The leg extension is undoubtedly one of the most popular lower body exercises. The isolation exercise helps zero in on the upper legs and delivers a quad-popping pump when done with the correct form and intensity.
Lifters use leg extension machines in their warm-up routines before starting their working sets, in their main leg workout, and to cool down after a leg training session. You’re limited by your own imagination when it comes to using the leg extension.
Top 9 Best Leg Extension Tested/Ranked:
- Best Overall: Titan Fitness Adjustable Plate Loaded Leg Extension
- Best Rated: Marcy Adjustable 6 Position Utility Bench
- Best Value: Body Champ Weight Bench with Leg Extension Attachment
- Best Heavy-Duty: Body-Solid GCEC340 Cam Series Leg Extension
- Best with Preacher Bench: Marcy Olympic Weight Bench
- Best Home Gym: Marcy MWM-988 Multifunction Steel Home Gym
- Best with Lying Leg Curl: Body-Solid GLCE365 Leg Extension
- Best Compact: Valor Fitness CC-4 Leg Extension
- Best Premium: Body-Solid Series II Leg Extension
How Much Do the Best Leg Extension Machines Cost?
Depending on the brand, quality, and versatility, decent leg extension machines for your home gym can range between $129.99 and $3,775. Below is the complete list and what we love about each product:
| Category | Product | Name | Price | Why We Love It |
| Best Overall |  |
Titan Fitness Adjustable Plate Loaded Leg Extension V2 | $699.99 | Its sturdiness, compactness, and quality make it a no-brainer. |
| Best Rated |  |
Marcy Deluxe Utility Weight Bench SB-350 | $129.99 | People on a budget cannot go wrong with this leg extension machine. |
| Best Value |  |
Body Champ Weight Bench with Leg Extension Attachment | $146.88 | Its adjustable bench, leg training setup, and squat rack make it an unbeatable package. |
| Best Heavy-Duty |  |
Body-Solid GCEC340 Cam Series Leg Extension | $753 | The machine can handle up to 200 pounds, which is ample for most people training in their home gym. |
| Best with Preacher Bench |  |
Marcy Olympic Weight Bench | $215.59 | A great home gym setup on a budget. |
| Best Home Gym |  |
Marcy MWM-988 Multifunction Steel Home Gym | $499.89 | One of the most versatile stacked training machines on the market. |
| Best with Lying Leg Curl |  |
Body-Solid GLCE365 Leg Extension | $742 | If you love the leg curl as much as the leg extension, GLCE365 is for you. |
| Best Compact |  |
Valor Fitness CC-4 Leg Extension | $445.98 | Great for compact spaces and heavy use. |
| Best Premium |  |
Body-Solid Series II Leg Extension | $3,775 | The slanting seat significantly reduces hamstring engagement while performing leg extensions. |
Top 9 Best Leg Extension Machines
Given below are the best leg extension machines in various categories:
Best Overall
Our choice for the best overall leg extension machine checks all the right boxes and delivers a solid package of quality, versatility, and sturdiness.
Titan Fitness Adjustable Plate Loaded Leg Extension V2
Titan Fitness is one of the leading fitness equipment manufacturers; they’ve hit the nail on the head with their Adjustable Plate Loaded Leg Extension V2 model.
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The frame uses 11-inch gauge steel and has a maximum weight capacity of 300 pounds. This machine has seven depth position setting for the seat and three angle positions to suit different size athletes.
Titan Fitness’ leg extension uses a leg clamp mechanism that allows easy access to the machine. It helps lock your thighs in place and in adjusting the foot roller position.
This machine can also be used to perform leg curls and features a pull pin to quickly move between the exercises. This piece of equipment is compatible with Olympic-sized weight plates and comes with a one-year manufacturer’s warranty.
Who Should Buy Titan Fitness Adjustable Plate Loaded Leg Extension V2?
- People who want a machine to train their quads and hamstrings.
- Those who have limited space in their home gym.
Who Should Not Buy Titan Fitness Adjustable Plate Loaded Leg Extension V2?
- Folks on a shoestring budget.
- Those who want a selectorized leg extension machine.
Titan Fitness Adjustable Plate Loaded Leg Extension Coupon
Titan Fitness Adjustable Plate Loaded Leg Extension Coupon
Titan Fitness Adjustable Plate Loaded Leg Extension is versatile, compact, and sturdy, making it our top pick for the best leg extension machine on the market.
Best Rated
Amazon is the preferred marketplace for many people, and user reviews on the platform can help you make the right buying decisions. Buying the highest-rated product in a category can be considered a safe bet.
Marcy Deluxe Utility Weight Bench SB-350
Marcy Adjustable 6 Position Utility Bench is one of the most budget-friendly and versatile leg extension machines, making it a good fit for most home gyms, especially the ones with limited space.
