Having the basics for a home gym such as a squat rack, barbell, and plates is a great start, but machines such as the leg press machine can take your workout space to a much more effective level. Building muscular legs should be a priority for most people, and that means you need the best leg extension machine.
Fortunately, the ACTIVE Reviews Team has reviewed the best leg extension machines on the market and compiled this list of the machines that will help you decide which machine would be best to build muscle, get stronger, and improve overall health. These machines can double as leg curl machines, as well, which can help you improve the hamstrings on the back of your thighs.
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The Best Leg Extension Machines - Our Top Picks
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- Best Overall: Titan Fitness Leg Extension Machine
- Best Budget Leg Extension Machine: Force USA MyBench
- Best Leg Extension Machine for Small Spaces: XMark Leg Exercise Machine
- Best Leg Extension Machine for Beginners: Body Solid Leg Extension
- Best Adjustable Leg Extension Machine: Valor Fitness Adjustable Leg Machine
- Best Premium Leg Extension Machine: Body Solid Leg Extension and Curl Machine
Best Overall Leg Extension Machine - Titan Fitness Leg Extension and Curl Machine
SPECS
- Dimensions: 39"H x 42"W x 36"D
- Weight: 108 lbs.
- Weight capacity: 300 lbs.
The Titan Fitness Leg Extension and Curl Machine is actually a two-in-one machine. It can be converted into a seated leg curl, as well. Two simple adjustments on the thigh and foot pads are all you need to focus on the hamstrings instead of the quadriceps.
Not only will this machine support substantial weight, but you can store extra weight on the machine thanks to the sleeve on the back. The padding is comfortable so you can focus on the movement without distraction and discomfort.
What We Like
- Converts into seated leg curl
- Free shipping and financing
- Seven seat depth positions
- Extra weight sleeve for storage
What We Don't Like
- Only supports Olympic plates
- Small back pad
BUY: Titan Fitness Leg Extension Machine
Best Budget Leg Extension Machine - Force USA MyBench
SPECS
- Dimensions: 22"H x 30"W x 67"L
- Weight: 100 lbs.
- Weight capacity: 705 lbs.
Home gym owners who need to make the most out of limited spaces will find this one to be a wise investment. It can be used for all bench exercises, even preacher curls, thanks to the separate attachment. The bench adjusts from a 75-degree incline to as low as a 25-degree decline.
The leg attachment can be used for leg extensions as well as lying leg curls, and you don't need to adjust the bench to transition from one movement to the other. You can also work each leg at a time or both simultaneously.
What We Like
- Can be used for many exercises
- Preacher curl attachment also included
- Can be used for lying leg curl
- Lifetime structural warranty
- Handle and rear transport wheels for moving
What We Don't Like
- Narrow bench
- No weight storage
BUY: Force USA MyBench
Best Leg Extension Machine for Small Spaces - XMark Leg Extension Machine
SPECS
- Dimensions: 41"H x 45.5"W x 55.75"L
- Weight: 136 lbs.
- Weight capacity: 500 lbs.
The XMark Leg Extension machine will also double as a seated leg curl, and it can be adjusted to suit taller and shorter lifters. The weighted sleeve on the back is not only for storage but also for balance support while the machine is being used. It's a big piece of equipment, but it's very sturdy.
The padding is extra thick for greater comfort, and the pads will fit snugly once adjusted properly so your legs will stay in place throughout the exercises. The Olympic sleeve would cover the standard sleeve on the machine. So, both standard and Olympic plates will work on this piece.
What We Like
- Will support up to 500 lbs.
- 20 different adjustment positions
- Made of 12-gauge steel
- Will support standard and Olympic plates
What We Don't Like
- Very heavy machine
- Only comes in gray
BUY: XMark Leg Exercise Machine
Best Leg Extension Machine for Beginners - Body Solid Leg Extension
SPECS
- Dimensions: 37"H x 42"W x 49"L
- Weight: 97 lbs.
- Weight capacity: 200 lbs.
This machine is simple to set up and operate, which makes it a great choice for beginners and people who are limited on time to train. It will support both types of weight plates, and you can perform both leg extensions and leg curls in one station.
The extra padding with the thicker covering will help provide comfort and prevent wear and tear for a long time to come. It also comes with a lifetime warranty for the frame and parts, which can make this an even better investment for your home gym.
What We Like
- Durafirm padding for extra comfort
- Small footprint
- 7-gauge steel
- Leg curl pad can be stored
What We Don't Like
- Low weight capacity
- Short weight sleeve
Best Adjustable Leg Extension Machine - Valor Fitness Adjustable Leg Machine
SPECS
- Dimensions: 38"H x 39"W x 55"L
- Weight: 94 lbs.
- Weight capacity: 150 lbs.
