Best leg extension bench buying guide
A leg extension bench is a piece of workout equipment used to target the quadriceps muscles in the thighs. The bench allows you to extend your legs while keeping your back stationary, which works the front of your thighs. Leg extension benches come in different shapes and sizes, so it’s important to do your research before purchasing one. They can be found at most gyms or sporting goods stores. When using a leg extension bench, make sure to follow the proper form and technique to avoid injury. For more in-depth information, make sure you read this best leg extension bench buying guide.
What is the best leg extension bench?
We did a lot of research on these best leg extension bench machines and found that there are many different models to choose from. Some people will tell you they don’t need any help with their legs, while others could use another inch or two! We’ve outlined our top picks below so read through them carefully before making your purchase.
back to menu ↑What are the types of leg extension bench?
back to menu ↑Leg Curl Bench
This is the most common type of leg extension bench. In this type of bench, you sit on a pad and move your legs using the rope.
back to menu ↑VKR Leg Extension Bench
In this type of leg extension bench, the weight is lifted with your legs using a special machine. This type is normally used for working out by athletes.
back to menu ↑Free weights Leg Extension Bench
This type consists of two moveable beams with a hole in the middle. These beams are made up of solid material and they can be moved together or apart depending on how hard you want to work out your lower body muscles.
back to menu ↑Fixed Weights Bench
In this type, there is a weight that can be adjusted from a minimum to a maximum amount depending on what you intend to do. This type of leg extension bench is very good for those who want to do advanced workouts on the lower body muscles.
back to menu ↑VT Recumbent Leg Extension Bench
This type is made up of a seat and a back pad that is hinged to an angled leg extension arm. It also has a low pulley for doing some exercises on the lower body muscles, backed by cables or bands which are fixed to the frame of the bench.
back to menu ↑VKR Recumbent Leg Extension Bench
This type has the same thing as the VKR leg extension bench except for the fact that it is recumbent in nature and not vertical.
back to menu ↑Vertical Knee Raise Bench
This type of leg extension bench is used for doing some isolated ab exercises. This type of leg extension bench doesn’t require any weights or pulleys to do the exercises.
back to menu ↑Knee Raise Bench
This is a very small type of leg extension bench that is normally found at home. It is about one foot off the ground, and you sit on it with your knees hanging freely in the air.
back to menu ↑Multi-Exercise Bench
This type of leg extension bench is very instrumental in helping you get well-toned lower body muscles. The attachments are normally found at the bottom part of the bench.
back to menu ↑Swiss Ball Leg Extension Bench
This type is made up of a Swiss ball that is attached to an adjustable platform for doing some exercises on your lower body muscles. You can make the ball roll either forward or backward to do some leg extension and ab exercises.
back to menu ↑What are the benefits of a leg extension bench?
- Improve quadriceps development
- Increase fast-twitch fibers
- Strength training for sports (sprinting, cycling, football)
- Rehabilitation of knee and/or hip injuries
- Prevent hamstring and lower back injuries
What exercises can you do with a leg extension bench?
back to menu ↑Leg extensions
This exercise is ideal to work the muscles of your thighs. It can be done with a leg extension machine or lying down on a flat bench and lifting a straightened knee towards the ceiling.
back to menu ↑Leg curls
This exercise is perfect to work the muscles of your hamstrings (the muscles at the back of your thighs). It can be done with a leg curl machine or lying down on a flat bench and lifting the heel towards the ceiling, trying not to move other parts
back to menu ↑Hip abductions
This exercise is ideal to work the outer muscles of your thighs (hip abductors). To do this, lie down on your side and place the ankle of the lower leg under a bar or rest to hold it in place. Use your abs to move only your upper leg up to the ceiling as high as you can.
back to menu ↑Standing calf raises
This exercise is perfect to work the muscles of your lower leg (calves). Stand on a raised platform with just the balls of the feet touching it. Slowly go down so that you feel the load on your calves and then come up as high as possible.
back to menu ↑Abductions
This exercise is ideal to work the outer muscles of your thighs (hip abductors) and your glutes. To do this, lie on your side and place the ankle of the lower leg under a bar or rest to hold it in place. Use your abs to move only your upper leg up to the ceiling as high as you can.
back to menu ↑How to choose the best leg extension bench?
back to menu ↑Features
The features available for leg extension equipment are many, but the ones that will define how good a machine is dependent on your usage.
back to menu ↑Weight
Always use the maximum weight your machine can hold to ensure the best workout.
back to menu ↑Size
Leg extension machines are usually very small, making them ideal for home gyms where space is limited. If you do not have much room in your house, consider buying a leg extension bench with smaller dimensions so that this equipment does not take too much space.
back to menu ↑Safety
Leg extension machines are designed in a way that ensures the user’s maximum safety while using them. The frame is one of the most important features when it comes to leg extension benches.
back to menu ↑Comfort
Leg extension benches are not very different when it comes to comfort levels. Make sure that your bench is comfortable enough for you to use for long periods of time without feeling tired or aching muscles.
back to menu ↑Budget
You will find leg extension benches in many price ranges. The lower-priced machines are simpler and have fewer features, while higher-priced models provide more options to choose from, which makes them more versatile.
back to menu ↑Accessories
You get the leg extension pad, the seat rail, and usually some tools for adjustments.
back to menu ↑Conclusion
In the end, it’s up to you. We think that a good bench is worth investing in because it can last for years and there are so many benefits of having a sturdy set-up at home if you want to work out on your own time. If this isn’t an option, then I would recommend going to a gym where they have plenty of benches!
Happy training!
Rich
Rich is an avid bodybuilder who has dedicated over 20 years of his life to the sport. He has a strong passion for health and fitness, living a clean lifestyle with a commitment to helping others educate themselves and fulfil their true potential.
