Re: Leg Curls (basic question)

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writes:

Bob,

I wouldn't want you to interpret what I wrote as me saying that there

is something specifically wrong with having leg curls as part of your

leg routine (although I'm pretty close to saying that...).

On the other hand, I would certainly not recommend them as the

only/best exercise to be used for hamstring development (as many

everyday gym-goers unfortunately tend to think). I generally try to

stay away from isolation/open-chain type of movements anyway and

especially for athletes, tend to think of hamstrings as being

more " influent " as a hip extensor than a knee flexor (think of

jumping and sprinting...). As a basketball player, I personally use

exercises that will stress the hip extensor role of the hamstrings

more and as such (WHEN I do specifically target my hamstrings), like

to use close-chain/multi-joint exercises such as the deadlift or

squat (which I always use), glute-ham raise, reverse back extension,

romanian deadlift, keystone dealift, goodmorning and stiff-leg

deadlift. Pull backs using pulleys and tubing are also excellent

choices.

On top of that, if you wish to occasionally indulge in leg curls, you

go right ahead. Also, bodybuilders and people who train like

bodybuilders may relish more in the use of leg curls, but possibly

more for aesthetic reasons. Anyway, those are just my opinions from

my own readings and observations. You will find many more in the

archives from this site and I'm sure others on this group (Dr Siff,

Casler, Dr Yessis...) will be glad to give you their opinions on

the " whys " and " don'ts " of leg curls and other hamstring exercises.

Hope I was a little helpful...

Lépine

Vancouver BC

[Guest guest]

There is nothing wrong with leg curls. Maybe you

should ask this someone you mentioned, what's wrong

with leg curls? Unless of course this someone is an

Olympic lifter or powerlifter in which leg curls may not

be an A1 priority. The only problem I see wih leg

curls is that they are used as the one and only

" hamstrings " exercise amongnst newbies and those who

don't know better.

[One periodically comes across articles from therapeutic

journals and sources that hamstring injuries seem to be

more common among those who regularly do leg curls.

Possibly this has to do with the fact that the movement often

is executed over only part of range and that its joint isolation nature

may unnecessarily fatigue or produce residual stress in the

hamstrings which may pose a problem when one runs soon

afterwards. Has anyone else come across these comments about

hamstring curls? Mel Siff]

Pete Arroyo

Chicago,Il

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<Bobbler@...> wrote:

> Someone said " dont worry, I dont do leg curls. "

> Whats wrong with leg curls (part of my leg routine)?

>

> Bob Mckee