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There is a mystery in the fitness world that has perplexed me for years: Why do some people want to skip leg day? Can we just put this to rest for good? Don’t. Skip. Leg. Day. Now that you’re on board with giving your lower body some love, let’s see how performing leg extensions and leg curls on the Titan Seated Leg Curl Extension machine can help you reach those leg goals.
In this Titan Fitness Seated Leg Curl/Extension review, we will break down this standalone, plate-loaded piece of equipment. When you consider its relatively small footprint and that you can muscle-up both the front and back of the legs on this one machine, you may find that this will be a cost-effective addition to your home gym.
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A Quick Look at the Titan Seated Leg Curl/Extension Machine
SPECS
- Weight: 108 lbs.
- Weight capacity: 220 lbs.
- Dimensions: 39" H x 42" W x 36" D
- Material: 11-gauge steel (frame); vinyl (upholstery)
- Finish: Powder-coated black
Two of the major prohibiting factors from bringing a piece of equipment home are price and space. The Titan Seated Leg Curl/Extension Machine tackles both of these problems by being both compact and affordably priced. Further, by combining both a leg curl and a leg extension machine, and providing a weight horn for plate storage, this machine really packs a thrifty punch.
When it comes to fitness equipment, it is often hard to not equate affordability with low quality. However, Titan is dedicated to providing quality products with more attainable prices. This is showcased with their Seated Leg Curl/Extension machine as it is solidly built with 11-gauge steel. Additionally, it utilizes Olympic weight plates (that many home gyms will have on hand) rather than adding cost by including weight stacks. Although this machine can get somewhat wobbly if you are lifting heavy weights, we still think it’s a solid investment for most people.
What We Like
- Affordably-priced
- 2 machines in 1 (leg curl and leg extension)
- Compact footprint
- Excellent for hypertrophy training
- Weight horn on back for plate storage and counterbalance
What We Don’t Like
- Must use Olympic weight plates (2" opening)
- Can feel wobbly when lifting heavier loads
BUY: Titan Seated Leg Curl/Extension Machine
Who is the Titan Seated Leg Curl/Extension Machine Best For?
Best for
- People who have issues squatting due to lower back or hip problems. The Titan Leg Curl/Extension machine will work your quads, hamstrings, and glutes while sparing the pressure put on your back and hips.
- This machine is great for those who have limited space. It has a fairly small footprint and it provides plate storage by way of a weight horn that is welded to the back.
- If you do bodybuilding or hypertrophy training, this piece of equipment will help you hone in on leg day.
- People who are on a budget and want to add a solidly-built, value-add piece to their home gym.
- The Titan Leg Curl/Extension Machine is a great option for those who want some versatility in their equipment.
Not best for
- Those who prefer the smooth motion and balanced weight of a cable-connected, selectorized leg machine.
- People who are in the market for a high-end, commercial-grade leg curl or leg extension machine.
- If you have standard plates with 1" openings, this may not be the best leg curl/extension machine because it can only be used with.
- Although this is a fairly compact machine, it still may not work for those in tight spaces.
Is the Titan Seated Leg Curl/Extension Machine Worth It?
The Titan Seated Leg Curl/Extension Machine is a compact, solidly built, affordably priced two-for-one piece of strength equipment. If your training includes hypertrophy, bodybuilding, or just a concentration on powering up the muscles in your quads and hamstrings, this machine is definitely worth it. Although this is a quality piece of equipment, if you don’t regularly do leg curls and extensions, the Titan Seated Leg Curl/Extension Machine may take up too much space for casual use.
Titan Seated Leg Curl/Extension Machine Construction
Titan Fitness is dedicated to delivering quality-constructed fitness equipment. This dedication is showcased in the construction of their seated leg/curl extension machine.
