Plate Loaded Prone Leg Curl – Definitive FAQ Guide

Are you looking for commercial quality plate loaded prone leg curls for your gym? You are in the right place. 

Strength training machines are a must for every respected gym and fitness center. These units are sturdy, have a large footprint, and last for years. Training the hamstrings has never been so easy. 

You may have questions about the plate loaded prone leg curl. So we prepared the following FAQ to help you choose through all its features and characteristics.

Let’s start.

Table of Contents

What is a plate loaded prone leg curl?

The plate loaded prone leg curl, or hamstring curls, is an essential strength training machine. Its design helps build leg muscle formation and provides flexibility to the hamstrings. 

It is unmissable in any gym or sports center. The plate loaded prone leg curl machine is made for elite athletes and for any trainee that wants to train like them. 

Figure 1 Plate loaded prone leg curl unit 

What are the advantages of a plate loaded prone leg curl?

Plate loaded prone leg curl training offers important health benefits, such as:

• Strengthens and improves the flexibility of the hamstrings
• Trains gluteus muscles, thighs (quadriceps), and the front of the shins (tibialis anterior)
• Improves overall strength, balance, and stamina
• Delays body aging akes, knee, joint or back pain
• Improves cardiovascular strength and weight problems
• prevents chronic pain

Figure 2 Benefits of prone leg curl 

What are the dimensions of a plate loaded prone leg curl?

The average dimensions of the plate loaded prone leg curl machine are 166 cm length x 100 cm width x 140 cm height (65 in x 39 in x 55 in).

However, the size of the unit may vary according to the manufacturer and the complexity of it. You can contact YR Fitness if you want to confirm the size of the machine. 

Figure 3 Dimensions of plate loaded prone leg curl unit 

What is the weight of a plate loaded prone leg curl?

The average weight of plate loaded prone leg curl machines is about 475 lb (216 kg).

Is there a maximum user weight for plate loaded prone leg curl machines?

Yes. The user maximum weight recommended by plate loaded prone leg curl manufacturers is 300 lb (135 kg).

What is the structure of a plate loaded prone leg curl?

The main structure of a plate loaded prone leg curl unit is:

• Mainframe
• Cables 
• Axis of rotation 
• Belts and pulleys 
• Cushioning 
• Weight system with weight selector pin
• Shrouds 
• Hand grip 

Mainframe. This sturdy steel feature is the skeleton upon which the seat, the axis, and other pieces of the unit are built. It is highly resistant and chrome plated.

 To ensure high adhesion and durability, the frame is coated with a layer of electrostatic powder. 

Cables. The transmission cables are lubricated and coated with nylon. Normally, this type of cable it’s used in U.S. military units, thus is very qualitative.

The axis of rotation, or the pivot point of the unit, helps the trainee to properly line up with the knees. This is to ensure a safe and correct position during training. 

Belts and pulleys. With their help, the athlete lifts the weight connected to the unit. Normally, this is a support feature and it provides a good grip.

Cushioning is important for plate loaded prone leg curl training. Foam rollers and pads prevent stress on the hips, joints, and knees.

This feature makes the unit friendly to use by anyone, including persons with muscle recovery procedures. 

Cushions are located at the base of the lever, and two more angled foam pieces for the chest and the arms. 

The weight system represents the resistance of the plate loaded prone leg curl. High-end units locate the weights in the shroud. Otherwise, these are manually loaded by the user. 

Shroud is the place where the weights are placed. It’s connected to the unit’s axis through the cables. High-end plate loaded leg curl machines have full front shrouds. Others have standard rear shrouds. 

Hand grip for support during training, made of dense foam. It is normally covered up with quality leather.

Optional, high-end manufacturers provide with:

• Instructional placards to illustrate the proper use of the unit
• Incremental weight system from 1 kg to 3.5 kg (2.5 lb to 7.5 lbs)
• Roller mechanism for user seat adjustment for up to 7 levels 

Foot platforms are also an extra feature. Plate loaded leg curl units with footrest allow more than one position of training, such as standing leg curls, seated leg curls, or kneeling leg curls. For lying leg curls units, foot platforms are not necessary. 

