Seated Leg Extension

Seated Leg Extension Basics

Primary muscles worked: Quads

Synergist Muscles: N/a

Mechanics: Isolation

Equipment: Seated Leg Extension Machine

How To Perform Seated Leg Extensions

• First, set up the seated leg extension machine by changing the seat height so that your knee joint is resting on the edge of the seat.
• Next, set up the leg attachment so that it rests on the front of your legs, just above your ankle joint.
• Now, if the machine has it, adjust the leg bar so that it secures your upper legs in place.
• Once you have adjusted the machine in this manner, you may perform the seated leg extension.
• Your knees begin in a flexed, bent, state.
• Contract your quadriceps muscles by extending your legs out and up, at the knee joint.
• Continue extending until you are one inch away from full extension of your knees.

Seated Leg Extension Tips

• Do not lock out or fully extend your knees as this will put increased pressure on your knee joint.

Seated Leg Extension and Sports Application

The seated leg extension is a great exercise for developing quad strength in athletes. Sport's specifically, it will increase kicking strength. This can be seen in sports such as soccer, kickboxing, and football.