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Leg Extensions

A beginner strength exercise for the quads, done with a machine.

Leg Extensions: starting positionLeg Extensions: finishing position
Main muscles
Quads
Equipment
Machine
Level
Beginner
Type
Isolation
Movement
Push

How to do the Leg Extensions

  1. For this exercise you will need to use a leg extension machine. First choose your weight and sit on the machine with your legs under the pad (feet pointed forward) and the hands holding the side bars. This will be your starting position. Tip: You will need to adjust the pad so that it falls on top of your lower leg (just above your feet). Also, make sure that your legs form a 90-degree angle between the lower and upper leg. If the angle is less than 90-degrees then that means the knee is over the toes which in turn creates undue stress at the knee joint. If the machine is designed that way, either look for another machine or just make sure that when you start executing the exercise you stop going down once you hit the 90-degree angle.
  2. Using your quadriceps, extend your legs to the maximum as you exhale. Ensure that the rest of the body remains stationary on the seat. Pause a second on the contracted position.
  3. Slowly lower the weight back to the original position as you inhale, ensuring that you do not go past the 90-degree angle limit.
  4. Repeat for the recommended amount of times.

Sets and reps

Muscle3–4 sets of 10–15 reps, rest 60–90 seconds
Pump or finisher2–3 sets of 15–20 reps, rest 45–60 seconds

Log every set in MyoStats and it works out your estimated one-rep max and suggests the next weight or rep target, so you keep progressing without guessing.

Alternatives to the Leg Extensions

Questions

What muscles does the Leg Extensions work?

Mainly the quads.

Is the Leg Extensions good for beginners?

Yes. It's rated a beginner exercise: start light and learn the movement before adding weight.

What can I do instead of the Leg Extensions?

Good alternatives that train the quads: Single-Leg Leg Extension, Thigh Adductor, Chair Squat or Hack Squat.

How many sets and reps of the Leg Extensions should I do?

Muscle: 3–4 sets of 10–15 reps, rest 60–90 seconds. Pump or finisher: 2–3 sets of 15–20 reps, rest 45–60 seconds.

Exercise steps and photos: free-exercise-db (public domain).