A leg extension is a strength training exercise primarily targeting the quadriceps muscles in the front of your thigh. The movement involves bending at the knee and extending your legs out in front of you, typically using a lever machine at the gym or home with a padded bar for support.

The leg extension exercise is an isolation movement that primarily targets the quadriceps, the large muscles at the front of the thigh. Performed on a specialized leg extension machine, the exercise involves extending the lower legs against resistance, engaging the quadriceps to lift and lower the weight.

To do basic leg extensions, sit in a chair with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Then straighten your legs and raise your feet toward the ceiling. If your goal is build your leg muscles, use ankle weights, resistance bands, or exercise machines to increase the difficulty.