Frame
The compact but sturdy Titan Seated Leg Curl/Extension machine is made from heavy-duty 11-gauge steel. Although Titan’s welds have not always been the cleanest, the ones on this machine are neat and tidy. Additionally, they use a black powder-coated finish that will protect it from rust and add to the overall durability. This machine included a weight plate horn behind the seat that provides both storage and counterbalance
Seat and Backrest
The seat and backrest are separate pieces that can both be adjusted. The seat is fairly basic, but it gets the job done. It uses a small metal pin to lock it in place and it does allow for a slight incline. There are handles that wrap around the bottom of the seat that are solid. These are nice to grip onto for balance and a little leverage when you’re lifting heavy. The backrest has seven adjustment settings. The height of the back piece is fixed, but it moves back and forth to accommodate different body sizes.
Leg Rollers
In an effort to achieve optimal versatility in both movements and mobility, the shin and thigh rollers are adjustable. Both of these pads can be easily adjusted from your seated position. The leg rollers are covered in vinyl, and although it is fairly durable, they can show wear and tear pretty quickly. Although the padding is ample for most users, it may feel a little skimpy if you’re doing heavy leg extensions.
Arm
The Titan Seated Leg Curl/Extension Machine has a 10-inch plastic pendulum arm. The use of plastic gave us a little pause, but it seems durable. Considering that this machine is plate loaded, the weight will feel heavier for both curls and extensions as the arm swings upwards. This means that the weight will be the most loaded at the top of the movement. Cable-connected, selectorized machines provide a consistent weight throughout the range of motion.
How to Use the Titan Seated Leg Curl/Extension Machine
Using the Titan Seated Leg Curl/Extension Machine is not a complicated endeavor, but there are a few points to take note of before you start cranking out big sets.
This machine uses two-inch Olympic plates (this means that standard weight plates won’t work because they have a one-inch opening) to create the weight. This helps the footprint stay small, and it makes this machine more affordable because it utilizes equipment that you most likely have. Additionally, Titan included a weight horn on the back of this machine, providing both a place for storage and a way to counterbalance the machine when it is in use.
You will load your plates onto the adjustable arms and lock them in place with a barbell collar (not included). When you are doing leg extensions, the arm will rest in front of the pull-pin. To switch to leg curls, you will simply remove the pin and re-insert it so that the arm is resting behind the pull-pin. It is a quick and efficient movement.
The way the arm moves will depend on if you are working your quads or your hammies. When you are pumping up your quads with leg extensions the arm will swing out with your legs, but when you are doing curls the arm will go up toward your butt. One sticking point with this machine is that you cannot move from one movement to the other without removing all of the plates.
Our Verdict
The Titan Seated Leg Curl/Extension Machine is a sturdy, well-constructed piece of strength equipment that’s an affordable and compact option for those looking to go hard on leg day. Given that this machine can only be used with Olympic weight plates, you will want to make sure that you either have those or are willing to buy them.
BUY: Titan Seated Leg Curl/Extension Machine
FAQs About Leg Extension/Curl Machines
Are leg extensions and leg curls worth it?
Absolutely! It is always important to train your lower body as this is where much of your power is generated. Furthermore, leg extension and curls allow you to train your quads and hamstrings without putting the undue strain on your lower back that other compound movements such as squats can cause.
What are the benefits of a leg extension machine?
Building up your quadriceps is a good idea for anyone and leg extension machines can help do that. Your quads help us perform explosive movements as well as keep you steady and balanced.
How many times a week should I do leg extensions?
Although the amount of exercise you can handle is based on several factors and should always be discussed with a medical professional beforehand, leg extensions can be done around three times a week. It is important to give our muscles time to heal and recover.
Do leg extensions damage your knees?
Leg extensions tend to put less stress on your knees than squats. Therefore, if you care about performing the movement correctly and using a weight that you are strong enough to handle, leg extensions should not be damaging to your knees.
About the Author
Sosha is a staff writer for ACTIVE.com and a CrossFit enthusiast. Her work’s been featured in The Washington Post, Huffington Post, MUTHA Magazine, Charlotte Magazine, and The Charlotte Observer. Her weekly column, Soshally Awkward, is featured on the nationally-syndicated radio show, Bob & Sheri.
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