X

Like What You See?

Stay updated on the latest and greatest from the world of HealthifyMe. Subscribe to our Newsletter today!

Summary

A weight-training exercise, leg extensions target quadricep muscles that run along the front of your thigh from your knee to your pelvis and are responsible for hip flexion and knee extension. They are usually performed using a leg-extension machine, where you sit on a chair and lift a weight bar using your quadriceps muscle. When […]

Five reasons why leg extensions work

Anisha Mishra

March 18, 2015 - 12:14 pm

A weight-training exercise, leg extensions target quadricep muscles that run along the front of your thigh from your knee to your pelvis and are responsible for hip flexion and knee extension. They are usually performed using a leg-extension machine, where you sit on a chair and lift a weight bar using your quadriceps muscle. When you perform leg extensions, you contract the quad to bring your knees up against the weighted resistance. While many other exercises such as squats, lunges or deadlifts also work on the quads, they do not isolate the muscle like a leg extension does.

Any exercise that requires you to contract your quadriceps against resistance can deliver the same effect as a leg extension machine. If you are doing it at home, you can use a chair and resistance bands or ankle weights. You can also mimic the exercise by walking backward on a treadmill or doing a reverse step up onto a slightly raised platform.

Five key benefits of leg extensions

  1. Leg extensions are a key exercise in strengthening the patellar ligament and quadriceps attachment for the knee. This exercise focuses on strengthening the quad alone and, therefore, strengthens key attachments for the knee joint at the same time.
  2. A machine-assisted training, it is a very good option for exercise beginners and you need not worry about form and posture.
  3. It is also a good finisher exercise, as it is an isolation exercise for quadriceps that can be performed after compound exercises like squats or dead lifts.
  4. You can focus on target muscles more selectively. While doing squats, you hit a lot of muscles at once and expend a lot of energy. With leg extensions, you focus just on quads.
  5. There is a common belief that leg extensions can be harmful for your knees. But in my opinion, it is a good exercise for people with knee problems as they are performed while seated, reducing the impact on the knee. However, it is advisable to reduce the weight load and focus on the squeeze instead. Also, if you are recovering from any leg injury, it is best to consult a doctor before embarking on this form of exercise.

To get started with the best diet & training choices for your fitness or weightloss plan, sign up today and speak to our experts.

[symple_button url=”https://healthifyme.onelink.me/2285251819?pid=Blog_Post&c=Sign_Up&af_dp=hmein%3A%2F%2Factivity%2FPlansv2Activity&af_web_dp=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthifyme.com%2Fhome&af_force_dp=true” color=”red” size=”medium” border_radius=”3px” target=”self” rel=”” icon_left=”” icon_right=””]Get fit with HealthifyMe. Sign up here[/symple_button]

 

What are GLP-1 peptides?

They are small sequences of amino acids that are secreted from cells in the small intestine and the brain. They work as physiological regulators of appetite and food intake – basically they transmit the message that the stomach is full to the brain.

About the Author

As a former State-Level Basketball player, Anisha has been a fitness enthusiast from a very young age. Converting her passion into a career, she completed her Bachelor's in Physiotherapy along with a Diploma in Sports Nutrition. Specialising in Postnatal Fitness, Rehabilitation, and Fitness for various medical conditions, Anisha has attended several workshops in the fitness field. With more than 6 years of experience as a Trainer, Anisha has now turned her attention to making fitness a way of life in the country, and the rest of the world, in her role as Sr. Fitness Trainer at HealthifyMe.


Related Articles

Common myths about working out

While working out can be excruciating, don’t let baseless facts affect your training. Here are some common myths about exercising, that you can kiss goodbye. MYTH 1: It is too late to lose weight The truth: Whether your 40 or 70, it is never too late to start exercising. Weight loss, stamina increase and strength […]

By Anisha Mishra

Easy Ways to Fit in Exercise into your Workday

Your days are packed, and exercise never makes it to your to-do list. But exercise is necessary. Learn how to squeeze in exercise into your busy day. MULTITASK If a chunk of your day goes in listening into conference calls or sitting in at meetings, why not get some exercise while you’re at it: While […]

By Anisha Mishra

Should you workout when you’re sick?

