Ring Hamstring Curl
Level
intermediate
Force
pull
Mechanic
isolation
Equipment
rings Category
calisthenics Primary Muscles
Secondary Muscles
A bodyweight isolation exercise where you lie on your back and curl your legs toward your body using the rings for support, targeting the hamstrings.
Instructions
- Lie on your back with heels resting on the rings at hip height
- Press your upper body into the ground for stability
- Keep your hips elevated, forming a straight line from knees to shoulders
- Curl your heels toward your glutes by bending at the knees
- Maintain hip elevation throughout the movement
- Extend your legs back to the starting position with control
Tips
- Keep your core engaged to prevent hip sagging
- Move slowly and control the eccentric (lowering) phase
- Start with knees bent to make the exercise easier
- Progress by straightening your legs more or elevating your torso
- Avoid letting your hips drop during the curl
- Can perform single-leg variations for added difficulty
Recommended starting values
Sensible novice starting points for each goal, for a lifter aged 25–40. Scale down for smaller frames or older lifters. Treat the first set of any session as a discovery set.
| Goal | Sets | Reps |
|---|---|---|
| Gain strength | 3 | 9 reps |
| Build muscle | 3 | 13 reps |
| Build endurance | 3 | 16 reps |