The bench can be adjusted in six positions, including the incline, flat, or decline position. Plus, the high-density foam makes it feel plush and durable.
The sufficiently padded and vinyl-covered leg extension pads and curl bars improve comfort and ensure the metal bars don’t dig into your ankles while exercising.
However, the versatility of this training equipment takes away some of its sturdiness as the maximum weight capacity of this machine’s leg developer is just 100 pounds.
Who Should Buy Marcy Deluxe Utility Weight Bench SB-350?
- People who want an incline, decline, flat bench, and leg training equipment in one.
- Folks on a tight budget.
Who Should Not Buy Marcy Deluxe Utility Weight Bench SB-350?
- Serious lifters who want a heavy-duty leg extension machine.
Marcy Deluxe Utility Weight Bench SB-350 Coupon
Marcy Deluxe Utility Weight Bench SB-350 Coupon
The six-position adjustable back pad, high-density foam padding, and bare-bone design of the Marcy Deluxe Utility Weight Bench SB-350 are a hit amongst the users.
Best Value
You’ll love our next suggestion if you’re in the process of putting together your home gym. It does everything the Marcy Deluxe Utility Weight Bench SB-350 does and then some more.
Body Champ Weight Bench with Leg Extension Attachment
The exercise choices are limitless with the Body Champ Weight Bench with Leg Extension Attachment. You could use the leg extension and curl setup to train your lower body and the six-level adjustable bench to train your upper body.
However, the barbell rack takes its utility to the next level as it can be used to perform exercises like the squat, military press, and obviously, chest lifts.
Plus, it beats the Marcy Deluxe Utility Weight Bench SB-350 by a big margin on the weight load capacity as it can handle 150 pounds on the leg developers.
Who Should Buy Body Champ Weight Bench with Leg Extension Attachment?
- Folks setting up a new home gym.
- People on a budget.
Who Should Not Buy Body Champ Weight Bench with Leg Extension Attachment?
- Advanced lifters who want more weight capacity.
Body Champ Weight Bench with Leg Extension Attachment Coupon
Body Champ Weight Bench with Leg Extension Attachment Coupon
The Body Champ Weight Bench with Leg Extension Attachment is a dream come true for value hunters. The equipment comprises leg developers, an adjustable bench, and a squat rack.
Best Heavy-Duty
The thing about leg extension machines for home gym use is that they can be fidgety. These machines are not built to be used by multiple people or handle super heavy weights, which can be a deal breaker for many.
Body-Solid GCEC340 Cam Series Leg Extension
The Body-Solid GCEC340 uses seven-gauge steel, and its DuraFirm padding ensures you are comfortable using the equipment. The jumbo pop pin settings of the machine make switching between the leg extension and leg curl super easy, and the eight-inch foam pad keeps the metal roads from digging into your lower legs.
This machine features an in-built stand for the leg curl thigh pad, making it stand out from its competition. GCEC340 has a one-inch weight plate diameter, and you’ll have to get an additional adaptor if you want your Olympic plates to fit the post snugly.
The Body-Solid GCEC340 features adjustable back support and leg extension pads. Plus, it comes with a lifetime warranty for in-home, personal usage.
Who Should Buy Body-Solid GCEC340 Cam Series Leg Extension?
- Advanced trainers who want a sturdy leg extension machine.
- Folks who want a lifetime warranty on their equipment.
Who Should Not Buy Body-Solid GCEC340 Cam Series Leg Extension?
- People who do not want to buy a $15 Olympic bar adapter separately.
Body-Solid GCEC340 Cam Series Leg Extension and Curl Coupon
Body-Solid GCEC340 Cam Series Leg Extension and Curl Coupon
Body-Solid is one of the most prominent training equipment manufacturers. The GCEC340 Cam Series Leg Extension and Curl Machine is a heavy-duty machine favored by advanced lifters.
Best with Preacher Bench
You’ll love our pick for this category if you’re a utilitarian and more so if you’re a fan of training your guns.
Marcy Olympic Weight Bench
If you want to build a home gym without breaking the bank, you cannot go wrong with the Marcy Olympic Weight Bench. The bench on this machine has an adjustable back pad and can be set in an incline, decline, or flat position.
You could perform leg extension and curl on this machine by adjusting the back pad. It also comes with a squat rack that can be used while performing chest exercises like the bench press.
The two-inch thick pads of this machine use high-density foam, which adds comfort to your training. Additionally, the squat rack has two Olympic pegs to store weight plates.
Who Should Buy Marcy Olympic Weight Bench?
- People who have limited space in their home gym.
- Folks who want maximum utility from their equipment.
Who Should Not Buy Marcy Olympic Weight Bench?
