Barbell Squat vs Leg Curl
Maximizing Your Leg Workout Plan
Contents
Barbell Squat works multiple joints at once, Leg Curl isolates — difficulty 3 of 5 vs 1. See which fits your Leg day.
Customize Your Leg Workout: Explore the Benefits of Barbell Squat and Leg Curl for Better Comparison.
Planfit Users' Choice about Barbell Squat vs Leg Curl : Which is Better?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Leg Curl more often — 39,861 sessions compared to 26,460 for Barbell Squat.
Popularity is not the whole answer. Barbell Squat and Leg Curl differ in the muscles they load, the equipment they need, and how hard they are to learn — the comparison below covers each.
How Barbell Squat and Leg Curl Differ
| What differs | Barbell Squat | Leg Curl |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | quads, hamstrings, and glutes | hamstrings and calves |
| Equipment | a barbell | a machine |
| Difficulty | 3 of 5 | 1 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 26,460 sessions | 39,861 sessions |
How to Barbell Squat
Barbell Squat muscles worked: Leg
Form
- 1. Tighten your abdomen and keep your back straight, then bend at the hip to lower your buttocks down.
- 2. Allow your knees to bend naturally until your thighs are parallel to the ground.
- 3. Push strongly through the center of your feet to rise up.
- 4. As your hips rise, straighten your knees and hips in sequence, returning to the starting position.
Coach's Comment
- 1. Please be careful not to lean your upper body too far forward.
- 2. Keep your chest up and engage your core to avoid bending your waist.
- 3. Don't excessively bend your waist while trying to keep it straight.
- 4. Please do not stick your hips too far back.
- 5. Make sure your feet do not lift off the ground.
- 6. When standing up, please ensure your knees do not come together.
If you want to know a detailed guide to Barbell Squat, alternative exercises, and its benefits, check it out here. Check out the Barbell Squat Guide page of our blog!
How to Leg Curl
Leg Curl muscles worked: Leg
Form
- 1. Engage your hamstrings and glutes, and lift the ankle pads up to your hips.
- 2. Lower down only until your knees are fully extended against the weight resistance.
Coach's Comment
- 1. Please be careful not to fully extend your knees.
- 2. Please be careful not to lift your upper body.
If you want to know a detailed guide to Leg Curl, alternative exercises, and its benefits, check it out here. Check out the Leg Curl Guide page of our blog!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Leg, Barbell Squat or Leg Curl?
Neither is clearly ahead — Planfit users log both at a similar rate. They both train Leg, so the choice comes down to the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
Do Barbell Squat and Leg Curl work the same muscles?
Not quite. Barbell Squat loads quads, hamstrings, and glutes, and Leg Curl loads hamstrings and calves.
What equipment do Barbell Squat and Leg Curl need?
Barbell Squat needs a barbell, and Leg Curl needs a machine.
Which is easier to start with?
Leg Curl is the easier place to start. Move to Barbell Squat once your form holds up.
Get free AI personalized workout plan
Choosing exercises that align with your goals and body type is as important as consistency in your workout regime. Its about smart training that targets your specific fitness aspirations.
It's a straightforward way to customize a workout plan to meet your unique needs and objectives, ensuring every effort contributes to your fitness journey.
