What’s a leg extension in weightlifting?

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The leg extension is a weight resistance exercise that targets the quadriceps muscles in the front of the thighs. It is performed in a seated position on a leg extension machine, with slow and controlled movements to prevent injury and ensure effectiveness.

In weight training, a leg extension is a weight resistance exercise that targets the leg muscles. Weight trainers use this exercise to target the quadriceps, which are muscles in the front of the thighs. This exercise is performed in a seated position and with deliberate movements.

An individual can begin a leg extension by sitting on the seat of a leg extension machine. To perform this exercise correctly, the athlete must position his body so that the pads of the machine are on top of his ankles and his back is resting against the back pad of the machine. Sometimes this means the user has to adjust the machine to allow for proper pad positioning, especially if others have been using the machine. When he is seated and ready to begin the exercise, the user must ensure that his knees are bent at a 90 degree angle; his knees should not extend over his toes.

Once in the proper position to perform a leg extension, an individual should push their legs up, extend them, and straighten the knee. You should be using your quads to perform this lifting movement. When you reach the top of the lifting motion and your legs are straight, you should hold the position for a few seconds, keeping your quads engaged as you do so.

The next step for a leg extension is to slowly lower your legs back to the starting position. The athlete should inhale as they do so and work to keep their legs bent at a maximum 90 degree angle while lowering them to help prevent excess stress on the knees and minimize the risk of injury. Sometimes the way a machine is designed causes an individual’s legs to form less than a 90 degree angle in the starting or ending position. If this occurs, an athlete may need to find a different machine to protect their knees and perform the exercise correctly.

It is important to make the movements of a leg extension slow and controlled. If an athlete performs this exercise too quickly or allows momentum to control his movement, the effectiveness of the exercise may be diminished. If the exercise is performed with too much force, injuries may occur. Also, it’s important to remember to consciously contract or squeeze your quadriceps muscles when raising your legs. This ensures that the muscles are worked correctly.




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