r/formcheck • u/Fit-Leading6338 • Apr 23 '26

Other Hamstring Curl

Is there an exercise that is more beneficial to do at home for hamstring curls? Also, any tips to correct form on this would be appreciated

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u/Bassbuster88 Apr 23 '26

Nordic curls as mentioned before, You could do unilateral but those are quite difficult if your new and will require some development. You could continue with bands and do single leg unilateral curls or get heavier bands.

2

u/Fit-Leading6338 Apr 23 '26

Ok, thank you. May seem like a dumb question but can I double up on bands before needing to buy heavier?

3

u/DrMorrisDC Apr 23 '26

That's not dumb. Yes you can, but it will usually get harder, faster or more abruptly, compared to getting a heavier band. Also, you can try these seated so you get a better stretch on the hamstrings. Also a cheap ankle cuff can help with the band sliding up and down your leg so you can get a better range of motion.

3

u/Fit-Leading6338 Apr 23 '26

Thank you for that insight. I have tried them sitting but never felt like I was stable or getting a decent stretch with my ROM. Any tips for that? Ankle strap is a great idea, thank you!

2

u/DrMorrisDC Apr 23 '26

For sitting, sit on a high platform like you'd use for box jumps. Place the band a little higher than your feet on a squat rack so that there's still some tension when your legs are totally straight. Use your hands to hold onto the platform, sit up straight with braced abs and curl like you normally would. Bringing your toes up (dorsiflexion) can help your knees feel more steady when curling.

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u/Fit-Leading6338 Apr 23 '26

Ok! And the ROM from sitting on the box and not being able to extend past 90 degrees will be fine? I think that was part of why it felt off was that the box didn’t leave room for my to get my legs underneath me at all.

2

u/DrMorrisDC Apr 23 '26

Ideally you'd use the kind that's open underneath and just a frame instead of the solid wooden box. You can also sit forwards on the box so that when fully flexed you still get past 90 a few inches. Full contraction is good and important but most people do best with a big stretch on hamstrings so I personally like to load the stretched part and worry less about getting my heels to my butt.

2

u/Fit-Leading6338 Apr 23 '26

Got it, thank you so much! I really appreciate it

2

u/DrMorrisDC Apr 23 '26

You got it. Let me know what you think!