Question! Leg curls on bench

[SRP]

Hi - I have an old weight bench that I used to use. Actually, it's over at my parents'. Anyhow -

The quad extensions are fine, but I could never get comfortable with the hamstring curls. Can you please tell me how you should be lying on the bench?

When I lie on the bench, the end of the bench hits me at about mid-thigh. I hook my heels under the bar. But I can never curl my heels all the way into my rear. Maybe, at best, about halfway, even when I lighten the weights. I never felt that this exercise was completely effective, and my hams didn't look all that great.

Could it be possible that this bench is too long for me?

Thanks!

 

[LauraMax]

It actually could be too short. When I do leg curls the bench usually comes to just above my knees. That way I have more support for my lower back.

 

[SRP]

Hmm. If I move up any more, I won't be able to reach the bar with my feet. The bench is like 500 years old, so I guess ergonomics weren't really in vogue then.

Laura, you are supposed to curl all the way into your butt, right?

 

[banslug]

On my weight bench, the pad/bench stops mid-quad, and I hook my ankles under the pads. BUT...mine also has a set of pads that of just above my knees for support and (I guess) leverage.

I don't know if that helps.

Gayle

 

[LauraMax]

Yes, or at least as far as your own flexibility will allow. Probably when your bench was built, it was built for the average man. I would guess any bench built before, say 1980-85 was built for a man. x(

We have 3 leg curl machines at my gym--one sitting, one lying, & one standing (this is my favorite b/c I can really target the hams). But the lying ham curl is way too long for me. Like you, my feet don't reach the bar so I can't use it.

 

[SRP]

Thanks, Laura. That sounds like my situation. Maybe I'll just stick with Cathe - those ham presses on the ball work pretty darned good.