5 Best Leg Extension Machines – 2017 Reviews And Top Picks

Everybody hates leg day. The feeling of walking after a leg day is unimaginable. But, the hard work and pain pays off after seeing those perfect quads, calves and hamstrings. To have that body to die for, you need to have trustworthy pieces of gym equipment such as leg extension machines.

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A leg extension machine is a piece of gym equipment that targets the quadriceps muscles of the legs. This exercise machine involves the bending of the legs at the knee and extending them to subsequently lower the legs back to its original position. Like other exercise machines, this machine also utilizes weight which can be adjusted according to the user’s liking.

Our team went on a quest to find the best leg extension machine. The following are some of the best machines you need to have in your home gym.

Product Summary

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Body Solid Leg Extension Machine is made from steel making it very sturdy. It is also very compact which makes it the perfect home gym equipment for those living in apartments and small places. However, its weight rail does not hold that much plates.

Deltech Leg Extension and Leg Curl Machine can be adjusted to suit the needs of its user. It is also very easy to assemble. However, the placement of the handles is pretty awkward.

Powerline Leg Extension Machine is perfect for exercises that focus on improving the balance, speed and coordination of the lower body. It is also very easy to assemble. However, its paddings come off easily.

Valor Adjustable Leg Machine is also adjustable according to the height of the user. The paddings, especially the upper and lower pad rolls, are very comfortable. But we had a hard time putting it together. Also, we wish that the weight bar was a bit longer.

The Marcy Utility Bench not only focuses on the lower body but also on the upper body. It’s made from powder-coated steel but it can become a bit wobbly if the nuts and bolts of the machine are not screwed on tightly.

**Below, you'll find our more detailed reviews, but you can also click the links above to see current prices or read customer reviews on Amazon.

Reviews

1.Body-Solid GCEC340

Enter your text here...The Body Solid Leg Extension Machine is made from a steel cam frame. It weighs just around 75 pounds. We loved that this leg extension machine has lots of foam around it! We also loved how compact it is.

It’s perfect for those who live in flats and city apartments. It is also adjustable to fit the users’ needs. It also has thick firm durable pads. Aside from being adjustable, it can also be converted to become a leg curl machine.

However, we did found that the weight rail does not hold that much plates. But other than that, we loved this product. We give four and a half stars out of five for the Body-Solid Leg Extension Machine.

Things We Liked: 

  • It is very compact.
  • It is adjustable to fit the user’s needs.
  • The steel frame is very sturdy.
  • It has thick pads.
  • We had an easy time assembling the machine.

Things We Didn’t Like

  • The weight rail does not hold that much plates

2. Deltech Fitness Leg Curl / Leg Extension Machine

The next on the list is Deltech Fitness Leg Curl and Leg Extension Machine. It’s the perfect standalone leg extension and leg curl machine.

The machine’s frame is very sturdy. The height of this machine is also adjustable to suit the needs of the user. Putting it together was also very easy.

We wish that the handles for the leg extensions would be placed more conveniently.

Things We Liked: 

  • The frame is very sturdy.
  • The height of this machine is adjustable.
  • Assembling it was easy.

Things We Didn’t Like

  • The placement of the handles was a bit awkward.

3. Powerline PLCE165X

Powerline Leg Extension Machine is convertible to become a leg curl machine. This leg exercise machine is perfect for exercises that focus on improving the balance, speed and coordination of the lower body.

We liked how it can also be adjusted to fit a person’s built. The assembly of this machine is also very easy. We wish the paddings would be glued on the machine better though. We rate the machine four stars out of five.

Things We Liked: 

  • It allows the user to also perform leg curls.
  • Assembling the machine is easy.
  • It is adjustable to accommodate the needs of the users.

Things We Didn’t Like

  • The paddings easily come off.

4. Valor Fitness CC-4

This leg exercise machine also allows the user to perform two exercises – leg curls and leg extensions. Valor Adjustable Leg Curl Machine weighs roughly around 100 pounds and has the following product dimensions 35 x 31 x 10 inches. We loved the upper and lower pad rolls! It’s also very compact.

