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Standing hamstring curl

Standing hamstring curl: written movement steps, equipment and example doses. General information to help you choose an appropriate starting point.

By Shift Some Timber editorial team · Published · Updated 2 November 2026

Standing hamstring curl: approved canonical movement visual

How to do it

  1. Stand tall with support hand on counter.
  2. Bend one knee to bring heel backwards. Keep thighs alongside each other.
  3. 2 sets × 5 reps per side; 75s rest between sets. Use light resistance or an easy supported setup. Practise the same controlled path on every repetition. Complete both sides/directions in each set; allow 20–30s to change sides if needed. Finish with at least 2 comfortable repetitions in reserve. Keep thighs alongside each other.

Equipment

Example variations

The written steps above use one library example. These other doses are separate options, not instructions to complete every variation or progress automatically.

LevelExample doseEquipment
beginner2 sets × 5 reps per side; 75s rest between sets.fixed counter
beginner2 sets × 8 reps per side; 75s rest between sets.fixed counter
beginner3 sets × 8 reps per side; 90s rest between sets.fixed counter
beginner2 sets × 12 reps per side; 90s rest between sets.fixed counter
beginner2 sets × 6 reps per side; 90s rest between sets.fixed counter
beginner1 set × 8 reps per side.fixed counter

Safety and comfort

General movement information, not an individual exercise prescription. Independent trainer or clinical review is not claimed. Use appropriate support and seek individual advice for an injury or restriction.