Figure 4 Configuration of plate loaded prone leg curl 

What is the mainframe material and diameter at plate loaded prone leg curl?

The material of a quality plate loaded prone leg curl is steel pipe. To provide a good fatigue resistance, it should have a minimum diameter of 2.5 mm.

YR Fitness manufactures plate loaded prone leg curl with the mainframe size of 75*118*3 mm. We manufacture these units from high frequency welded pipe and only Q235 certified steel. These features ensure long-term use, even at high-intensity training.

Figure 5 YR Fitness mainframe features of prone leg curl unit 

What is the diameter of the belts and the pulleys of the plate loaded prone leg curl?

The commercial-grade unit should provide a belt of an average of 11 cm and  15 cm (6”) of pulleys. Their high-quality fiberglass-impregnated nylon is thick enough to withstand the tension of exercising. 

What is the cushion durability of the plate loaded prone leg curl?

The durability of the cushions is high due to the foam material core. More than this, pads are molded with radius on edge for superior comfort and resistance.

Quality manufacturers stitch all the edges of the cushions. This prevents any folds and deterioration of the material in time. 

Overall, the lifespan of the cushions is long and many gym owners don’t have to replace them. Isolated cases were recorded, where due to low-quality manufacturing processes, the foam lost its firmness. 

YR Fitness is an international plate loaded prone leg curl supplier which makes self-designed equipment. Thus, we provide integrated pads, made of modeling foam, with high elasticity and resilience. Our products are designed and built in-house and meet all the ergonomics.

Figure 6 Cushion example of plate loaded prone leg curl unit 

What is the diameter of the weight selector pin at a plate loaded prone leg curl?

A quality weight selector pin should have an average diameter of 11 mm (7/16”). This locks in place magnetically and is connected to the stack. 

Is the weight stack unit equipped with a bushing at a plate loaded prone leg curl?

Yes. Top-level plate loaded prone leg curl units are equipped with self-lubricating bushing systems. This ensures a securely closing for the solid- steel plates and prevents accidents during training. 

Figure 7 Weight stack unit equipped with bushing 

What are the blueprinted plate loaded prone leg curl units?

The blueprinted plate loaded prone leg curl machines are the top-level strength training units. It means the shape of the machine is made following human movement. All the features are ergonomically designed to perfectly fit the athlete’s body. 

Blueprinted models ensure fluid movement, high comfortability, and ergonomic shapes. Thus, the training feels natural, there is no overstretching of the muscles and the body is correctly aligned. 

Figure 8 Blueprinted prone leg unit 

Is the plate loaded prone leg curl featured with divergent angle lying pads?

Yes. Commercial grade plate loaded prone leg curls are equipped with divergent angle lying pads. This is made of two foam-padded pieces for the prone position. 

The divergent angle is necessary to ensure healthy leg curl training. With this angle between the hip and chest, the unit will considerably reduce lower-back tension.

However, keep in mind that medium or low units have horizontal pads. Experts have agreed that this position puts a lot of stress on the back. Thus, the athlete can suffer from back injuries. 

Figure 9 Plate loaded divergent angle pads example 

What are the features of the hand grips of plate loaded prone legs curl unit?

The most important features of the hand grips for prone leg curl unit are:

• Slip-resistant during use due to the aluminum collar that secures the hand grips
• Wear-and-tear resistant 
• Rubber compound material non-absorbing moisture 

Figure 10 Plate loaded prone leg curl unit handles example

Are the roller pads of the plate loaded prone leg curl adjustable? 

Commercial grade units have adjustable roller pads. These need to be adjusted to rest on the Achilles tendon. Otherwise, the athletes risk performing incorrect exercises. 

Adjustable and quality pads are a must for nowadays gym centers. Contact YR Fitness to confirm if your unit may have adjustable pads. 

