The leg extension isolates your quads: the one exercise where the front of your thigh works alone, without glutes or back.
1Starting positionStart2End positionFinish
Setup
Adjust the back pad so your knees line up with the machine's pivot. Roller on your lower shins, just above your feet. Sit back firmly and hold the handles.
Execution
Sit down, hook your shins under the pad, hold the side handles — starting position.
Exhale and extend your legs fully, squeezing your quads.
Inhale and lower them back down slowly.
Common mistakes
Knees off the pivot — it's rough on the knee; move the back pad.
Kicking your legs up — extend smoothly and pause at the top.
Hips lifting off the seat — hold the handles and stay seated.
