Single-Leg Leg Extension

A beginner strength exercise for the quads, done with a gym machine.

Movement guide

Single-Leg Leg Extension

Demand · source-assignedEasy (unreviewed)

Equipment requiredStrength machine

Muscle focusQuads

Gets into position, then repeats the movement. Technical checks passed; qualified exercise review is pending.

Watch it bigger, and flip through similar moves, in the studio.Open in the studio

Make it easier or harder

Start where you can move well, then step up.

Easier option

This is already one of the gentlest options for these muscles.

This move

Single-Leg Leg Extension demonstrated on the 3D figure

3D demoSingle-Leg Leg ExtensionBeginner · Strength machine

Beginner grade (source-assigned).

Harder option

Barbell box squat demonstrated on the 3D figure

3D demoBarbell box squatIntermediate · A barbell

Similar move, intermediate grade.

Imported reference · editorial review pending. Clinical review is pending.

This entry comes from an external exercise database. Its instructions and difficulty have not completed our editorial or qualified clinical review.

How to move

Seat yourself in the machine and adjust it so that you are positioned properly. The pad should be against the lower part of the shin but not in contact with the ankle. Adjust the seat so that the pivot point is in line with your knee. Select a weight appropriate for your abilities.
Maintaining good posture, fully extend one leg, pausing at the top of the motion.
Return to the starting position without letting the weight stop, keeping tension on the muscle.

Practice and cautions

No dose has been assigned. Any timing or repetition examples in the imported instructions are source examples, not an individualized recommendation.

Imported community instructions and difficulty labels have not been independently reviewed for technique or individual suitability. Equipment labels may include additions inferred from the setup text; check the instructions for the exact support or alternatives. Stop for sharp or increasing pain, numbness or tingling; seek qualified guidance for symptoms, unfamiliar equipment or advanced skills.

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Sources and review status

Sources support the educational description; they do not establish that this exercise is suitable for you.

Free Exercise DB · community text ↗
Unlicense · Free Exercise DB contributors; derived from wrkout/exercises.json. Text import; no photographs or media. · Revision f00c92c7dcf1216a928a52c3706c7ce8e2f71ed5

No variation is labeled clinically validated.

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What it works

Muscles

Main: Quads.

Equipment

Strength machine

Level

Beginner (source-assigned, not yet reviewed). See the easier and harder options above.

Similar moves

Leg extension demonstrated on the 3D figure

3D demoLeg extensionBeginner · Strength machine

Back squat with bands demonstrated on the 3D figure

3D demoBack squat with bandsAdvanced · A barbell + A band

Back squat with chains demonstrated on the 3D figure

3D demoBack squat with chainsAdvanced · A barbell + Other / check instructions

Barbell Bulgarian split squat demonstrated on the 3D figure

3D demoBarbell Bulgarian split squatAdvanced · A barbell + A bench or box

Barbell hack squat demonstrated on the 3D figure

3D demoBarbell hack squatIntermediate · A barbell

Barbell lunge demonstrated on the 3D figure

3D demoBarbell lungeIntermediate · A barbell

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Questions people ask

What muscles does the Single-Leg Leg Extension work?

Mainly the quads.

What equipment do I need for the Single-Leg Leg Extension?

Strength machine.

Is the Single-Leg Leg Extension good for beginners?

It is graded beginner, so it suits most people starting out. The grade comes from the source database and has not been independently reviewed. When it feels easy, try the Barbell box squat.

How do I make the Single-Leg Leg Extension harder?

Progress to the Barbell box squat, or add load, range or slower lowering once your form is solid.