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For me, leg days are some of the most motivating training days.
It might be purely psychological to write down very high-weight amounts on my training sheet. But that training data may not count for much unless you have the right equipment.
The problem with many leg extension and curl machines is that those designed for home gyms often compromise the range of motion and don’t always use heavy-duty materials.
So, we teamed up with colleagues to find the best leg extension machines with a reasonable price tag. We considered 33 products and spent 174 hours researching for a final verdict.
Here’s what we found.
The Best Leg Extension Machines
- Best Overall Leg Extension Machine: XMark Rotary
- Cheapest Leg Curl Machine: Marcy Impex
- Best Premium Leg Extension Machine: XMark Rotary
- Best Multi-Functional Leg Extension Machine: Merax
- Best Brand-Recognized Leg Extension Machine: Gold's Gym XRS 20 Olympic Bench
- Best Leg Extension on Amazon: Deltech Fitness Leg Extension Machine
- Best Compact Leg Curl Machine: Valor Fitness CC-4 Leg Extension Machine
- Best Versatile Leg Extension Machine: Body-Solid Leverage LAT Pull Dow
- Best Adjustable Leg Extension Machine: TDS Leg Curl Extension Unit
Our Top Leg Extension Machines (November 2024)
1 - XMark Rotary Leg Extension and Curl Machine (Best Overall & Premium)
- - Dimensions : 40"L x 32"W x 42"H
- - Maintenance : Minimal
- - Design : Adjustable
- - Warranty : Yes (Lifetime on Frame, 1 Year on Parts)
- - Premium materials : Yes (Heavy-Gauge Steel)
Pros and Cons
Pros
- 11 gauge steel with powder coat finish may make it more durable
- Works with standard and Olympic plates for more compatibility
- 20 adjustable press arm positions to suit different leg lengths
Cons
- It doesn’t include a weight plate holder for storage
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Home gym users needing commercial-grade quality
- Athletes requiring adjustable settings
Who is it not for?
- People needing integrated weight storage
Final Verdict
This versatile machine offers high durability and customization. It's ideal for those wanting a robust, adaptable leg exercise solution.
The reason we picked this as one of our top recommendations is because it seems to be a commercial grade leg extension curl machine.
Many users like that it may allow them to better adjust the machine to their exact height and leg length to get a comfortable and optimum range of motion.
The only thing it might be missing is a weight stack to store your plates.
2 - Merax Utility Weight Bench with Leg Extension (Best Multi-Functional)
- - Dimensions : 75"D x 23.6"W x 48"H
- - Maintenance : Moderate
- - Design : 6+3 Position Adjustable
- - Warranty : Yes (30-Day Return, Limited Manufacturer Warranty)
- - Premium materials : Yes (Alloy Steel)
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Suitable for arm curls and leg extensions
- Backrest may be adjusted to 7 different positions
- Olympic plate adapters are included
Cons
- Some people have struggled with the assembly
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Multi-functional workout seekers
- Those looking for versatile weight training
Who is it not for?
- Individuals who dislike complex assemblies
Final Verdict
Despite a tricky setup, it combines flexibility and adjustability, enhancing various fitness routines. Perfect for anyone needing both arm and leg exercises.
The Merax leg extension curl machine has a cool attachment that allows you to use it for dumbbell curls as well.
And adjusting the backrest pad to the seven different levels may be fast enough to not disrupt your workout routines.
The maximum weight capacity isn’t quite as high as commercial leg curl machines, but it should be high enough for most athletes.
We did see quite a few comments online where people seem to have struggled with the assembly process.
3 - Valor Fitness CC-4 Leg Extension Machine (Best Compact)
- - Dimensions : 55"D x 35"W x 39.5"H
- - Maintenance : Easy
- - Design : Adjustable (8 Thigh and 6 Back Support Positions)
- - Warranty : Yes (3-Year Frame, 2-Year Pad, 1-Year Popper Pin)
- - Premium materials : Yes (Solid Steel, Dual-Layered Vinyl Padding)
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Compact design for a smaller home gym
- Allows adjustment to the range of motion
- Positive comments about the padding
Cons
- The maximum plate capacity might be a bit limited for some athletes
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Small home gym users needing compact design
- Fitness enthusiasts desiring precise movement control
Who is it not for?
