Most people who love going to the gym will tell you that leg workouts are so important. And, they are right. You need to always remember to work out your legs if you want to have a well-defined body and a strong core.
Adding leg extensions to your routine is a great way to get an effective leg day. These ingenious machines come in different varieties and you will find that some are more suited to your needs than others.
If you are on the market for a high-quality leg extension, then you will love this leg extension machines review.
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| Body-Solid DLEC-SF Pro Clubline Pro Dual Leg Extension and Curl Machine | Best Overall |  |
| Body-Solid Powerline PLCE165X Leg Extension and Curl Weight Machine | Budget Pick |  |
| Body-Solid GCEC340 Cam Series Leg Extension and Curl Machine | Upgrade Pick |  |
1. Body-Solid DLEC-SF Pro Clubline Pro Dual Leg Extension and Curl Machine
Pros:
- Dual functionality for upper and lower body workouts.
- Leg pad adjusts automatically with the touch of a button.
- Smoothest leg extension I’ve ever used.
Heavy at 225 pounds. That said, a good rubber mat should prevent any slide during use.
Starting off our list of best leg extension machines is the Body-Solid DLEC-SF Pro Clubline Pro Dual Leg Extension and Curl Machine. It is a high-quality air-resistance machine that is designed for comfort and function. It is designed for both leg extension and knee flexion and has the ability to exercise both your upper and lower body with minimal switching of positions.
The machine is designed to fit very short spaces and is constructed from heavy-duty metal for lasting durability. It features internal cable routing and includes chrome plated adjustable weight stacks.
2. XMark Rotary Leg Extension and Curl Machine XM-7615
Pros:
- Sturdy build
- Comfortable padded seat
- Light, quiet, and easy to use
- Variety of leg exercises, also work lower back to some extent with the back pad
- Newer version of brand with a better price tag
- High weight capacity
Cons:
- Since the seat is mounted to the machine, the pivot is a little limited if you’re short and the seat is very high
- Angle cannot be adjusted
- Seat might need to be attached to a wall stud to hold it in place
This XMark Leg Extension and Curl Machine is a great option to consider. It is one of the best midrange priced machines that will do a really great job for workouts at home.
It provides over 40 seat positions to customize your machine to your specific needs. It can be adjusted in two different directions to accommodate different leg lengths and also has an adjustable seat recline.
You can use it for post-operative conditioning for those recovering from a leg injury or surgery. The security cam will help to prevent the leg extension and leg curl machine from rolling around.
3. Deltech Fitness Leg Extension/Leg Curl Machine
Pros:
- Very affordable. It is about the same price as the Powerline machines.
- It can accommodate users of all heights. The seat can be adjusted, making this the perfect machine for the shorter users.
- Made of durable materials. The leg extension/leg curl machine is made of steel and has a vinyl covering, making it easier for the user to workout without worrying that the machine will break.
- It is compact. The Deltech fitness leg extension/leg curl machine only needs enough space for the user to stand behind it.
- It can be turned into a full body workout. The user can position the leg extension/leg curl machine to work other body parts besides the legs.
Cons:
- Steel can be heavy. If you are having trouble moving most of the other leg extension/leg curl machines, then you might not be able to move this machine when you are done working out.
- It does not have many exercise options. Using all those options can take a lot of extra time which can be taken away from other more important exercises.
- It is functionally limited. Although it does work most of the leg muscles, the harder ones might not get as much workout as they should.
Verdict:
If you are looking for a simple and effective leg extension/leg curl machine, then the Deltech fitness leg extension/leg curl machine will work great.
4. Body-Solid GCEC340 Cam Series Leg Extension and Curl Machine
Pros:
- Budget price
- Quality steel welded construction
- Attractive chrome design
- Easy-grip handles
- Nice array of available parts and accessories
- Simple to adjust seat and pad
Cons:
- Poor quality seat pad
- Lightweight but can still get wobbly if you use heavier weights
- Not as sturdy as a commercial gym leg extension machine
- Requires quite a bit of assembly out of the box
This is a motorized leg extension and calf raise machine that is very similar to the one you’ll find at the gym. It’s mostly made of steel, so it’s durable and lasts a long time.
