Written by Kiel DiGiovanni | Co-founder
Fact checked by Kirsten Yovino, CPT Brookbush Institute
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The leg extension machine can be a vital piece of equipment for home gym owners, but with all the options available on the market, it's tough to cut through all the noise to pick the perfect one that meets and exceeds your needs. That's where this post comes in handy; we poured over dozens of options online to bring you the five best leg extension machines available today.
We selected leg extension machines that cover a wide range of user needs that are amenable to all budgets. This article has you covered, from multifunctional benches with leg developers to weight stack commercial machines to plate-loaded leg extension and curl machines.
5 BEST LEG EXTENSION MACHINES
- Best Overall: XMark-7615
- Budget Pick: Marcy Adjustable Bench
- Premium Pick: Body Solid Series S2LEC
- Multifunctional Pick: Force USA MyBench
- For Small Spaces: Valor Fitness CC-4
SFS Pick
XMark-7615
SFS Budget Pick
Marcy SB-350
SFS Premium Pick
Body Solid S2LEC
Why you should trust our leg extension machine recommendations?
To choose the best leg extension machines for this article, we employed a comprehensive approach that included not only objective criteria but also incorporated personal trainer feedback and firsthand experience. We consulted with experienced personal trainers who have extensive knowledge of fitness equipment to gain insights into the effectiveness, usability, and overall performance of the leg extension machines. Their professional input provided valuable perspectives on factors such as muscle targeting, biomechanics, and client feedback, further enhancing the reliability and accuracy of our recommendations.
1. Overall Best Leg Extension Machine: XMark-7615
Key Features:
- Dual functionality leg extensions & leg curls
- 12 position vertically adjustable thigh pads
- 20 position adjustable press arm
- Fully adjustable backpads
- 12-gauge steel frame
- 14 inch chrome Olympic adapter sleeve
- 3 inch thick Duragaurd vinyl cushions
The Xmark-7615 blends comfort and functionality with its 12 position adjustable thigh pad, 20 position press arm, and adjustable backrest pad. This adjustability allows multiple users with various leg lengths to get a quality workout done in comfort.
This solid machine is constructed from 11 gauge heavy duty steel that's finished with a scratch-resistant powder coat for long-lasting aesthetics. With this quality leg extension machine, you'll be able to torch those quads and hamstrings.
Besides the well-built construction, you'll also get Ultra thick Duracraft cushions that are 3" thick, offering a firm but comfortable experience. These pads are covered by Duraguard vinyl to avoid potential rips or tearing. The 4.33" thick leg rollers are also covered by vinyl that won't batter your legs as you perform heavy leg extensions.
This versatile leg machine performs well thanks to a full range of motion when doing seated leg extensions and leg curls.
Pros
- 11 gauge 2x3" steel frame
- Fully adjustable
- Includes 14" Chrome horn to store Olympic weight plates
- Rubber hand grips
- Ability to do leg extension and leg curl
Cons
- Some buyers had a bad customer service experience
- Not ideal for taller users
XMark delivers a 20-position adjustable press arm and a fully adjustable backrest pad with 11-gauge steel mainframe construction with scratch resistant powder coat finish...
2. Best Budget Leg Extension Machine: Marcy SB-350 Adjustable Bench
Key Features:
- High-density foam padding
- 6 position adjustable back pad
- Powder-coated steel frame
- Transport wheels
The Marcy SB-350 adjustable bench is perfect for those on a budget but still want a piece of gym equipment that provides plenty of functionality. Unlike most leg extension machines on this list, this product is a multifunctional bench that offers the capability to do exercises like leg extensions and leg curls thanks to the leg developer attachment plus bench presses, and more. With this weight bench, you can perform upper and lower body workouts.
The Marcy bench comes with a 6 position adjustable back pad that locks into place with a sawtooth adjustment design, giving you ample opportunity to turn the bench into incline, flat, or decline positions.
The pads are made of high-density foam, which provides comfort and stability when exercising. The frame is built from heavy-duty steel with a maximum weight capacity of 600 pounds which should be enough for most people. In addition, it's covered by powder coat paint to help mitigate any potential scratching.
The foam rollers have a vinyl covering, which provides comfort when hitting the quadriceps when doing leg extensions. Or you can even flip around and target the hamstrings with lying leg curls.
This machine is suitable for Olympic weight plates or standard plates, which is excellent for those who might have some standard plates hanging around collecting dust.
Last but not least, this bench comes with wheels that make it super convenient to transport it around your home gym, whether used in a power rack or stand-alone.
