How do you do the Leg Extension (Machine)?

Adjust the seat so your knees line up with the machine's pivot and your back rests on the pad. Set the roller just above your ankles and hold the side handles. Straighten your legs until they are straight or nearly so, without forcing the knees back. Lower slowly until your knees are bent to about a right angle.

What are common Leg Extension (Machine) mistakes?

Using too much weight and swinging the weight up. Arching your lower back off the pad. Stopping short of a full extension. Hyperextending the knees at the top.

Leg Extension (Machine): how to do it, form cues and muscles worked

How to do it

Adjust the seat so your knees line up with the machine's pivot and your back rests on the pad.
Set the roller just above your ankles and hold the side handles.
Straighten your legs until they are straight or nearly so, without forcing the knees back.
Lower slowly until your knees are bent to about a right angle.

Key cues

Knees in line with the pivot
Roller just above the ankles
Back against the pad, hips down
Control the way down

Common mistakes

Using too much weight and swinging the weight up
Arching your lower back off the pad
Stopping short of a full extension
Hyperextending the knees at the top

Muscles worked

Primary: Quads

Equipment

Leg extension machine.

Variations

Leg Extension (Single Leg)
Machine · Quads · Isolation

Programs that use it

PHUL
Upper/Lower

References

StrengthLog: Leg Extension
RitFit: Proper Leg Extension Form
Motra: Leg Extension