Keep your torso flat on the bench as you fully extend your legs and grasp the side handles of the machine for stability.
Exhale and slowly curl your legs up as far as possible without lifting your upper legs from the pad. Your back should remain straight and stationary at all times.
Hold the contracted position for a moment as you squeeze your hamstrings.
Slowly bring your legs back to the initial position as you inhale, ensuring a controlled movement. This completes one repetition.
Pro Tip
**Controlled Movements:** Avoid the temptation to use momentum or to perform the exercise too quickly. The lifting and lowering phases should be done in a slow and controlled manner. This will ensure you are effectively working the muscles and not risking injury. **Full Range of Motion:** Make sure to fully extend your legs at the bottom of the movement and fully curl them up at the top. Some people make the mistake of not going through the full range of motion, which reduces the effectiveness of the exercise. **Keep Your Hips Down:** A common mistake is to lift the hips off the bench during the exercise. This can put unnecessary strain on your lower back