If you're tight on money but are looking for a piece of gym equipment that allows multi-uses, then this is a great weight bench that you can add to your workout equipment arsenal.
Pros
- Multifunctional for upper and lower body exercises
- Inexpensive
- Suitable for leg extension and curl exercises
Cons
- Not a great option for the stronger, more serious lifters moving big weights
- It can be a bit unstable when using heavy loads
This utility bench has an adjustable back that can be altered to suit your workout routine. It features a secure sawtooth back pad...
3. Best Premium Leg Extension Machine: Body Solid Series S2LEC
Key Features:
- Dual functionality leg extensions & leg curls
- 160lb weight stack
- Full Commercial Warranty
- Alloy steel frame
This Body Solid leg extension leg curl machine is definitely one of the most expensive options on the market today, but for a good reason.
You get a combo leg machine with this option allowing you to hit the front and back of the legs with leg extensions and leg curls. It's super easy to transition from one exercise to another with its sleek design.
What's more with this selectorized leg extension machine is that it comes with weight stacks that negate the need to buy Olympic plates. You have two options to choose from here; a 160 lb or 235 lb weight stack.
The Durafirm pads provide a super comfy experience that reduces fatigue and discomfort. This machine allows users of all sizes with a fully adjustable backrest with 7 different positions. In addition, the starting position can be chosen from 13 different points, giving you complete control over the range of motion used during your workout. Lastly, the back pad is set at 93 degrees to reduce hamstring tension.
The construction quality is commercial grade as it's built with heavy duty 11 gauge 2x3" steel. This results in a lifetime warranty, meaning you'll never have to worry about it breaking and losing your investment.
Body Solid offers some of the best exercise equipment no matter for home usage or in a commercial gym.
Pros
- Lifetime warranty
- No need to buy Olympic plates
- Super durable construction and commercially rated
- Two weight stack options
Cons
- Expensive
- Assembly can take a while
Performs two most important leg exercise from one comfortable position with 160 or 235 lb weight stacks...
4. Best Multifunctional Leg Extension Machine: Force USA MyBench
Key Features:
- Version 2 Updated in 2023
- 705 lb weight rating
- Backrest adjusts to 7 positions
- Seat adjusts to 3 positions
- Adjustable from -15 to 80 degrees
- Convenient handle & rear transport wheels
- Commercial-grade upholstery with rip-stop mesh backing
- Durable high-density gym-quality foam padding
- Limited Lifetime structural warranty
What's Included:
- Leg Developer: Seated Leg Extension / Prone Leg Curl
- Arm Developer: Preacher Curl
Force USA is known for building some of the best gym equipment that money can buy, and with the MyBench, it's no different. The Force USA MyBench is similar to the Marcy adjustable bench above as it offers the capability of using it for a variety of upper and lower body exercises.
The MyBench is a commercial grade multifunctional bench that includes a leg developer for both leg extensions and leg curls plus a preacher curl attachment to hit your biceps.
It has a 705-pound maximum weight capacity which should accommodate most users' needs. The bench is fully adjustable from -25 degrees to 75 degrees, making it possible to do both incline and decline presses.
Thanks to its shark tooth design, you can adjust the seat in 3 different positions and the backrest in 6 positions. The thick, durable high density foam pads are covered in commercial grade upholstery with rip-stop mesh backing, so you don't have to worry about the seat tearing.
This is the best multifunctional leg extension slash workout bench available that comes with a lifetime warranty.
Pros
- Lifetime warranty
- High maximum weight capacity
- Super functional for upper body workouts
- Offers leg curl capability
Cons
- Sits higher than most benches
- Not great for shorter users
The Force USA MyBench adjusts quickly and easily from Flat to incline to decline thanks to our laser cut, shark tooth design. Plus it includes a separate leg developer...
5. Best Leg Extension Machine For Small Spaces: Valor Fitness CC-4
Key Features:
- Dual functionality leg extensions & leg curls
- Made with solid steel
- Holds up to 150lb of weight plates
- 8 position thigh support
- 6 position back support
- Compatible with both standard and Olympic weight plates
The Valor Fitness CC-4 is a compact machine that supports leg extensions and leg curls to work both the front and back of the thighs.
This leg curl extension machine offers tremendous adjustability in such a small frame for the price. Besides the 8-position thigh support and 6-position backrest, you can also control the range of motion with its sundial adjustment design.
Constructed of heavy-duty steel, it can hold up to 150 pounds of weight plates. You can switch from leg extensions to leg curls within seconds by adjusting the steel peg on the side of the frame. They also included two rubber gripped handles to add stability and support when squeezing out those reps.
