Leg Extensions

KeithReilly

Why are leg extensions supposed to be so bad and where is there prove that they are bad?

Hanley

KeithReilly wrote: »

Why are leg extensions supposed to be so bad and where is there prove that they are bad?

I’m sure someone can dig up a study re: forces acting on the knee with leg extensions if you want a scientific reason.

Practically tho, it’s not that they’re bad per se, just that there’s more efficient things that you could be doing. Squats/step ups/leg presses are all going to have a bigger effect on quad and general leg size.

You may not “feel” it as much, but if you just want to feel pain in your quads the next day then come down to IP on Tuesday nights so we can kick you during Muay Thai.

I’ve always just felt leg extensions do nothing but cause DOMS and lead to a longer recovery time.

KeithReilly

Thanks for the reply.

I'll tell you why I ask. I had an injury in right knee, now sorted but my right quad has noticably atrophied.

I was wondering what was the best exercise to correct the imbalance.

I was thinking single leg exercises but would i ignore the good leg or would I do less wiht it?

Hanley

KeithReilly wrote: »

Thanks for the reply.

I'll tell you why I ask. I had an injury in right knee, now sorted but my right quad has noticably atrophied.

I was wondering what was the best exercise to correct the imbalance.

I was thinking single leg exercises but would i ignore the good leg or would I do less wiht it?

Take it for what it’s worth, which is not a lot since I haven’t rehabbed anyone, but if you’re coming back from a knee injury you probably want to avoid an exercise that’s going to put serious pressure on your knee…

Something like split squats, single leg box squats etc could work, and use the weak leg first and then just match the weight/reps on the strong leg. It should come back quick enough anyway.

Also, if you’re quad’s atrophied from non-use, then your hamstring and glute probably has too, and by ignoring that you’re just setting yourself up for antoher knee injury.

BossArky

KeithReilly wrote: »

I'll tell you why I ask. I had an injury in right knee, now sorted but my right quad has noticably atrophied.

I was wondering what was the best exercise to correct the imbalance.

I was thinking single leg exercises but would i ignore the good leg or would I do less wiht it?

Please check with a medical professional / physio.