Lying leg curl machine

You lie face down on a padded bench, with your knees near its hinge and a padded roller resting behind your lower legs. As you bend your knees, the roller moves in a smooth arc toward the back of your thighs. The machine supports most of your body, though the face-down position can take a little getting used to.

This machine is used to strengthen the backs of your thighs through a guided bending movement at your knees. You can focus on moving both legs together while keeping your hips settled against the bench. The fixed path makes the lying leg curl straightforward to learn, and the adjustable resistance lets you make the movement lighter or more demanding.

It can suit you if you prefer stable, guided equipment or want to give the backs of your thighs focused attention. The machine has a fairly large footprint and is more common in gyms than homes. Before starting, adjust the roller and bench position to fit your legs, and choose manageable resistance. A sliding towel under your heels on a smooth floor is a compact alternative.