Appears in642 Workouts*

Dumbbell Lying Leg Curl

Target your hamstrings with Dumbbell Lying Leg Curls! Isolate & build strength with this effective exercise. Start light & feel the burn!

The Dumbbell Lying Leg Curl mainly works the hamstrings, with help from the calves / shins. You'll need: dumbbells or exercise bench.

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Required Equipment

Dumbbells
Dumbbells
Exercise Bench
Exercise Bench

Dumbbell Lying Leg Curl Muscles Worked

Primary

Hamstrings

Secondary

Upper Calf (gastrocnemius)

How to do the Dumbbell Lying Leg Curl

  1. Set up for the exercise by choosing a flat bench and a suitable weight dumbbell.

  2. Lie face down on the bench with your knees just beyond the edge of the bench.

  3. Secure a dumbbell between your feet. You may find it easier to have someone hand you the dumbbell after you get into position.

  4. Start with your legs fully extended, directly in line with your hips.

  5. Keeping your torso flat on the bench and hips stationary, flex your knees to curl the dumbbell towards your glutes. The movement should be performed solely by the contraction of the hamstring muscles.

  6. Continue the curl until your hamstrings are fully contracted and the dumbbell is as close to your glutes as possible.

  7. Hold the top position briefly, squeezing your hamstrings.

  8. Slowly lower the dumbbell back to the starting position, maintaining the tension in your hamstrings throughout the descent.

  9. Be mindful to control the weight throughout the entire range of motion, avoiding any jerky movements or dropping the dumbbell quickly.

  10. Repeat for the desired number of repetitions and sets.

Make sure to use a weight that allows you to perform the exercise with proper form while still feeling a significant challenge in the targeted muscles. If you're new to this exercise, start light and gradually increase the weight as your strength improves. It's critical to perform the motion under control to prevent injury, especially since the hamstrings can be susceptible to strains.

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Dumbbell Lying Leg Curl FAQs

What muscles does the Dumbbell Lying Leg Curl work?

The Dumbbell Lying Leg Curl mainly works the hamstrings, with help from the calves / shins. The main muscles are the hamstrings.

What equipment do you need for the Dumbbell Lying Leg Curl?

Dumbbells or exercise bench.

What workout day should the Dumbbell Lying Leg Curl go on?

It belongs on leg day in a push/pull/legs routine.

What are some Dumbbell Lying Leg Curl variations and alternatives?

Similar exercises include the Alternating Hamstring Punch Curl, Alternating Bodyweight Lying Leg Curl, Bodyweight Lying Leg Curl and Dumbbell Lying Decline Leg Curl.

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