FST-7 Hamstring Tip: Get the Most Out of the Seated Leg Curl

By actively pushing your hips backward and your buttocks into the cushion, you put the hamstrings in a pre-stretch position. Because the hamstrings are a two-headed muscle group that spans the hip and knee joints, this position creates much greater muscle tension and a stronger contraction at the bottom of the movement.

If your knees are not aligned with the pivot point (the counterweight) of the device, the biomechanics are no longer correct. This causes the resistance curve to shift, resulting in unnecessary and dangerous shear forces on your knee joints and tendons, while the tension on the hamstrings decreases.

The seated variant places the hamstrings under greater stretch in the hips due to the bent sitting position compared to the lying variant. Scientific research shows that training a muscle in a more lengthened position results in a greater growth stimulus and more hypertrophy.

Partial repetitions may only be used as an intensity technique at the end of a set. Once you can no longer perform full repetitions with perfect technique, you can squeeze out a few 'half' or 'quarter' repetitions to push the hamstrings beyond the normal point of muscle failure.

To prevent cramping in the hamstrings and maximize blood flow, take Evogen EVP AQ combined with EVP Xtreme 3D beforehand. During your intense workout, drink Evogen Amino KEM to nourish your muscles with EAAs, and finish your training with a pure scoop of Evogen IsoJect to immediately start the recovery process.