Leg Extensions

Technique

Setup

Adjust the back pad so your knees line up with the machine's pivot point, and set the shin pad just above your ankles. Sit back, hold the side handles, and keep your hips down on the seat.

Movement

Straighten your knees to lift the pad until your legs are fully extended, squeezing your quads at the top. Lower slowly until your knees are bent to about 90 degrees.

Form Tip

Line your knee joint up with the pivot before the first rep. A misaligned knee or a pad set too high puts awkward stress on the knee instead of a clean arc.

Increase Difficulty

Pause for 2 seconds at the top, or slow the lowering phase to 3 seconds.

Decrease Difficulty

Use a lighter stack, or shorten the range at the bottom.