Leg Extensions
Sit tall, knees aligned with the machine's pivot, pad above ankles. Extend to near lockout, pause and squeeze; lower slowly under control. Strengthens the quadriceps.
Muscles worked
Primary
Equipment
How to do it
- Sit in the machine with your back against the pad and align the knees with the machine's pivot.
- Set the ankle pad just above the front of the ankles and grip the side handles.
- Brace the core and extend the knees until the legs are nearly straight.
- Pause briefly at the top with the quads fully shortened.
- Lower under control without letting the stack slam.
- Keep the hips pinned to the seat through every rep.
Watch for
- Hips lifting off the seat to swing weight up.
- Snapping the legs straight at the top.
- Cutting the range short by stopping high in the lift.
Breathing
Exhale as you extend, inhale as you lower.
Tip
A short pause at the top with the quads squeezed loads the muscle better than rushing into the next rep.
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