Hamstrings · Bodyweight

Nordic Curl

The hamstring's worst enemy. Lower with everything you've got.

Nordic Curl exercise demonstration
HamstringsBodyweight

How to do it

  1. Kneel on a pad with your ankles anchored under a sturdy hold or a partner.
  2. Brace your core and squeeze your glutes so your body is one straight line.
  3. Lower your torso forward as slowly as you can, fighting the descent.
  4. Catch yourself with your hands near the bottom, then push back up to start.

The one cue that matters

Keep your hips fully extended, no bending at the waist. Control the lower, don't drop.

Muscles worked

The Nordic Curl isolates the Hamstrings — no passengers. That makes it a clean tool for adding targeted hamstrings volume without extra fatigue.

FAQ

What muscles does the Nordic Curl work?

The Nordic Curl primarily works the Hamstrings.

What if I can't do many reps yet?

Shorten the range or use an easier variation, and stop 1 to 2 reps before failure. Reps build fast when you train just shy of your limit.

How many sets and reps of Nordic Curl?

For most lifters 3 to 4 working sets. Pick the rep range that fits your goal and progress the load when the top of the range feels owned.

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