Exercise Comparison
Ball Leg Curl vs Runner's Stretch
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.
Runner's Stretch
It's easiest to get into this stretch if you start standing up, put one leg behind you, and slowly lower your torso down to the floor.
Keep the front heel on the floor (if it lifts up, scoot your other leg further back).
Place your hands on either side of your front leg. To get more out of this stretch, push your butt up toward the ceiling, and then gradually lower it back toward the floor. You'll Stretch the hip flexor of the back leg and the hamstring and buttocks of the front.
Verdict
Both exercises target the hamstrings. Ball Leg Curl is a beginner exercise using exercise ball, while Runner's Stretch is beginner and uses none. Choose Ball Leg Curl if you have access to exercise ball, or Runner's Stretch if you prefer none.