Natural Leg Curls problem and...

[kombatmaster7]

I incorporated the NLC's into my strength training program for my legs. I do a 3x3 rep/set scheme.

The problem I have is keeping my body straight throughout the movement.

Mind you, this is a very challenging exercise to start off with and has a rating of 2 L-sit gymnast men.

I find my self with a bent body going down, but I fear that the exercise is not hitting all my hamstring muscles

so I try to keep a straight body, but I am very dependent on the force of my arms going down and back up in order to keep a straight body.

With this being said, I am questioning whether or not I can make progressions on this exercise because the intensity is determined by how much force I put in my arms and that can be changed because I can feel and perform stronger one day and on another I can be heavily dependent on my hands to get me through the exercise with good form.

In other words, If I am using a steady state cycle, how can I keep the intensity of this exercise constant, how can I measure progress, and how do I know when I can move onto a harder variation?

(there aren't many easier variations to leg curls so I'm kinda stuck)

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and.......

I need some help on how to progress with my graduated SLS using the steady state cycle.

I do a 3x5 scheme and am approaching the end of my first SSC (YAY ).

The bench I squat down to is 16 and 1/2 inches off the ground.

My thigh is parrellel to the ground when my bum hits the bench.

My big question is: How many more inches closer to the ground should I lower the bench for my next SSC?

Also, I plan to just keep lowering the distance my bum is to the ground until I can do a full SLS no support and go from there.

If you guys know of any other variations instead of lowering the distance from the ground each SSC that may help to.

With kind regards,

-kombat