg Curl. These exercises target similar muscle groups as the Standing Single Leg Curl and can be used as substitutes based on your equipment availability, gym setup, or training preferences.