TETSUCable Assisted Inverse Leg Curl vs Single Leg Platform Slide
The Cable Assisted Inverse Leg Curl and the Single Leg Platform Slide both train the hamstrings as their primary muscle. The Cable Assisted Inverse Leg Curl uses a cable while the Single Leg Platform Slide is bodyweight-based (a bar, rings or a station). Here is how they compare and when to pick each.
Side-by-side comparison
| Cable Assisted Inverse Leg Curl | Single Leg Platform Slide | |
|---|---|---|
| Primary muscle | hamstrings | hamstrings |
| Body part | upper legs | upper legs |
| Supporting muscles | glutes and calves | glutes and quadriceps |
| Equipment | cable | bodyweight |
| Steps in our guide | 7 | 5 |
How each one starts
Cable Assisted Inverse Leg Curl — first steps
- Adjust the cable machine so that the ankle attachment is at the lowest setting.
- Lie face down on the bench with your legs straight and the ankle attachment secured to your ankles.
Single Leg Platform Slide — first steps
- Start by standing with one foot on a platform or slide board.
- Bend your knee slightly and slide the foot on the platform backward, extending your leg.
Full step-by-step guides are linked below.
Which should you choose?
The Cable Assisted Inverse Leg Curl keeps constant tension on the muscle through the whole range of motion. The Single Leg Platform Slide needs only a sturdy bar, rings or a station and scales through leverage, tempo and reps. If your gym has both options, neither is a wrong choice: pick the one that feels strongest through a full range, and swap after 6 to 8 weeks to keep the hamstrings adapting.
Full form guides
Common questions
Is the Cable Assisted Inverse Leg Curl better than the Single Leg Platform Slide?
Neither is universally better — both train the hamstrings as the primary mover. The Cable Assisted Inverse Leg Curl keeps constant tension on the muscle through the whole range of motion, while the Single Leg Platform Slide needs only a sturdy bar, rings or a station and scales through leverage, tempo and reps. Choose based on your equipment and which movement you can progress consistently.
Can I do both the Cable Assisted Inverse Leg Curl and the Single Leg Platform Slide in the same program?
Yes, but usually not in the same session — they overlap heavily on the hamstrings. A common setup is one as your main movement and the other on a second training day, or alternating them block by block.
Do the Cable Assisted Inverse Leg Curl and the Single Leg Platform Slide work the same muscles?
The primary muscle is the same: the hamstrings. Supporting muscles differ slightly — glutes and calves for the Cable Assisted Inverse Leg Curl versus glutes and quadriceps for the Single Leg Platform Slide.
Track it in Tetsu
Tetsu tracks both movements separately, keeps your PRs per exercise, and tells you which one is actually progressing. Free to start.