PlanWorkouts

Exercise 0585 · REF my33uHU

Lever Leg Extension exercise animation

Lever Leg Extension

Category
Upper Legs
Target
Quads

The leg extension isolates the quads about as directly as a machine can — no hips, no hamstrings, no balance required, just the knee extending against resistance. That makes it a useful diagnostic: if one leg is noticeably weaker here, it's easier to spot than on a squat where the stronger leg can quietly compensate. It's a finisher more often than a main lift, usually programmed after compound leg work.

How to Do the Lever Leg Extension

  1. Adjust the seat height and backrest of the machine to fit your body.
  2. Sit on the machine with your back against the backrest and your feet on the footpad.
  3. Grasp the handles or sidebars for stability.
  4. Extend your legs forward by straightening your knees, lifting the weight.
  5. Pause for a moment at the top, then slowly lower the weight back to the starting position.
  6. Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.

Muscles Worked

The Lever Leg Extension primarily targets the Quads, with Hamstrings as the primary synergist muscle group.

More Upper Legs Exercises

All Fours Squad Stretch All Fours Squad Stretch Body Weight · Quads Arms Apart Circular Toe Touch (male) Arms Apart Circular Toe Touch (male) Body Weight · Glutes Assisted Lying Glutes Stretch Assisted Lying Glutes Stretch Assisted · Glutes Assisted Lying Gluteus And Piriformis Stretch Assisted Lying Gluteus And Piriformis Stretch Assisted · Glutes Assisted Prone Hamstring Assisted Prone Hamstring Assisted · Hamstrings Assisted Prone Lying Quads Stretch Assisted Prone Lying Quads Stretch Assisted · Quads

More Quads Exercises

Backward Jump Backward Jump Body Weight · Quads Balance Board Balance Board Body Weight · Quads Band One Arm Single Leg Split Squat Band One Arm Single Leg Split Squat Band · Quads Band Single Leg Split Squat Band Single Leg Split Squat Band · Quads Barbell Bench Front Squat Barbell Bench Front Squat Barbell · Quads Barbell Bench Squat Barbell Bench Squat Barbell · Quads

Equipment Alternatives

Don't have leverage machine? These target the same quads with different equipment.

All Fours Squad Stretch All Fours Squad Stretch Body Weight · Quads Assisted Prone Lying Quads Stretch Assisted Prone Lying Quads Stretch Assisted · Quads Band One Arm Single Leg Split Squat Band One Arm Single Leg Split Squat Band · Quads Barbell Bench Front Squat Barbell Bench Front Squat Barbell · Quads

FAQ

What muscles does the Lever Leg Extension work?
The Lever Leg Extension primarily targets the quads, with the hamstrings as the main supporting muscle group.
What equipment do I need for the Lever Leg Extension?
The Lever Leg Extension is done with a leverage machine.
What's a good alternative to the Lever Leg Extension?
If you don't have access to a leverage machine, the All Fours Squad Stretch targets the same quads using body weight instead.