Leg Curl vs Pendulum Squat
Which one fits your Leg workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Leg Curl more often — 39,860 sessions vs 318. Compare Leg form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Leg Curl and Pendulum Squat and pick the one that fits your Leg workout.
Leg Curl vs Pendulum Squat: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Leg Curl more often — 39,860 sessions compared to 318 for Pendulum Squat.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Leg Curl and Pendulum Squat differ in the muscles they work, the equipment they need, and how hard they are to learn — the comparison below covers each.
How Leg Curl and Pendulum Squat Differ
| What differs | Leg Curl | Pendulum Squat |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | hamstrings and calves | quads, hamstrings, and glutes |
| Machine type | pin-loaded | plate-loaded |
| Difficulty | 1 of 5 | 5 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 39,860 sessions | 318 sessions |
How to Do 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 Tips
- 1. Please be careful not to fully extend your knees.
- 2. Please be careful not to lift your upper body.
For a full Leg Curl guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Leg Curl exercise guide.
How to Do Pendulum Squat
Pendulum Squat Muscles Worked: Leg
Form
- 1. Slowly lower yourself down into a deep squat by bending your knees and hips together.
- 2. When your thighs are parallel to the floor or lower, please pause for a moment.
- 3. Push the floor with the entire foot to straighten your legs and slowly rise back to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- 1. Please be careful not to let your knees come too far inward or your toes extend too much.
- 2. Engage your core to prevent your back from excessively bending or twisting, and start with a weight that allows you to maintain proper form rather than a very heavy one.
For a full Pendulum Squat guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Pendulum Squat exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Leg, Leg Curl or Pendulum Squat?
Planfit users log Leg Curl more often — 39,860 sessions against 318 for Pendulum Squat. Both train Leg, so pick the one that matches the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
Do Leg Curl and Pendulum Squat work the same muscles?
Not quite. Leg Curl loads hamstrings and calves, and Pendulum Squat loads quads, hamstrings, and glutes.
What equipment do Leg Curl and Pendulum Squat need?
Leg Curl needs a machine, and Pendulum Squat needs a machine.
Which is easier to start with?
Leg Curl is the easier place to start. Move to Pendulum Squat once your form holds up.
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