This is a great leg extension curl machine for people with tight spaces as the footprint is one of the smallest we've seen.
Pros
- Compact size
- Budget friendly
- Dual purpose
Cons
- Need to buy 2" Olympic plate adapters separately
Constructed of solid steel and designed with high-density, dual-layered vinyl padding. This leg workout machine is can hold up to 150 lb of weight plates!...
5 Best Leg Extension Machines Side By Side Comparison
To give you a better idea of how these machines stack up next to one another check out the chart below that covers some of the criteria we based our top picks on.|
Product Name |
Price ($-$$$$) |
Size (dimensions) |
Warranty |
Weight Capacity |
Features |
Average Rating |
|
$$ |
47.8” (L) 41.1” (W) 41.2” (H)
|
1 year |
NA |
Fully adjustable Leg extension & leg curl
|
327 Reviews ☆☆☆☆.7
|
|
|
$ |
64.5” (L) 23” (W) 42” (H)
|
NA |
Bench: 300 lb |
Full weight bench with leg developer |
3k+ Reviews ☆☆☆☆.5 |
|
|
$$$$ |
54” (L) 52” (W) 57 (H) |
Lifetime |
160-235 lb |
Weight stack Leg extension & curls |
2 Reviews ☆☆☆☆☆ |
|
|
|
$$ |
67" (L) 30" (W) 22" (H) |
Lifetime |
705 lb (bench) |
Leg Ext. & Curl Full weight bench |
12 Reviews ☆☆☆☆
|
|
|
$$ |
35" (L) 35" (W) 40" (H) |
3 years |
150 lb weight plates |
Leg Ext. & curls |
173 Reviews ☆☆☆☆.3 |
3 Types of leg extension machines:
Below we cover the main types of leg extension machines so you can decide which might be the best suited to your needs and budget.
1. Leg Developer
Leg developers, commonly found in home gyms, are attachments that can be added to a weight bench, transforming it into a leg extension and leg curl machine. These attachments allow for resistance to be added by loading plates onto the machine. During the exercise, the weight follows an arc around its moment angle, creating a varying level of difficulty throughout the repetition. This can feel different from the constant tension provided by cable pulleys or selectorized machines and may require some adjustment. However, leg developers are advantageous for saving space and cost, as they are typically more affordable compared to other leg extension options.
2. Rack Mounted
Rack-mounted leg extension machines are specialized equipment that can be attached to a power rack or squat rack. They provide a stable and secure platform for performing leg extensions, targeting the quadriceps muscles. These machines offer space efficiency, adjustable settings, and are commonly found in gyms with power racks, providing a convenient and effective way to strengthen the quadriceps. Rack mounted leg extension machines are often at the lower end of the pricing scale. One thing to note is that you need to make sure that this type of machine is compatible to the rack you plan on attaching it to.
3. Standalone
A standalone leg extension machine, often considered the top-tier option, provides an extensive range of features and comforts. These machines typically offer adjustable tibia pads to accommodate various limb lengths, as well as seat pads for shorter or longer femur lengths, ensuring a personalized fit. Notably, they are known for their superior comfort and smooth resistance. However, it's important to note that standalone leg extension machines tend to be the most expensive option, with prices often exceeding $1,000 and occasionally reaching several thousands of dollars. Whether equipped with a weight stack or plate-loaded system, these machines offer convenience and top-of-the-line functionality, making them a desirable choice for those seeking the best leg extension experience.
How to use a leg extension machine:
Follow the simple steps below to get started using a leg extension machine to grow your quads.
- Using a leg extension machine is a straightforward process. Start by adjusting the machine's seat height and backrest to align with your body.
- Set the desired resistance either by selecting weights on a selectorized machine or loading plates on a plate-loaded machine.
- Sit on the machine, positioning your legs under the leg pad just above your ankles, and grasp the handles or sides for stability.
- Slowly extend your legs, pushing against the resistance, until they are fully extended without locking your knees.
- Lower your legs back to the starting position in a controlled manner.
- Repeat the exercise for the desired number of repetitions while maintaining proper form and control.
Note: It's important to start with lighter weights and increase gradually, listening to your body and stopping if you experience any discomfort or pain.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF LEG Extension machines?
Leg extensions are an essential leg exercise to target and strengthen the lower body muscles especially the quadriceps. The quadriceps are responsible for knee extension and hip flexion, making them integral for movement. When using leg extension machines, you lift weight using only your quadriceps, making them a fantastic exercise to isolate them.