- Individuals that do not want to deal with assembling and disassembling the preacher bench while using the bench.
Marcy Olympic Weight Bench Coupon
Marcy Olympic Weight Bench Coupon
If you want a multipurpose training tool, you cannot go wrong with the Marcy Olympic Weight Bench. You can virtually train all your muscle groups using this equipment.
Best Home Gym
While some believe plate-loaded machines are the best, others swear by selectorized training equipment. If you are from the second bunch, the Marcy MWM-988 Multifunction Steel Home Gym will steal your heart.
Marcy MWM-988 Multifunction Steel Home Gym
The Marcy MWM-988 Multifunction Steel Home Gym features leg extension, preacher curl, pec deck fly, and lat pull-down setups. Plus, you could go Charles Glass on this cable machine and use it for numerous other exercises.
The selectorized home gym machine features a 14-gauge sturdy steel body construction, a 150-pound weight stack, a workout chart for training ideas, and comfortable roller pads for added convenience.
Who Should Buy Marcy MWM-988 Multifunction Steel Home Gym?
- Fans of stacked machines.
- People who do not want to introduce weight plates into their home gyms.
Who Should Not Buy Marcy MWM-988 Multifunction Steel Home Gym?
- Folks on a tight budget.
Marcy MWM-988 Multifunction Steel Home Gym Coupon
Marcy MWM-988 Multifunction Steel Home Gym Coupon
Marcy MWM-988 Multifunction Steel Home Gym is a selectorized machine popular amongst garage gym enthusiasts. It comes with a 150-pound selectorized weight stack.
Best with Lying Leg Curl
Most people on the market for a leg extension machine for their home gym expect it to transform into a leg curl—and do so easily without making a mess. The Body-Solid GLCE365 Leg Extension does just that.
Body-Solid GLCE365 Leg Extension
The Body-Solid GLCE365 Leg Extension has three upright and two supinated positions for traditional leg curls. It also features a DuraFirm back pad for more comfort and hold-down grips to improve your stability while performing the leg curl.
This machine is made per commercial standards and uses a 2×3-inch heavy-gauge steel frame. The leg extension machine switches between 13-17-inch from the top of the seat pad to the bottom of the roller for users of different sizes.
However, just like the Body-Solid GCEC340, this machine comes with a one-inch plate post, and you’ll have to buy an Olympic-barbell adapter separately.
Who Should Buy Body-Solid GLCE365 Leg Extension?
- Folks who want a commercial-grade leg extension machine.
Who Should Not Buy Body-Solid GLCE365 Leg Extension?
- People who want more utility out of their leg extension machine.
Body-Solid GLCE365 Leg Extension Coupon
Body-Solid GLCE365 Leg Extension Coupon
Body-Solid GLCE365 Leg Extension is a sturdy lower body training machine that is fully adjustable, making it ideal to be used by multiple people.
Best Compact
Leg extension machines can take up a lot of space, especially the ones with a lying leg curl setup. However, not all of us can fit a monster in our home gyms. But, this is where the Valor Fitness CC-4 Leg Extension shines.
Valor Fitness CC-4 Leg Extension
The Valor Fitness CC-4 Leg Extension’s 44.5x32x10.5 inches frame makes it suitable for most garage gyms. Plus, its seated leg curl variation reduces its footprint.
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However, don’t mistake its compactness as a sign of fragility. Its rugged structure can take up to 150 pounds of weight plates. Furthermore, the thigh support is adjustable in eight positions, and the back support is adjustable in six.
Who Should Buy Valor Fitness CC-4 Leg Extension?
- Folks with limited space availability.
- People who prefer the seated leg curl over the lying variation.
Who Should Not Buy Valor Fitness CC-4 Leg Extension?
- Those who want a selectorized leg extension machine.
Valor Fitness CC-4 Leg Extension Coupon
Valor Fitness CC-4 Leg Extension Coupon
The Valor Fitness CC-4 Leg Extension should be your top pick if you have space constraints. The sturdy training equipment can take up to 150 pounds of weight plates.
Best Premium
This category is for folks who like pushing the envelope. For those who don’t want to settle on a plate-loaded machine or a basic home gym setup—our pick for the best premium leg extension machine will do the trick.
Body-Solid Series II Leg Extension
The Body-Solid Series II Leg Extension is a commercial-grade selectorized leg extension and curl machine. The machine uses an 11-gauge 2×3-inch steel construction.
It features a sundial mechanism with 13 adjustments and a backrest with seven positions. The machine is offered in two variants—a 235-pound stack (recommended) and a 160-pound stack.
Like other Body-Solid products, the Series II leg extension comes with DuraFirm foam, which makes your training experience even better. Plus, the company stands behind its product with a lifetime warranty.
Who Should Buy Body-Solid Series II Leg Extension?
