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Ring Single Leg Curl

Step by step instructions, muscle activation and variants for the Ring Single Leg Curl.

HardHamstrings

About this exercise

An advanced unilateral hamstring exercise performed with one heel in a gymnastic ring while the other leg is held in the air. The single-leg demand dramatically increases the load on the working hamstring and challenges hip stability and core control simultaneously.

How to Perform

  • Set gymnastic rings low to the ground and lie on your back beneath them
  • Hook your right heel into one ring; extend the left leg straight, keeping it off the floor
  • Press through the working heel to lift your hips into a bridge
  • Keeping the hips level, bend your right knee and curl the heel toward your glutes
  • Pause at the top, then slowly extend the leg back to the start
  • Complete all reps on one side before switching
  • Keep the non-working leg elevated and parallel throughout to maintain balance

Muscle Activation

Primary
Hamstrings
Secondary
GlutesCore

About the Ring Single Leg Curl

The Ring Single Leg Curl is a foundational movement that builds strength and muscle through controlled, progressive overload. Train it 1 to 2 times per week with 3 to 5 working sets per session, gradually adding weight or reps as form holds up.