It includes dual action arms that give you 6 exercises. The main benefits of this machine are its 7 foot long pedals, twin action arms, and the large foot plate and seat adjustment, which allows you to get into the most comfortable and productive position.
The Body-Solid GCEC340 is a great leg extension machine at a price that is way more affordable than you’ll find at the big box stores. It’s a simple machine with just the right number of adjustments to make it more comfortable to use.
5. Body-Solid Powerline PLCE165X Leg Extension and Curl Weight Machine
Pros:
- Nice and sturdy.
- Fits together well.
- Smooth and easy to adjust
- Nice and sturdy.
- Makes doing squats at home easier and safer for your knees.
Cons:
- The seat is close to the adjustment rail, so you have to stoop to make any adjustments.
- Can’t turn around to see what your weights are while doing leg curls.
This simple and well-built Leg Extension and Curl Weight Machine makes it safer and easier to incorporate squats in your workout routine.
This machine provides a smooth and comfortable way to do an exercise that can be difficult to do on your own. Having a squat station at home will allow you to do this exercise in the convenience and privacy of your own home.
This is a home gym exercise machine that will support up to 660 pounds, and can be adjusted to fit a variety of different heights.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is the leg extension machine good?
While leg extension is not one of the most popular weight training techniques, some people swear by it. The leg extension machine has definitely been around for a lot longer than you might think, and there are probably a few champions in the sport of bodybuilding that owe at least some of their fame to it.
The leg extension machine is a device that helps your muscles to contract while extending your legs. This builds strength and mass just like any other type of weight training exercise.
Are leg extensions a waste of time?
If it is in your interest to build quads while doing your cardio as well than sure Leg Extensions are effective in doing this. If you are treadmilling it is really difficult to complete leg extensions without putting your back into an unnatural position.
It is easier and more common to incorporate leg extensions into a leg pressing workout. Some people consider the Leg Extension machine to be a waste of time and prefer to do Calf Raises on a slight grade which give you more of a pump if that is what you are going for. If you do add Leg Extensions to your workout programs check out the way you are doing them to ensure you are not placing unnecessary stress on your knees.
What machine is best for slimming legs?
You can slim down your legs naturally with proper diet and exercise. Stretching the upper leg will help. Stretching the inner thigh muscles with a “Y” pose, one leg lifted and placed over the other, can help.
An exercise machine used to be the best way to change your shape. Consider, though, that even with regular use of an exercise leg extension machine you would be hard-pressed to lose more than a couple of inches of fat. Perhaps that requires surgery.
What is the leg curl machine good for?
The leg curl machine, like the leg extension machine, is designed to isolate and work each of the four muscles of the quadriceps muscle group.
The leg curl machine is designed to work on the opposite movements. It focuses on the lowering of the weight. This means you lift or raise the weight to your starting position as slowly as possible. This will give you a great contraction.
The responsibility for this action will lie with the soleus muscle. You will also be working the lateral head of your femur, which needs to be in balance with the vastus lateralis and the vastus medialis.
Conclusion
Some decades ago, leg extension equipment would raise eyebrows when it came to any fitness gym.
Nowadays, with the advances in technology and the knowledge of muscle groups, the leg extension is a staple piece of equipment for many bodybuilders.
Leg extension is highly regarded as a quadriceps muscle group exercise and an important fundamental in any fitness routine.
A leg extension machine, despite being more expensive than a squat rack, nevertheless is a useful way of integrating leg muscle training in your home gym. If you are looking to add a leg extension machine to your home gym, see our complete list of the best leg extension machines and squat racks.
Our Recommendation
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| Body-Solid DLEC-SF Pro Clubline Pro Dual Leg Extension and Curl Machine | Best Overall | |
| Body-Solid Powerline PLCE165X Leg Extension and Curl Weight Machine | Budget Pick | |
| Body-Solid GCEC340 Cam Series Leg Extension and Curl Machine | Upgrade Pick | |