Figure 11 Roller foam pads of prone leg curl unit 

What is the shroud material of plate loaded prone leg curl?

YR Fitness manufactures the shroud of the leg curl unit only of ABS virgin material, of 4 mm thickness. This construction material is durable and eco-friendly. 

Other manufacturers use plastic or mixed materials. But not all comply with the quality standards. If you are not sure of the quality of your supplier, contact YR to confirm all questions about plate loaded leg curl units. 

What is the average weight of the stack at a plate loaded prone leg curl unit?

The average weight stack of a leg curl machine is about 95 kg (200 lb). The amount of weight is adjustable by using the weight pin selector. 

However, the stack weight may vary, depending on the manufacturer. 

What is Iso-Lateral technology at the plate loaded prone leg curl?

The Iso-Lateral technology is connected to the movement of the limbs. While standard technology units only allow curls with both limbs at the time, the iso-lateral allows independent movement. 

This means that the unit allows trainees to move the limbs one at a time, by alternation. Or move them both simultaneously. They can also attach different weights to the unit if needed.

However, keep in mind that Iso-Lateral Technology is patented to be used exclusively for the parent company Plate Loaded. 

Figure 12 Iso-technology example of plate loaded prone leg curl 

What is the starting resistance of the plate loaded prone leg curl?

The starting resistance of the plate loaded prone leg curl unit is about 1 kg (3 lb). 

Is the plate loaded prone leg curl equipped with electronic features? 

Yes. Top-level leg curl units are equipped with some technological features. Frequently, plate loaded leg curl units feature an electronic reps counter and timer. These features are convenient to the athlete, as it is easier to keep track of the training progress.  

Figure 13 Example of plate loaded prone leg curl monitor 

Are there any other positions available than prone for a plate loaded leg curl unit?

Yes. There are three other positions of leg curl except lying:

• Seated leg curl 

For athletes who cannot stand in a prone position, a seated leg curl is an excellent alternative. The seat is padded and the hand grips are located at the seat level. 

Figure 14 Seated leg curl 

• Standing leg curl

Performing leg curls in a standing position are comfortable and accessible to any trainee. The unit provides support for arms. The seat helps training in an inclined position. 

Figure 15 Standing leg curl unit 

• Kneeling leg curl 

Kneeling leg curls helps build strong hamstrings. The athlete rests one knee on the pad and with the other one performs curls. 

Figure 16 Kneeling leg curl 

Is it easy to assemble the plate loaded prone leg curl on my own?

No. The parts that assembly the plate loaded leg curl unit are quite heavy. Remember that the overall weight of the unit is more than 200 kg. 

Your supplier should provide explicit instructions to be able to assemble and install it in your gym. You may need some else’s assistance too.

Figure 15 Diagram of a leg curl unit

Are there any placing requirements for the plate loaded prone leg curl?

Yes. The plate loaded prone leg curl must be located in a wide area of your gym, with a tall ceiling. Also, the machine must be used in a dry gym, ideally with lots of natural light. 

This machine needs quite a big space to be located in the gym. The clearance maintained around it must be about  2000 mm × 2000 mm. 

How can I prevent the plate loaded prone leg curl unit from slipping in my gym?

Commercial grade plate loaded prone leg curls are equipped with rubber feet. These ensure the protection of the frame and prevent the machine from slipping.  

If the unit does not have rubber feet, you can always use a protective floor mat to prevent damage to your gym floor. 

Figure 16 Floor protection mat example 

Can I customize my plate loaded prone leg curl unit?

Yes, manufacturers can customize your leg curl unit for a more professional look. 

YR Fitness is an expert in custom-made plate loaded prone leg curls or any other gym equipment. You can select from a wide palette of frames, colors, and cushion materials. 

Final Words

I hope the above guide answered many of your questions about plate loaded prone leg curl machines. 

If something is still questionable, please contact YR Fitness sales team to clarify all doubts.

Need to import plate loaded prone leg curls for your gym? Let YR take your order to the next level. Our premium units can be made for your gym. Contact us now.