Keep in mind that many of the options above serve as a leg extension curl machine which means you can isolate the hamstrings as well!
Let's look at some of the benefits that leg extension machines can provide.
1. Isolate the Quadriceps
When performing leg extension exercises, you will strengthen the quadriceps and patellar ligament at the same time. The isolation of these body parts makes it an excellent choice for improving the stability and strength of the lower body.
2. Ease Of Use
Leg extension machines are super easy to use as there's no real learning curve like some other exercises. Simply get into position on the chair, then lift your feet up towards the ceiling while keeping your toes up. You don't need to concentrate intensely on the form as you are locked into place through the exercise, unlike other leg exercises like squats, where proper technique and form are essential to avoid potential injury.
3. Perfect For Warming Up The Legs:
You'll often see bodybuilding begin their leg days using the leg extension machine to get the blood flowing to their quads before they take on compound movements like squats or leg presses. Using a leg extension machine, you can effectively get your legs ready and warmed up to get the ideal volume of blood to your quads.
4. Great for Focus:
Leg extension machines provide the opportunity to really hone in on just targeting the quadriceps. By isolating these muscles, you can specifically work them to your liking; whether it's for warm-ups or failure sets, leg extensions are great for pumping up your thighs and building muscle. You can also target specific areas of your quads by adjusting your feet, point your toes inwards to work on developing the outer sweep that will give you a fuller look to your legs.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN BUYING A Leg extension MACHINE FOR HOME GYM:
There are a number of factors to consider before buying a leg extension machine for your home gym so that you avoid the headache of the possible return process. Once factoring in all the criteria below, you'll be able to choose the perfect machine that matches your needs.
1. Size
If you're buying a leg extension machine for your home gym, you probably have limited space to work with. Leg extension machines come in all shapes and sizes, so it's important to measure the available space you have before making a purchase.
The footprint of the machine will often determine if it's a good option for your area. If you have a small space to work with, then you might want to consider a multifunctional leg extension machine or bench that you can maneuver around your gym and use for multiple exercises.
2. Build Quality
Not all leg extension machines are built alike. The build quality of this gym equipment can vary widely. Ideally, you'll want to find a piece of equipment that's constructed from heavy-duty steel. 11-gauge steel that's 2x3" thick is a great starting point as this ensures the machine will withstand a lifetime of wear and tear while allowing for a higher maximum weight capacity.
The more durable the machine is, the longer it will last. Often times the cheaper machines will be built from low-quality steel or alloy, which can lead to a wobbly experience or even injury if it fails during usage.
A leg extension machine that's built from high-quality steel will have a higher weight capacity which is crucial if you plan to move heavy loads.
One more point to consider for leg extension curl machines is the comfort they can provide. Look for machines where the thigh pad, adjustable back pad, and seat are built with high-density foam.
3. Price/Budget
Prices of leg extension machines can range from just $100 to over $3000. On the low end, these machines aren't meant to withstand heavy loads, and they might be more unstable due to the cheaper quality materials used. That said, some people don't need a piece of equipment that is capable of handling hundreds of pounds.
At the high end of the price spectrum, the extension and curl machine will usually operate on a cable and weight stack system. These options might be better for commercial gym settings.
You should be able to find a sturdy, high-quality machine with a price tag of $500-$1,000. In this price range, you can find something that should last you a lifetime. Any machines for thousands of dollars will be commercial grade systems that can take years and years of abuse.
4. Difficulty of Assembly
One of the hassles of buying home gym equipment is putting it together after it arrives at your home. If you're good with a set of tools and following instructions, then most people shouldn't have any issues assembling a leg extension machine. From our research, you should set aside anywhere from 2-5 hours to get your machine up and running. Keep in mind that many manufacturers will offer add-on services for a price if you want a professional to assemble and install the machine.
5. Usage
As you saw in the list of best leg extension machines above, options run from singular function of leg extensions to the capability of performing upper and lower body exercises. In our opinion, you should try to find a leg extension machine that offers the ability to do both leg extensions and leg curls at the minimum. If you find a machine that provides both of these functions, you can save some space and money while having the ability to work both the quadriceps and hamstrings. If space and money aren't limiting factors, then a commercial grade leg extension machine might be a good fit for you, especially if you're very strong.
Besides the exercise options of the machine, you should try to find equipment that you can adjust. This relates to the backrest, seat, leg rollers, and sometimes starting position. The more adjustability the machine offers, the more comfort it will provide you when using it.
