Straight Hip Leg Curl (on stability ball)
The Straight Hip Leg Curl (on stability ball) primarily works the Biceps Femoris (Long Head), with secondary activation of the Gastrocnemius (Medial), Gracilis, Sartorius, Soleus and stabilizer support from the Erector Spinae, External Obliques, Gluteus Maximus, Rectus Abdominis, Tibialis Anterior. It is a bodyweight isolation exercise at intermediate difficulty.
The Straight Hip Leg Curl (on stability ball) is an intermediate isolation exercise requiring no equipment, following a flexion movement pattern. It primarily targets the Biceps Femoris (Long Head), with secondary engagement of the Gastrocnemius (Medial), Gracilis, Sartorius, Soleus. This is a bilateral pulling movement, engaging both sides of the body simultaneously.
A bodyweight isolation pull exercise targeting the Biceps Femoris (Long Head).
| Equipment | Bodyweight |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Intermediate |
| Type | Isolation |
| Movement | Flexion |
| Force | Pull |
| Laterality | Bilateral |
| Primary | Biceps Femoris (Long Head) |
| Secondary | Gastrocnemius (Medial), Gracilis, Sartorius, Soleus |
Muscles Worked
The Biceps Femoris (Long Head) is the primary mover, taking on the bulk of the workload throughout the full range of motion. The Gastrocnemius (Medial), Gracilis, Sartorius, and Soleus act as secondary movers, assisting the primary muscles and contributing meaningfully to the overall output. The Erector Spinae, External Obliques, Gluteus Maximus, and 2 other muscles act as stabilizers, maintaining joint position and postural alignment throughout the movement.
Primary Muscles
- Primary Muscle Biceps Femoris (Long Head) (hamstrings)
Secondary Muscles
- Secondary Muscle Gastrocnemius (Medial) (calves)
- Secondary Muscle Gracilis (adductors)
- Secondary Muscle Sartorius (hip_flexors)
- Secondary Muscle Soleus (calves)
Stabilizer Muscles
- Stabilizer Muscle Erector Spinae (back)
- Stabilizer Muscle External Obliques (core)
- Stabilizer Muscle Gluteus Maximus (glutes)
- Stabilizer Muscle Rectus Abdominis (core)
- Stabilizer Muscle Tibialis Anterior (calves)
How to Perform
Preparation
- Lie supine on floor with lower legs on exercise ball.
- Extended arms out to sides.
- Straighten low back, knees, and hips, raising back and hips off of floor.
Execution
- Keeping hips and low back straight, bend knees, pulling heels toward rear end.
- Allow feet to rollup on to ball.
- Lower to original position by straightening knees.
- Repeat.
Comments
- Keep hips straight throughout movement.
- Dorsal flexionof ankle reducesactive insufficiencyof Gastrocnemius allowing it to assist in knee flexion.
Tips & Common Mistakes
- Control the eccentric phase — the lowering portion drives significant muscle development.
- Avoid momentum; focus on feeling the target muscle work through the full range.
- Full range at both ends maximizes stretch at the bottom and contraction at the top.
Programming Suggestions
Adapt your sets and reps to your training goal.
| Strength | 3–4 sets × 6–8 reps at 75–85% 1RM with 90–120 seconds rest. |
|---|---|
| Hypertrophy | 3–4 sets × 10–15 reps at 60–75% 1RM with 60–90 seconds rest. |
| Endurance | 2–3 sets × 15–25 reps at 40–60% 1RM with 30–45 seconds rest. |
Alternative Exercises
These exercises target the same primary muscles (Biceps Femoris (Long Head)) and can be substituted based on your equipment or variation preferences.
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