We had a hard time assembling this machine though. We also wish that the weight bar is a bit longer so the machine could hold more plates. We also give the Valor Adjustable Leg Curl Machine four stars out of five.

Things We Liked: 

  • It allows the users to perform two exercises – leg curls and leg extensions.
  • It’s compact.
  • The upper and lower pad rolls make sitting down on the machine more comfortable.

Things We Didn’t Like

  • Hard to assemble.
  • The length of the weight bar.

5. Marcy Utility Bench

The frame of the Marcy Utility Bench is made from powder-coated steel frame making it very sturdy and durable. This utility bench can bear around 300 pounds of weight. The back pad of this bench can be adjusted into six different positions.

What sets this fitness machine apart is that it can also be used to strengthen the upper body. We love that it can be transported easily using the machine’s transport wheels.

This bench was pretty easy to assemble but you have to make sure that the nuts and bolts are screwed on tightly to ensure the stability of the bench. We give the Marcy Utility Bench three and a half stars out of five.

Things We Liked: 

  • The frame is sturdy.
  • It can bear up to 300 pounds of weight.
  • The back pad is adjustable into six different positions.
  • It has transport wheels.

Things We Didn’t Like

  • The bench can be a bit wobbly if you do not screw the nuts and bolts on tightly.

What To Look Out For In Leg Extension Machines

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There are some reports that say that leg extension machines could be harmful more than helpful. However, when used correctly, leg extension and leg curl machines will do wonders in your lower body. The following are some of the things you have to look out for when buying leg extension machines.

1. Adjustable To Suit Your Height

You need a machine that would adapt to your built. The machine has to be adjustable to suit your height. A good leg extension machine is one that can be used by a four-footer and also by a six-footer.

2. It Has Lots Of Padding

You would do a lot of sitting while on this machine so you really need a lot of padding to make it comfortable. Aside from the padding of the seat or bench of the machine, it should also have upper pad and lower pad rolls.

3. Sturdy Frame

The frame should support not only your weight but also the weight plates. A steel and metal frame would expectedly be sturdier than those made from plastic. You also have to look out for a machine that has its center of gravity at its middle. Some exercise machines fail at this. As a result, when weights are placed on the weight bar, the machine may tilt towards the heavier side.

4. Handles

Look for a leg extension machine that has the handles placed properly. The handles may not be a big deal but to some it’s a make or break thing when picking a leg extension machine.

After finding the perfect leg extension machine for you, you also have to note the following when using the said machine:

  • It is more advisable to use only light weight but higher repetitions while on the leg extension machine. This would prevent injuries to your knees and ankles that most people dread about while on the leg extension machine. Instead of focusing on the weight load, focus on the ‘squeeze’ of the muscles instead.
  • You should also never let your knees and shins form an angle that is greater than 90 degrees. Doing so could put you at risk.
  • Do other workouts. It’s good to use the leg extension machine to strengthen your quads, but you have to remember that you also have to train the other muscles of your body.
  • Limit your time on the machine. Exercising on the leg extension machine is a good finisher rather than being the main exercise of your whole workout.
  • Maintain proper form and posture while using the machine. Do not slack or slouch while using it.
  • Exercising on the leg extension machine is actually a good exercise for those recovering from ACL and other similar injuries. It will strengthen the muscles of the lower body.

Conclusion

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After a run-down on the pros and cons of the different leg extension machines, we have a clear winner – the Body-Solid GCEC340 Cam Series Leg Ext Curl Machine.

It is the best leg extension machine out there in the market right now. It also duals as a leg curl machine. It has a steel frame which makes it very sturdy and durable. It is also very comfortable to sit on because of its dura-firm pads. It is also adjustable to adapt to the user’s height. The product is worth every penny you would pay for it.

With the Body Solid Leg Extension Machine, you would surely love leg day. Working out on your legs will surely soon pay.

Luke Cafferty
 

Luke Cafferty is a fitness junkie, personal trainer and blogger. He's passionate about living a healthy lifestyle and maintaining a strong and well rounded physique, while inspiring you to do the same.

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