Exercising does good to your heart, mind and body, but is not always the best thing to do. There are times when resting your body is better than a workout-induced endorphin high. Read on to find out when it’s best to avoid exercise. Fever: Fever is a sign that you’re body is fighting infection. At such a […]

By Anisha Mishra

16 responses to “Five reasons why leg extensions work”

  1. WҺat’s Gօing down i am new to this, I stumbled upon this I have found It absolutely helpful and it has aideɗ me out loads.

    I’m hοping to contribute & help ԁiffeгent cսstomeгs like its
    aided me. Good job.

  2. Hello it’s me, I am also visiting this site on a regular basis, this site is in fact pleasant and the viewers are actually sharing
    pleasant thoughts.

  3. I seldom comment, but i did some searching and wound up
    here Five reasons why leg extensions work – HealthifyMe Blog.
    And I actually do have a couple of questions for you if it’s allright.

    Could it be just me or does it look as if like some
    of the comments look like left by brain dead people? :
    -P And, if you are writing on other online sites, I would
    like to keep up with anything fresh you have to post.
    Could you make a list of every one of all your shared pages like your linkedin profile,
    Facebook page or twitter feed?

  4. Thanks from France for your webpage. . Should I need to have a doctor prescribed for Lamprene

  5. Genital herpes is most contagious from the first tell-tale indications of tingling or getting rid of (prodrome), until sores have
    healed completely.,|which only lasted about a full
    week Chickenpox and the geniculate ganglion: cosmetic nerve palsy, Ramsay Hunt syndrome and acyclovir treatment.
    ago,|I had the injections about a full month This treatment spent
    some time working wonders for me personally. the fistula is become small
    and is slowly but surely disappearing.

  6. Whats up very nice web site!! Man .. Excellent .. Superb ..
    I’ll bookmark your website and take the feeds
    additionally? I am happy to search out numerous helpful info here in the put up, we’d like work out more techniques on this regard, thank
    you for sharing. . . . . .

  7. Have you ever thought about adding a little bit more than just
    your articles? I mean, what you say is important and everything.
    Nevertheless think about if you added some great graphics
    or video clips to give your posts more, “pop”!
    Your content is excellent but with images and videos, this website could undeniably be one of
    the very best in its niche. Fantastic blog!

  8. Hey just wanted to give you a quick heads up and let you know a few of the pictures aren’t
    loading correctly. I’m not sure why but I think its a linking issue.
    I’ve tried it in two different web browsers and both show the same results.

  9. Howdy! This post could not be written any better! Looking through this post reminds me of my
    previous roommate! He always kept preaching about this. I’ll
    forward this information to him. Fairly certain he’ll
    have a great read. Thanks for sharing!

  10. It’s awesome to go to see this site and reading the views
    of all colleagues concerning this paragraph, while I am also keen of getting know-how.

  11. I think this is among the most vital information for me.
    And i am glad reading your article. But want to remark on few general things, The website style is ideal, the
    articles is really excellent : D. Good job, cheers

  12. An impressive share! I’ve just forwarded this onto a friend
    who had been conducting a little research on this.
    And he actually bought me dinner simply because I found it for him…
    lol. So allow me to reword this…. Thanks for the meal!!
    But yeah, thanks for spending time to discuss this issue here on your web site.

  13. Good day! This post couldn’t be written any better!

    Reading this post reminds me of my good old room mate! He always kept chatting about this.

    I will forward this article to him. Pretty sure he will have a good read.
    Thanks for sharing!

  14. I enjoy what you guys tend to be up too. This kind of clever work and exposure!

    Keep up the great works guys I’ve incorporated you guys to blogroll.

Add Your Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Medically reviewed by

Gautham Shankar

PHD in colouring hair in darkness