Exercise Comparison
Ball Leg Curl vs Lying Hamstring
Side-by-Side
Muscle Analysis
Shared
Only in Ball Leg Curl
Instructions
Ball Leg Curl
Begin on the floor laying on your back with your feet on top of the ball.
Position the ball so that when your legs are extended your ankles are on top of the ball. This will be your starting position.
Raise your hips off of the ground, keeping your weight on the shoulder blades and your feet.
Flex the knees, pulling the ball as close to you as you can, contracting the hamstrings.
After a brief pause, return to the starting position.
Lying Hamstring
Lie on your back with your legs extended. Your partner should be kneeling beside you. Raise one leg up towards the ceiling and have your partner hold the ankle. Your partner can use their shoulder to brace your leg if necessary. This will be your starting position.
With your partner holding your leg in place, attempt to flex the knee, contracting the hamstrings for 10-20 seconds.
Then relax your leg, allowing your partner to gently push the leg towards your head. Be sure to inform your helper when the stretch is adequate to prevent injury or overstretching. Switch sides once complete.
Verdict
Both exercises target the hamstrings. Ball Leg Curl is a beginner exercise using exercise ball, while Lying Hamstring is expert and uses other. Choose Ball Leg Curl if you're looking for a more accessible option, or Lying Hamstring for a greater challenge.