The Nordic Hamstring Curl (VIDEO)

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About The Nordic Hamstring Curl

The natural leg curl (also known as nordics, or nordic hamstring curl) is an extremely effective strength training exercise for any athlete training for any sport. It trains the hamstrings and all of the muscles that insert into back of the leg by putting you in a position to manage/control/deal with your bodyweight throughout the exercise.

Leg Curl Machine Vs. Nordic Hamstring Curl

A leg curl machine, commonly found in a gym, has a completely different effect on the body. With a leg curl machine, you’re lifting weight in an isolated and mechanical way. Here’s a simple way to see thee difference in training hamstring strength using a leg curl machine versus using a nordic hamstring curl:

• Load the leg curl machine with the equivalent weight to your bodyweight and do some leg curls

• Then try one natural leg curl, touching the chest to the floor (progression #3 in the video at 1:27).

If you aren’t used to training using your own bodyweight, you’ll quickly notice the nordic hamstring curl is much harder, and feels like a completely different exercise. This is because you’re forced to deal with your entire bodyweight when doing the exercise.

Tips For Choosing Exercises For Training

When you’re selecting exercises for training, make sure that your strength training is teaching your muscles to deal with your bodyweight. Using exercises that require you to use your bodyweight as a whole are the most relevant and effective way to train for athletic performance.

Extra Resources For Athletic Performance Training

We release an email each week with exclusive video tips for training and physical health. More info here.

Book a 60-minute consultation with Darren to get assessed for injury risk. More info here.

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