Single Leg Extension: how to do it and muscles worked
The single leg extension mainly works your quadriceps. You need a gym machine.
Muscles worked
Main
How to do the single leg extension
- 1
Sit in the leg extension machine with your back against the pad. Hook one ankle under the roller pad and hold the handles, other foot resting on the floor or the other roller.
- 2
Straighten that one leg until your knee is almost fully extended, squeezing your quad at the top. Keep your thigh pressed into the seat.
- 3
Lower slowly over 3 seconds. Breathe out as you lift and in as you lower, then repeat on the other leg.
Form tip: Use a lighter weight than for both legs, and do not twist your torso or swing the pad to finish reps.
Common questions
- Which muscles does the single leg extension work?
- The single leg extension mainly works your quadriceps.
- What equipment do I need for the single 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 single 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.