Exercise The Right Way

Other articles in this series looked at a number of exercises, mainly from the perspective of developing a comprehensive muscle building program. Sometimes we take things for granted, especially when it comes to performing the basic exercises that constitute the core of most bodybuilders' training regimes.

It is useful, therefore, to describe in detail the processes involved in actually doing these exercises. This will help beginners to start out using the correct techniques before moving on to potentially more dangerous heavy weights. If it also helps more experienced lifters to redress some of the little faults that have almost imperceptibly crept in over the years, all the better.

In this article we'll take a close look at the leg curl.

MUSCLES TARGETED: semimembranosus, semitendinosus, biceps femoris

STARTING POSITION

Assume a prone position on the machine and press the torso and hips against the pads.
Place the ankles behind and in contact with the foot pad.
Place the legs parallel to each other.
Hang the knees slightly off the edge of the knee pad.
Grasp the handles.

UPWARD MOVEMENT

Raise the pad by fully flexing the knees.
Keep the torso stationary and the hips and torso pressed against the pads.
Do not lift the hips or thighs off the thigh pad.
Do not lock out the knees.

DOWNWARD MOVEMENT

Allow the knees to slowly bend back to the starting position.
Keep the torso stationary and the hips and torso pressed against the pads.
Repeat or finish set.

Richard Mitchell is the creator of the bodybuildingadvisor.com website that provides guidance and information to athletes at all levels of bodybuilding experience. Go to Bodybuilding Exercises to learn more about the issues covered in this article.

Latest News


Kuna exercises civic muscle
IdahoStatesman.com, ID - Nov 19, 2008
Paul Hopkins of Nampa, who once helped build Walgreens stores in Meridian and is a longtime housing appraiser, said proposing an aesthetically inferior ...

Build a kit to survive colds, flu
News Chief, FL - 9 hours ago
Acetaminophen and ibuprofen to ease fever and muscle aches. Remember that aspirin has been linked to the rare but serious illness known as Reye's syndrome ...

Examiner.com

The reality of danger
Examiner.com - Nov 19, 2008
By repeatedly practicing hundreds of techniques and combinations in martial arts training, we build a personal arsenal of techniques. We also build muscle ...

The bottom line
iAfrica.com, South Africa - Nov 18, 2008
This brings up another good point: When you build muscle your weight will increase because your muscles are made up of mostly water, but your body fat ...

Product Reviews

Ford to trot out its new, more muscular Mustang
USA Today - Nov 18, 2008
When the 2010 Mustang is unveiled Wednesday at the Los Angeles Auto Show, it will be billed as a pumped-up muscle car. More aggressive snout. ...
Up Close: 2010 Ford Mustang Cars.com
all 192 news articles

Pill Helps Elderly Bulk Up
Discovery Channel - 4 hours ago
The drug increases human growth hormone levels, which makes people grow taller, build muscle, and strengthen bones, among other myriad effects. ...

Protein supplements useless for building muscles
Ottawa Citizen,  Canada - Nov 3, 2008
The word around the gym is that protein powders and bars build bigger muscles and aid in recovery after exercise. Yet, to date, there is no scientific ...

Ford to build Raptor despite depressed economy
Tennessee Journalist, TN - 2 hours ago
Chrysler’s pricing is a little more modest at a measly $42000 for the top-line muscle car. Only time will tell whether Ford and the others are making the ...

The science behind body building
Jackson Hole Star-Tribune, WY - Nov 16, 2008
Consider up to 20 years of muscle building, a year or more of intense cardiovascular training, and, arguably the most difficult part, 17 to 20 weeks on a ...

Canonical To Build ARM Version Of Ubuntu
InformationWeek, NY - Nov 17, 2008
ARM, based in the United Kingdom, has been making low-power processors for small devices much longer than Intel, but the market muscle of the latter makes ...

Resources