Another thing to look for is options that also function as leg curl machines so you can get full leg workouts in targeting both hamstring and quad muscles.
Last but not least, it's important to note that most leg extension machines will require you to have a set of Olympic weight plates to serve as the load you're lifting. Always check to make sure that the machine can handle Olympic weight plates or if you'll need to buy an Olympic weight sleeve adapter separately.
In some cases, you'll see a leg press machine with a weight stack where you don't need to buy weight plates separately, but these are usually more expensive and bigger than the other options.
6. Online Ratings
Let's be honest; you won't have a chance to try all the leg extension machines on the market before you make a purchase. That's where online reviews and ratings can help guide you in your decision-making process. Look for products that have a majority of favorable reviews from verified buyers, whether that's on Amazon or on the manufacturer's website. You can check online forums such as Reddit or Quora, or even Youtube to see if anyone has experience using the machine you're considering buying.
However, we always believe recommendations from people you know serve as the best litmus test before purchasing an expensive product online.
Leg Extension Machine FAQ:
Is It Worth Buying A leg extension machine?
Yes! We think it's worth it to buy a leg extension machine for your home gym if it provides the capability to do leg extensions AND leg curls. Sure, there are other exercises and equipment that allow you to work the quads and hams but not as well as a machine could. A leg extension and leg curl machine combo is the perfect choice to isolate the muscles so that you can build muscle exactly where you want to.
How Much Do leg Extension Machines Cost?
The cost of leg extension machines can vary greatly, with prices typically ranging from around $200 to well over $1,000. Lower-priced options or attachments for weight benches may fall within the $200 to $500 range, while mid-range machines with more adjustability and features may be priced between $500 and $1,000. Higher-end or commercial-grade leg extension machines, offering advanced features and durability, can cost over $1,000 and sometimes several thousands of dollars. When selecting a leg extension machine, it's important to consider your budget and specific needs, as the price range reflects variations in features and overall quality.
What Is The Best Leg Extension Machine?
In our opinion the XMark-7615 is the best leg extension machine. This piece of gym equipment has the dual function to hit both the quads and hamstrings plus it's constructed from 11-gauge steel which translates to a machine that will last a lifetime or two. This is a sound investment for people who plan on moving some serious weight without issue.
Can You build Big Legs With Leg Extensions?
Yes, you can build some serious leg muscles with the help of leg extensions. There's a reason why most bodybuilders include leg extensions as part of their routines. The leg extension is an ideal exercise to build up the quads due to the isolation and time under tension. You can work your quads to failure on a leg extension machine without worry, unlike some other leg exercises.
Is Leg Extension Better Than Leg Press?
We wouldn't say that the leg extension is better than leg press as they are exercises with different biomechanics. Leg extensions are excellent for isolating and working the quadriceps, whereas leg presses are a compound movement that works the whole leg from the glutes, quads, hamstrings, and calves.
Is A Leg Extension Machine Bad For Your Knees?
No, using one of these machines for a leg extension workout isn't harmful to your knee joint. As with all exercises, you need to follow proper form and shouldn't try to lift heavier weights than what is safe for your current fitness level. We generally recommend using the leg extension curl machines for hypertrophy work. This means you should find a weight that you can do 8-15 reps for a couple of sets.
The point of this machine isn't to lift as heavy as you can. You should use a leg extension and curl machine to isolate the quads and hamstrings and work on building muscle rather than increasing overall power.
Which Leg Curl Machine Is The Best?
Even though this post focuses on leg extension machines, you'll notice that most of these are actually leg extension and curl machines. If you solely want a leg curl machine, you have multiple options, from a seated leg curl machine to a lying leg curl machine. We would recommend getting one of the leg extension curl machines above that allows you to both extensions and curls on the same piece of equipment.
SUMMARY
To get a taxing leg workout done, you could use any of the exercise machines that we covered in this post. To choose a suitable leg exercise machine, it's essential to understand what your goals are. For example, do you want to work both your quads and hamstrings for a great lower body workout, or do you want a machine that allows you to hit the upper body and lower body? If that's the case the you should go with our top pick from XMark, you won't be disappointed.
At the end of the day, you can't go wrong with a machine that allows you to do leg curls and extensions. Whatever you do, don't skip leg day!
XMark delivers a 20-position adjustable press arm and a fully adjustable backrest pad with 11-gauge steel mainframe construction with scratch resistant powder coat finish...
Looking for more gym equipment to target your legs? Check out our post that covers the Best Leg Press Machines on the market.
Kiel DiGiovanni
Author