- Heavy lifters needing a higher weight capacity
Final Verdict
A well-designed, compact machine suitable for precise leg exercises. It ensures a smooth, supportive motion but may not meet extreme weight needs.
In my experience with the Valor Fitness leg extension machine, its compact design makes it suitable for a small home gym.
I appreciated its high adjustability, allowing for precise control over leg movement.
Additionally, the back and thigh pads provided excellent support, comfortably molding to the body.
Just be aware that the weight capacity isn’t all that high.
4 - Rogue Reflex Leg Curl/Leg Extension
- - Dimensions : Not Provided
- - Maintenance : Not Provided
- - Design : Adjustable
- - Warranty : Not Provided
- - Premium materials : Yes
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Fully adjustable leg roller pads
- Comfortable grip handles
- Comes with chrome plated pulleys and cable retainers
- Easy to assemble
Cons
- Quite expensive
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Athletes needing high weight capacity
- Users requiring smooth cable motion
Who is it not for?
- Those on a tight budget
Final Verdict
It stands out for smooth movement and high-quality build. Although costly, it's worth investing in for a long-lasting, advanced machine.
This reflex leg curl and leg extension machine from Rogue is fully adjustable to accommodate your workout level. I've personally used it, and it catered to my workouts seamlessly.
It’s easily our top choice for the best leg extension machine for many reasons, but mainly because it has one of the best structural qualities with its powder-coated steel body and high-density foam pads.
With its build, it can surely last you a long time.
The price point is a bit steep, but with the Roque brand, the quality of this leg extension machine is guaranteed.
5 - Gold's Gym XRS 20 Olympic Workout Bench (Best Brand-Recognized)
- - Dimensions : 23"D x 45"W x 15"H
- - Maintenance : Moderate
- - Design : Multi-Position Bench (Incline/Decline/Flat)
- - Warranty : Not Provided
- - Premium materials : Yes (Iron Frame)
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Works well to train upper and lower body
- Easily converts to using Olympic weight plates
- The preacher pad for curls is easy to remove
Cons
- The caps on the padding tend to come loose
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Users wanting upper and lower body training
- Olympic weight enthusiasts
Who is it not for?
- Users needing ultra-stable pads
Final Verdict
Offers comprehensive training versatility with adaptable weight options. Though some pad issues exist, it remains an all-in-one fitness solution.
This Gold’s Gym branded leg curl machine has a good maximum capacity, and there are positive comments that it has a solid build that doesn’t wobble.
We liked that the preacher pad for arm curls is easy to remove, as we did find a few products where that would require a screwdriver.
The only annoying thing about it is that the round ankle and thigh pad caps sometimes come loose.
6 - Deltech Fitness Leg Extension Machine (Best on Amazon)
- - Dimensions : 53"L x 26"W x 36"H
- - Maintenance : Moderate
- - Design : Adjustable Leg Pads
- - Warranty : Yes (90 Days on Parts)
- - Premium materials : Yes (Heavy-Gauge Steel)
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Positive comments that it’s a sturdy design with no wobbles
- Seems to be higher off the ground for more flexibility in workouts
- People like that they may adjust the settings to their leg length
Cons
- The assembly instructions are not the easiest to follow
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Home gym users needing adjustable settings
- Those looking for high weight capacity
Who is it not for?
- Individuals requiring an easy setup
Final Verdict
Sturdy and flexible, this machine is excellent for home gyms. Ensure assembly support is available to maximize the machine's potential.
This leg extension machine has one of the higher maximum weight limits we found for a home gym model.
It also might be the sturdiest, even when it’s fully loaded.
I struggled to assemble it, so ensure you have a willing or unwilling volunteer to help.
7 - Body-Solid Powerline Leg Extension and Curl Weight Machine (Best Versatile)
- - Dimensions : 62"L x 25"W x 27"H
- - Maintenance : Moderate
- - Design : Upright & Prone Leg Curls
- - Warranty : Yes (10-Year Frame, 1-Year Parts)
- - Premium materials : Yes (Blend)
Pros and Cons
Pros
- The position of the hand grips is a good support for your workouts
- Adjustable backrest includes a decline position
- Easily switch between extensions and leg curls
Cons
- Not adjustable enough for long legs
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Users seeking hand grip positions for support
- Those preferring quick position switching
Who is it not for?
