leg curling

3.5

An exercise that strengthens the muscles at the back of the thigh by bending the knee against a weight

noun
/lɛg ˈkɜr.lɪŋ/

Specialized

: flexión de piernas

Doing leg curling regularly can help improve your hamstring strength.

Examples

Most gyms have machines specifically designed for leg curling exercises.
She added leg curling to her workout to prevent muscle imbalances.
I enjoy leg curling at the gym.
Is leg curling good for building strength?
Doing leg curling regularly can help improve your hamstring strength.
Most gyms have machines specifically designed for leg curling exercises.
She added leg curling to her workout routine to strengthen her thigh muscles.

Synonyms

leg curl

vsleg curling

Specialized

1 3.5

An exercise that bends the knee to lift the lower leg toward the buttocks and work the hamstrings

means the same but is the -ing form rather than the base noun

How Strengthening

leg curling

Specialized

3.5

leg exercise

1 2.0

Surface Forms

leg curling singular

leg curlings plural

Morphology

leg + curl

The noun 'leg curling' is directly compositional: 'leg' (limb) + 'curling' (bending) describes the action of bending the leg, so the exercise meaning is transparent from its parts. This verb+ing nominalization is a common, cross-linguistically familiar fitness formation, so a B1 learner who knows both constituents would readily infer the intended exercise sense.

Etymology

Leg curling is named for the simple action: you bend and 'curl' your leg, bringing the lower part toward your body while you push against a machine or weight. That curling motion is why the name means 'an exercise to make the muscles at the back of the thigh stronger'.