Resistance Band Assisted Nordic Hamstring Curl exercise demonstration image

Video Coming Soon

We're working on adding video demonstrations for this exercise.

Resistance Band Assisted Nordic Hamstring Curl

Intermediate
Home Friendly

A band-assisted knee flexion exercise targeting hamstrings and glutes to build eccentric strength and prevent injuries; ideal for athletes improving sprinting and jumping performance.

About Exercise

Equipment

Bands, Body Weight

Difficulty

3/5 • Intermediate

Primary Muscle Groups

Hamstrings, Glutes

Secondary Muscles

Abs, Lower Back, Obliques

Accessory Muscles

Calves

Popularity Score

5

Goals

Strength
Hypertrophy
Stability
Rehab

Training Style

Functional Training
Calisthenics

Setup Requirements

Requires Rack

Yes

Requires Bench

No

Requires Spotter

No

Space Needed

Small

Noise Level

Low

Muscle Breakdown

Hamstrings

10/10

Biceps Femoris, Semitendinosus, Semimembranosus

Glutes

8/10

Glute Max

Abs

5/10

Rectus Abdominis

Lower Back

4/10

Erector Spinae

Obliques

3/10

External Obliques

Calves

2/10

Gastrocnemius

Programming

Typical Rep Range

6-12 reps

Rest Between Sets

60-120 seconds

How to Perform

Kneel on a padded surface with ankles secured under a stable anchor. Loop a resistance band around an elevated point like a squat rack and grip it in front of your chest for assistance.

  1. Engage core and glutes to form a straight line from knees to head.
  2. Slowly lean forward from knees, resisting with hamstrings to control descent.
  3. Lower until chest nears ground or control fails, keeping body rigid.
  4. Contract hamstrings and glutes to pull back to upright position.
  5. Use band assistance for ascent while maintaining alignment.
  6. Repeat for reps without momentum.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Keep body plank-straight
  • Hinge at knees only
  • Squeeze glutes tight
  • Resist the fall
  • Drive with hamstrings

Breathing

Inhale during the lowering phase; exhale as you pull back up and brace core throughout.

Tempo

4-1-2

Range of Motion

From upright torso to chest approaching ground, maintaining straight body line without hip bend or back arch.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Avoid if acute hamstring strain or knee pain
  • Warm up hamstrings dynamically
  • Progress assistance gradually
  • Inspect band for damage
  • Secure ankles firmly to prevent slip

Spotting

Partner can secure ankles if no stable anchor; otherwise, use machine pads—no traditional spotting needed.

Common Mistakes

  • Arching lower back
  • Bending at hips
  • Using momentum to rise
  • Letting hips sag
  • Incomplete range

When to Avoid

  • Acute hamstring injury
  • Knee joint instability
  • Lower back pain

Flexibility Needed

  • Adequate ankle dorsiflexion
  • Hip extension mobility

Build Up First

  • Basic plank stability
  • Familiarity with hip hinge

Also known as

Banded Nordic Curl, Assisted Nordic Hamstring Curl, Band-Assisted Nordic Curl

Found this helpful?

Share your thoughts or help us improve this guide.

Hero Image

Master your movement.

Experience automatic exercise detection and rep counting - powered by the motion of your Apple Watch.

We use cookies to enhance your browsing experience, serve personalized content, and analyze our traffic. By clicking 'Accept All', you consent to our use of cookies.