This could be another great choice for beginners, but the main feature of this one is the wide variety of positions that the back pad and thigh rollers can be adjusted to. If more than one person will use the machine, then this should be high on the list. It will support users of all experiences and sizes.
The thigh rollers have curves in them to maximize comfort while you're using the machine. You might get strong enough that you need to upgrade in the future, but thanks to the steel frame, this machine will be a reliable one for a long time to come.
What We Like
- Small and light machine
- Curved padding for better support
- 6 back pad positions
- 9 thigh roller positions
What We Don't Like
- Olympic sleeve adapter sold separately
- Low weight capacity
BUY: Valor Fitness Adjustable Leg Machine
Best Premium Leg Extension Machine - Body Solid Leg Extension and Curl Machine
SPECS
- Dimensions: 71"H x 54"W x 54"L
- Weight: 429 lbs.
- Weight capacity: 210 lb. stack
This leg extension and leg curl machine is suitable for both commercial gyms and home gyms. It has a weight stack, and changing weights is as easy as pulling and replacing a pin. There are multiple settings for the back pad and the pad to switch from one exercise to the other.
This is a tall and heavy machine, so wherever you place it in your home gym should be considered a permanent place. The oversized pads and smooth motion of the cable will make it easy for you to train the thighs.
What We Like
- Weight stack can be upgraded to 310 lbs.
- 7-gauge steel frame
- Lifetime frame warranty
What We Don't Like
- 1-year warranty on the cable
- Very heavy machine
- Weights are not numbered by their weight
BUY: Body Solid Leg Extension and Curl Machine
What to Look for in a Leg Extension Machine
Now, it's your turn to do your own research to determine which of these products would be the best fit for your personal workout space.
Size
The first thing you should do is measure the size of the space you plan to commit to your leg extension machine so you know it will fit properly. You don't want to have to move equipment around because you need the space to use the machine or make the extra room and compromise something else. Once you have this information on hand, find the machine that would fit in your allocated space.
Weight
Next, you need to choose the machine that will support the weight you plan to use. If you have standard plates, then a machine that only supports Olympic plates won't work. However, Olympic plates will fit on one-inch sleeves. If you choose to use a machine with a weight stack, make sure it has enough to suit your needs.
Don't just think about the weight you can use now, think about your future self and choose a machine that will support the weight you feel you can use in the future. If a stack goes up to 200 pounds, but you can work with 300, then it won't serve you as well as a machine that could support that kind of weight will.
Materials
The frame of the machine should be solid enough to support you and the weight you're using while the machine is being used. A leg extension machine with a steel frame would be best, and the adjusting parts should be high-quality, as well.
The padding of the machine also matters. Thin padding with low-quality covering will suffer damage quickly, and that is an extra cost and issue you would have to deal with. Thicker padding with quality vinyl covering is worth the cost in the long run.
Buckle Type
Some leg extension machines have buckles that can help you stay secured to the machine while your legs are working. The strap for the buckle should be strong and fit tightly once the buckle is secured. The buckle itself should be easy to secure when you get into place and simple to remove once you're finished.
If the machine doubles as a seated leg curl, then the thigh pad should provide a snug fit to help you stay in place, as well. If the pad comes loose during the set, then the machine can be damaged and you could suffer an injury as a result.
Benefits of Leg Extension Machines
The leg extension machine can help you isolate the quadriceps when training. This exercise can help you prepare your knees for more intense leg work to come later in a workout. You can work each leg individually or both at the same time.
The leg extension exercise can add variety to your leg workouts, as well. It can be performed at any portion of the workout. Doing it at the start of the workout can help pre-exhaust the quads, or you can do it at the end of the session as a finisher or burnout exercise. There would be no need to perform single reps with a super-heavy weight, but you can use moderate to heavy weight for muscle growth.
FAQs About Leg Extension Machines
Are leg extension machines worth it?
Leg extension machines can add value to your home gym and training experience. Having a leg extension machine would offer an exercise that can help you improve the shape and development of your thighs, which can translate into improved performance in other athletic endeavors such as running, jumping, and other dynamic activities.
Can you build big legs with the leg extension?
The leg extension can help you build bigger and stronger quadriceps, specifically, but they don't do as much for the hamstrings and glutes. To build overall bigger legs, you should also consider focusing on other exercises such as squats, deadlifts, leg curls, and lunges.
How many times a week should I do leg extensions?
You can perform leg extensions once or twice a week as part of a full leg routine to improve the size, strength, and shape of your quadriceps. They can be performed as a warm-up exercise for your knees or as a supplemental exercise for a larger leg routine.
About the Author
Roger has worked in the fitness industry for over 20 years in a variety of roles, including as a personal trainer, fitness class instructor, supplement advisor, nutritionist, and as a writer. He has contributed to Men's Health, Muscle & Fitness, BarBend, Iron Man Magazine, and Bodybuilding.com.
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