How to do Leg Extension
- Main muscle
- Quadriceps
- Equipment
- Machine
- Level
- Beginner
- Type
- Strength
How to do it
- 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.
This page is general information. If you have an injury, pain or a health condition, check with a professional before doing this exercise.
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Ready-made programs with this exercise
Gyms and trainers on GamGym can import these programs as their own templates and assign them to members.
- Workout program
Upper/Lower 4 Days
Two upper and two lower sessions a week, so each muscle group is trained twice. The first pair is heavier compound work, the second pair higher reps. Mon-Tue-Thu-Fri works well.
Muscle gain · Intermediate · Gym · 4 days a week · 8 weeks
- Workout program
Push/Pull/Legs 6 Days
Pull, push, legs, repeat, then a rest day. Each day opens with a main barbell lift followed by higher-rep accessories for volume. For members who can train six days a week and recover well.
Muscle gain · Intermediate · Gym · 6 days a week · 12 weeks
- Workout program
Body Part Split 5 Days
One body part per day: chest, back, shoulders, legs, arms. High volume per muscle once a week. The most familiar gym layout, suited to intermediate members who know the basics.
Muscle gain · Intermediate · Gym · 5 days a week · 8 weeks
- Workout program
Upper/Lower Power + Hypertrophy 4 Days
Heavy, low-rep power days early in the week and higher-rep volume days later. For members with 6+ months of consistent training who want both strength and size.
Muscle gain · Intermediate · Gym · 4 days a week · 12 weeks
- Workout program
Power + Hypertrophy 5 Days
Two heavy power days (upper, lower) plus three body-part volume days. Each muscle is hit twice a week, once heavy and once for volume. For experienced members with five days available and good recovery.
Muscle gain · Advanced · Gym · 5 days a week · 12 weeks
- Workout program
50+ Low-Impact 3 Days
Joint-friendly machine and dumbbell work plus balance and posture drills. Aims to keep muscle and everyday strength (standing up, carrying, stairs). If only two days are possible, do A and B.
General health · Beginner · Gym · 3 days a week · 8 weeks
- Workout program
Machine-Based Starter 3 Days (New Member)
For first-time gym members. Mostly machines, whose fixed path makes them easy and safe to learn. After four to six weeks it sets up the move to a free-weight full-body plan.
General health · Beginner · Gym · 3 days a week · 6 weeks