Ball Leg Curl

What it is

This isolation exercise strengthens your hamstrings by performing a curling motion with an exercise ball. You lie on your back and pull the ball towards you, engaging your glutes and calves. It is a beginner-level movement that primarily targets the back of your thighs.

Technique tips

• Maintain elevated hips throughout the entire movement.
• Pull the exercise ball in as far as possible.
• Briefly pause at the peak of the contraction.
• Control the ball as you slowly extend your legs.
• Keep your core engaged to stabilize your body.
• Focus on a smooth, controlled breathing rhythm.

How to track your progress

Log the weight and reps of each set. Straddly turns every set into an estimated one-rep max, so a heavier single and a strong set of eight both count as progress, and it flags a personal record the moment you beat your best.