FastFit BETA
IntermediateStrength
Drag to rotate 360°
Speed for this exercise

Reverse Nordic Curl

Try it now
3sets
6-10reps
90srest
~4.3kcal/min

How to do it

Muscles worked

Secondary
Abs

Secondary muscles help but are not the main target

See the full tier list · Quadriceps

Feel it right

Where you should feel it, the one cue to remember, and quick fixes when you feel it somewhere else.

You should feel it inFront thighs

Back of the thighs, strongest near the knee.

Key cue (the coach says it during the set)“Hips down, curl the heels to the glutes, lower slowly.”

Tempo · Curl 1 s · squeeze 1 · lower 3 s

Choosing the load: Too easy? Slow down or pause at the hardest point. Too hard? Use an easier version (knees, incline, band).

Feel it somewhere else? Fix it like this

  • Feel it in Lower backHips lifting off the pad. Go lighter and press the hips down.
  • Feel it in CalvesPointing the toes and using the calves. Pull the toes toward your shins.
  • Barely felt itToo light or too fast. Lower for 3 seconds, pause 1 second at the stretch, and pick a load that leaves only 1–2 reps in the tank.
  • Joint painSharp or joint pain is a stop sign: end this set, lower the weight, shorten the range — if it repeats, switch to an easier variation.

During a workout we ask after the first set where you felt it and give the fix right away — and remember it for next time.

Tips

  • Kneel on a mat and keep your hips stacked over your knees.
  • Start with a small range and increase it as your knees adapt to the load.
  • Squeeze your glutes the whole time so you do not bend at the hips.

Common mistakes

  • Bending at the hips and sitting back toward the heels.
  • Dropping into the bottom without control.

Breathing

Inhale as you lean back, exhale as you pull yourself upright.

Equipment needed

Recommended by goal

Build muscle3–4 sets × 8–12 reps · rest 60–90 s
Strength4–5 sets × 4–6 reps · rest 2–3 min
Endurance2–3 sets × 15–20 reps · rest 30–45 s

Variations of this move

Alternatives for the same muscle