This is a trick to be done on a leg
curl machine. By simply changing where
you grip your hands on the machine,
you can increase your strength in the
movement by as much as 10% instantly!
Lie face
down on the bench as you normally would
when doing the exercise. Instead of
gripping the machine on the handles
below the bench with your arms bent,
extend your arms straight overhead in
front and grab on to whatever is there.
This is generally the frame on either
side of the weight stack. Be aware that
this trick will not work if there is
nothing there to grab - some machines
just end at the bench and have the weights
stack to the side or behind.
Do your
leg curls as you usually would but using
this different grip. You should feel
stronger when doing them.
One of
the best ways to see this principle
in action is to do a set as you normally
would with your normal grip for about
10 to 12 reps. When you can't do any
more reps, switch to the grip as explained
above. You should be able to get a few
more reps out.
When using
this grip you should also find that
you can use a little more weight than
you usually do for reps.
The reason
this trick works is that having your
arms straight removes your biceps as
the limiting link in the exercise. It
transfers the force through your stronger
back muscles instead, resulting in instant
increased strength!
For information
on how to do the leg curl exercise,
click
here.