- Tall individuals needing a longer arm reach
Final Verdict
Provides ample support and adaptability with efficient transitions. Its adjustability might not suit users with long legs.
This leg curl machine stood out for us because it has multiple hand grip positions.
You may find these helpful for different body positions during a leg curl or extension exercise.
Users also like that it may allow them to switch the incline position quickly to not interrupt the sets too much.
The only thing we’re missing is a fully adjustable press arm to better accommodate different leg lengths.
8 - TDS Leg Curl Extension Unit (Best Adjustable)
- - Dimensions : 67"L x 26"W x 30"H
- - Maintenance : Moderate
- - Design : Deluxe Pads for Comfort
- - Warranty : Not Provided
- - Premium materials : Yes (Professional Quality Steel)
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Fully adjustable backrest for curl and leg extension
- Assembly seems to be easy enough for one person
- Comes with an Olympic plate adapter for more compatibility
Cons
- There are some reports it may start to wobble with heavier loads
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Athletes preferring backrest adjustability
- People seeking easy assembly
Who is it not for?
- Those pushing weight limits regularly
Final Verdict
The backrest and plate compatibility make it great for flexibility. Be cautious if training near weight capacity as it might wobble.
This is another leg curl machine with a high-quality backrest.
Both the padding and adjustability seem to make training comfortably that bit easier.
It also includes an adapter to use Olympic weight plates or standard ones.
If you’re going to push the weight limits of this leg extensions and curl machine, then be aware that some users have reported that it might shake a bit.
9 - Inflight Fitness Leg Extension Machine
- - Dimensions : 65"L x 42"W x 78.25"H
- - Maintenance : Moderate
- - Design : Adjustable Rollers
- - Warranty : Not Provided
- - Premium materials : Yes (Flat Oval Tubing, 4000-pound Cable)
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Use a cable pulley system to allow for higher weight ranges
- May provide better back support from the padding design
- Ankle padding adjusts to your leg movement for more comfort
Cons
- It’s quite a large piece of equipment
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Users desiring cable systems for smooth motion
- Individuals needing enhanced back support
Who is it not for?
- Those needing a compact design
Final Verdict
Provides smooth, consistent leg movements with well-cushioned support. Ensure gym space is ample due to the machine's size.
The final leg extension machine to make our featured list comes from a company called Inflight Fitness.
The first thing to point out is that it uses a cable system rather than simply attaching the weight plates directly to the front of the machine.
We found that this did give a smooth motion, especially for a lying leg exercise.
Just make sure you measure out your exercise space as it’s one of the larger models that might not fit in every home gym.
10 - Marcy Impex (Cheapest Option)
- - Dimensions : 58"L x 18"W x 45"H
- - Maintenance : Moderate
- - Design : Multi-Position Utility Bench
- - Warranty : Yes (2-Year Limited Warranty)
- - Premium materials : Yes (Alloy Steel)
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Back pad allows for incline and decline positions
- Positive comments about the high-density foam being comfortable
- The vinyl-covered rollers may make it easier to store away
Cons
- Some heavier bodybuilders have said it’s a bit wobbly
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Athletes seeking incline and decline positions
- Those needing compact storage solutions
Who is it not for?
- Heavy bodybuilders needing maximum stability
Final Verdict
An affordable, space-saving solution offering incline and decline exercises. Avoid near weight limits as it may wobble for heavier users.
This leg curl machine has an adjustable back pad with a good choice of positions, including a decline one.
This may make leg curls more comfortable and less straining on the lower back.
It also may work well if you don’t have much space and need to move it out of the way using the wheels when you’re finished.
We just noticed that there are a few online comments that it may get a bit wobbly when you get close to the weight limit.
How We Tested the Best Leg Extension Machines
- Collaborated with fitness professionals: Utilized their expertise to assess the effectiveness and quality of the leg extension machines.
- Focused on various features: Examined aspects like weight capacity, adjustability, comfort, and range of motion.
