Leg Extension: how to do it and muscles worked

The leg extension mainly works your quadriceps. You need a gym machine.

Muscles worked

How to do the leg extension

  1. 1

    Sit in the machine with your back against the pad and set the pad to rest on your lower shins, just above your ankles. Hold the handles and keep your thighs on the seat.

  2. 2

    Straighten your legs by lifting the pad until your knees are almost fully extended. Squeeze your quads hard at the top for a second.

  3. 3

    Lower slowly over 3 seconds until your knees are bent to about 90 degrees. Breathe out as you lift and in as you lower.

Form tip: Do not swing the weight or lift your hips off the seat; use a weight you can control without locking your knees hard.

Common questions

Which muscles does the leg extension work?
The leg extension mainly works your quadriceps.
What equipment do I need for the leg extension?
You need a gym machine.
How many sets and reps should I do?
A common starting point is 2 to 4 sets of 8 to 12 controlled reps, with a weight that leaves a couple of reps in reserve. Adjust it to your goal and experience, and stop if something hurts.
How do I track the leg extension in SweatByte?
Add it to a routine or a workout. Log the weight and reps for each set. SweatByte shows your last session's numbers on every set, so you know what to beat.

More quadriceps exercises

General information, not medical advice. Learn the movement with light weight first, and see a doctor or physiotherapist if you have an injury or pain. More guides in Learn.

Leg Extension: how to do it and muscles worked · SweatByte