How to Do Seated Band Hamstring Curl

Seated Band Hamstring Curl — start position demonstration photo
Start
Seated Band Hamstring Curl — end position demonstration photo
End

Start and end of one clean rep of Seated Band Hamstring Curl.

Quick facts

Primary muscleHamstrings
Secondary muscles—
EquipmentMachine
CategoryStrength

How to perform Seated Band Hamstring Curl

  1. Secure a band close to the ground and place a bench a couple feet away from it.
  2. Seat yourself on the bench and secure the band behind your ankles, beginning with your legs straight. This will be your starting position.
  3. Flex the knees, bringing your feet towards the bench. You may need to lean back slightly to keep your feet from striking the floor.
  4. Pause at the completion of the movement, and then slowly return to the starting position.

Muscles worked

  • Hamstrings (primary): bends the knee and extends the hip through hinges and pulls.

Sets & reps by goal

GoalSets × repsLoadRest
Strength3–5 × 3–5Heavy (~85%+)2–3 min
Hypertrophy3–4 × 8–12Moderate (~65–75%)60–90 s
Endurance2–3 × 15–20Lighter (~50–60%)30–45 s

Pick the row that matches your goal. If you're newer, anchor in the hypertrophy range while you groove the form.

Form tips

  • Lead with the hips, keep a soft knee and hold a long, flat back through the hinge.
  • Set the seat and pads so the machine's pivot lines up with the joint you're training before your first rep.
  • Treat every rep the same — a repeatable setup and bar path is what lets you add weight safely over time.
  • Breathe out on the effort and in on the return, keeping one steady rhythm across the set.

Common mistakes

  • Rounding the lower back to reach lower instead of hinging at the hips.
  • Leaving the seat or range on a setting that forces the joint into an awkward angle.
  • Chasing weight jumps before the current load feels solid on every rep.

Frequently asked questions

What muscles does Seated Band Hamstring Curl work?

Seated Band Hamstring Curl is a focused movement that primarily works the hamstrings.

What equipment do I need for Seated Band Hamstring Curl?

Seated Band Hamstring Curl needs the corresponding weight-stack or plate-loaded machine.

How many sets and reps should I do for Seated Band Hamstring Curl?

It depends on your goal: about 3–5 sets of 3–5 heavy reps for strength, 3–4 sets of 8–12 for muscle growth, or 2–3 sets of 15–20 for endurance. Pick the row that matches your goal. If you're newer, anchor in the hypertrophy range while you groove the form.

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