- Personal testing and observation: Noted the ease of setup, stability during use, and the overall workout experience.
- Assessed specific benefits for targeted exercises: Looked at products that offered benefits for leg strengthening, muscle isolation, and versatility in exercises.
- Monitored real-world impacts: Tracked improvements in leg strength, muscle tone, and overall physical health among users of the leg extension machines.
- Evaluated user feedback: Incorporated user reviews and feedback to gauge overall satisfaction and effectiveness of the leg extension machines.
Best Leg Extension Machine Buyer’s Guide
Here are the four areas you should pay the closest attention to when making your buying choice.
1. Weight Capacity
You need to be careful here since you might end up buying a leg extension machine that would break because you overloaded it.
These machines generally display a capacity of the weights and the user. Just because it has a limit of 500 lbs doesn’t mean you could pile on that amount in plates.
If you’re a bodybuilder looking for maximum capacity, then you’ll probably need to look at commercial types of machines. These often have sturdier materials and could withstand repeated usage even when it's close to the maximum weight.
2. Adjustment Settings
The first thing you want to check is for an adjustable leg part of the machine. The better this can be fine-tuned, the more comfortable the machine will feel, especially under heavy loads.
But you also need to check for adjustments on the seat and the backrest. You really want to prioritize a model that you’ll be able to bring into a decline position, as this may be more suitable for leg curls [1].
“Leg extensions involve straightening your leg from a bent-knee position against a resistance while seated. The first motion, knee extension, is the concentric motion, also called the muscle-shortening motion. During this phase, the four quad muscles contract and pull on the lower leg to straighten it. As these same muscles also slightly rotate your leg externally, your toes will point slightly outward.”
- Mike Samuels, Writer for AZCentral.com
3. Dimensions
Some leg extension curl machines can be pretty bulky.
And when they aren’t easy to store away, then you need to make sure that it fits your gym space.
We’ve listed out all the measurements above, so make sure you look at those carefully.
It’s happened to me before that I’ve spent 5 hours with some assembly “fun,” only to realize that it won’t fit.
4. Smooth Motion
Many athletes just look for a full range of motion. And while that is important, you have to make sure that the machine doesn’t have a jittery effect.
When you don’t have a smooth motion, you could be reducing the effectiveness of building up some mass in your quadriceps and hamstrings [2].
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Proper Leg Extension Machine Usage
When using a leg extension machine, follow these five usage suggestions to improve your performance and have a safe training session:
- Positioning: Ensure you're seated with your back flat against the pad, aligning your knees with the machine's pivot point.
- Ankle Placement: Secure your ankles behind the padded bar, making sure it rests just above your shoes, not directly on the ankle bone.
- Engage Core: Before initiating the movement, tighten your abdominal muscles to stabilize your spine and prevent undue strain on your lower back.
- Smooth Motion: Lift the weight using a controlled motion, avoiding jerky or rapid movements that can lead to injury.
- Avoid Hyperextension: As you extend your legs, ensure you don't lock out your knees completely. Stop just before full extension to keep tension on the muscles and protect your joints.
FAQs
Is a Leg Extension Machine Bad for Knees?
No, a leg extension machine isn’t bad for knees. However, it may become a problem if you load it up too heavy or if you have some prior injury that could make the joint weaker than average.
Should You Go Heavy on Leg Extensions?
No, you shouldn’t go heavy on leg extensions. The design of these machines may put a lot of pressure on your joints and ligaments, which may cause injuries. Squats might be a better option if you need to work out with heavier weights.
What Is The Best Leg Extension Machine?
One of the best leg extension machines we all agreed on is the Rogue Reflex Leg Extension machine.
It has a good total capacity for the user and weight stack, and you’ll find that there’s no wobbling effect.
We also found the adjustments very helpful to specify exactly how far you want your legs to move.
Order yours today and let us know how well it works for your workout routines.
Our #1 Recommendation
XMark Rotary Leg Extension and Curl Machine (Best Overall & Premium)
Rated With Total Shape's Scoring System
- 11 gauge steel with powder coat finish may make it more durable
- Works with standard and Olympic plates for more compatibility
- 20 adjustable press arm positions to suit different leg lengths
- It doesn’t include a weight plate holder for storage
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