Jonathan Edwards’ Timeless Hamstring Curl

Unbiased history for our next generation

Date: October 24, 2026

Jonathan Edwards’ triple jump world record is still standing 31 years later. His regimen was old-school, made up mostly of free weights and gymnastics, so for hamstring curl he used the bodyweight version, aka “Nordic,” once a week for over a decade, with a Swedish ladder to hold his heels down and a pad under his knees.

The machine version is even better for measurement, but with bands to assist, you can still work on the bodyweight version at any level.

It’s also worth noting that with patience, you can build elite strength with no equipment.

(The Wife Nordic is my all-time #1 hamstring curl recommendation.)

The simple TRUTH is that both the bodyweight and machine versions can get the job done!

I’ve coached and worked on both for 16 years.

The problem is that many social media posts try to steer you to one exercise by trashing another. I’ve seen lots of posts trashing the Nordic - of course nevermentioning the truth about Jonathan Edwards’ regimen and accomplishments, so I consider this to be key historical brainwashing armor in the field of exercise.

Our next generation needs unbiased history more than they need propaganda.

On that note, the Swedish ladder is my #1 recommendation for schools because it delivers timeless basics for all ages.

It was invented over 200 years ago by Pehr Henrik Ling. He used it for his own arthritis while helping large groups with general health.

My kids climb it.

My parents hang from the bar and work on knee raises.

The same ladder allows me to work on Nordics and core strength at elite levels.

I don’t sell a Swedish ladder, but you will find many options with a simple Google search, and it would be a fun and realistic project for a woodshop class at school.

Fun fact: Ling was also coaching back extensions and full squats - yeah, over 200 years ago!

“Timeless abilities on a gradient scale.” That’s the best I can summarize the ATG system thus far.

Thank you for reading.

Yours in Truth,

Ben

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