One Leg Knee Up vs Standing Leg Curl
Which one fits your Leg workout plan?
Contents
Standing Leg Curl is the easier place to start — difficulty 1 of 5 vs 2. Compare Leg form cues and when to progress.
Compare the benefits of One Leg Knee Up and Standing Leg Curl and pick the one that fits your Leg workout.
One Leg Knee Up vs Standing Leg Curl: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Standing Leg Curl more often — 1,989 sessions compared to 1,103 for One Leg Knee Up.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. One Leg Knee Up and Standing Leg Curl differ in the muscles they work, the equipment they need, and how hard they are to learn — the comparison below covers each.
How One Leg Knee Up and Standing Leg Curl Differ
| What differs | One Leg Knee Up | Standing Leg Curl |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | quads, abs, and hamstrings | hamstrings and calves |
| Equipment | bodyweight only | a machine |
| Difficulty | 2 of 5 | 1 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 1,103 sessions | 1,989 sessions |
How to Do One Leg Knee Up
One Leg Knee Up Muscles Worked: Leg
Form
- 1. Lift one knee forward and touch it with both hands.
- 2. Please do the same on the other side.
Coach's Tips
- Please be careful not to let your legs spread apart.
For a full One Leg Knee Up guide with alternatives and benefits, see the One Leg Knee Up exercise guide.
How to Do Standing Leg Curl
Standing Leg Curl Muscles Worked: Leg
Form
- 1. Engage the muscles in the back of your thigh and buttocks of the extended leg, and lift until your knee is at a 90-degree angle.
- 2. Lower only until your knee is fully extended while resisting the weight.
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 Standing Leg Curl guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Standing Leg Curl exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Leg, One Leg Knee Up or Standing 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 One Leg Knee Up and Standing Leg Curl work the same muscles?
Not quite. One Leg Knee Up loads quads, abs, and hamstrings, and Standing Leg Curl loads hamstrings and calves.
What equipment do One Leg Knee Up and Standing Leg Curl need?
One Leg Knee Up needs bodyweight only, and Standing Leg Curl needs a machine.
Which is easier to start with?
Standing Leg Curl is the easier place to start. Move to One Leg Knee Up once your form holds up.
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