How to do the Leg Extension
- Sit on the machine and adjust the seat so your knees align with the pivot point.
- Place your shins behind the lower roller and grip the handles securely.
- Extend your knees until they are nearly straight, feeling the muscles in front of your thighs.
- Slowly lower the weight back to the starting position.
Full technique — 6 steps
- Adjust the seat so your knees line up with the machine's pivot point.
- Sit back against the pad and place your shins behind the lower roller.
- Grip the handles and start with knees bent comfortably under the pad.
- Extend your knees until your legs are nearly straight and quads fully shortened.
- Squeeze the quadriceps briefly at the top without kicking or snapping the weight up.
- Lower the pad back down until your knees are bent and the weight stack stays under control.
Common mistakes
- Knees set forward of pivot
- Kicking the weight upward
- Hips lifting off seat
- Stopping short of top range
- Slamming the weight stack down
Form cues
- Align knees with pivot
- Keep back against seat
- Move only at knees
- Squeeze the top