- People who want a commercial-grade leg extension machine.
- Those who want a leg extension machine with a reclined back to reduce the tension on the hamstrings.
Who Should Not Buy Body-Solid Series II Leg Extension?
- Folks on a shoestring budget.
- People who cannot assemble the leg extension machine and have no one around to ask for help.
Body-Solid Series II Leg Extension Coupon
Body-Solid Series II Leg Extension Coupon
If you are an advanced lifter or do not want to deal with a weight-loaded machine, the Body-Solid Series II Leg Extension is what you need.
What is a Leg Extension Machine?
The leg extension machine is one of the OG lower body training machines. You’ll find it in most gyms, whether barebone or high-end. It is a great tool to isolate your quads and achieve a mind-muscle connection.
If truth be told, many people prefer the leg extension over the squat, which is one of the reasons why it is so commonplace. The exercise is a great squat alternative for people who do not want to exert their joints or for working around an injury.
Although the leg extension is a basic-looking machine, it can be used for numerous variations. Plus, the leg extension and curl combo is a hit among garage gym enthusiasts.
What to Look For in a Leg Extension Machine
Below is a step-by-step guide of things to consider while buying a leg extension machine:
1. Usage and Versatility
Your usage is the first thing you should consider while buying a leg extension machine. Answer the following questions for yourself:
- Do I want a standalone leg extension machine or a multi-purpose machine?
- Will I be the only person using the machine?
- Should I choose a stacked or plate-loaded machine?
If you have limited space in your garage gym, you should buy a leg extension machine that can at least double as a leg curl machine. Plus, a reclining back pad can add to its versatility.
Also, if you do not already own Olympic weight plates, you might want to go for a selectorized leg extension machine as it will limit your gym inventory.
If you plan on opening your gym to other people, you should opt for commercial-grade machines like the Body-Solid GLCE365 and Body-Solid Series II that can take a beating.
2. Space
Unless you are The Rock, you probably have limited space in your home gym.
Before making a purchase, you should measure the area where you plan to place the machine and filter your search accordingly. If you’re dealing with a small space, we recommend the Valor Fitness CC-4 Leg Extension.
3. Quality
Leg extension machines come in all shapes and sizes. While the market is flooded with cheap quality training equipment, you should stay away from them as most of them are not worth your hard-earned money.
The quality of a machine dictates its sturdiness and longevity. Besides, quality is not limited to the paint or thickness of the steel used. Substandard training equipment can have problems like a tilted axis, crooked seats, and unsmooth function, which can screw up your body mechanics.
4. Price
As seen above, a leg extension machine can go north of $3,500, which is a lot of money to spend on single training equipment. Before you begin your search, have a clear idea of how much you’d want to shell on a lower body training tool. The silver lining here is that most leg extension machines will last you a lifetime.
5. Assembly
Setting up a leg extension machine, especially one of the more sophisticated ones, can be a lot of work.
You should consider the self-assembly factor if you’re not good with blueprints, do not have someone to help you, or the company does not provide installation services.
6. Warranty and Service
A leg extension machine, at least for home use, should come with a lifetime warranty. You should also ensure the brand offers service in your city before making the purchase.
7. Portability
If you have limited space in your garage gym, you’ll probably shift the leg extension machine from one place to another multiple times a year. A portable machine, with wheels on one end and a grab handle on the other, can make your life easier.
How We Ranked the Best Leg Extension Machines
We used the following criteria to pick the best leg extension machines:
1. Rating
Customer ratings and reviews on Amazon are one of the best ways of determining if the product delivers on its promises. We analyzed hundreds, if not thousands, of product reviews to bring you the best leg extension machines on the market.
2. Brand
Each brand uses different manufacturing practices, impacting a product’s quality. We only chose brands that offer high-quality products and customer service.
3. Value
The price of a leg extension machine can vary depending on the brand, versatility, and quality of materials used. We selected products that provided the best bang for your buck in terms of ruggedness, comfort, and durability.
Benefits of Leg Extension Machines
Here are the benefits of using a leg extension machine:
1. A Great Warm-up and Finisher
The leg extension is a versatile exercise. It can be used as a warm-up, in the beginning, middle, or end of a workout. As a warm-up, it is incredibly effective in warming up the joints and getting the blood flowing. On the other hand, it is a potent exercise for ending a lower body workout with a muscle-ripping pump.
2. Excellent for Beginners
Since leg extension is an isolation (single-joint) exercise, it has limited moving parts, making it great for beginners. It’d be safe to say that most rookies experience their first leg pump on this exercise.
3. Good For Unilateral Training
Unilateral training involves training one side of your body at a time, making it an effective tool for fixing muscle and strength imbalances.
4. Muscle Isolation
If you have trouble establishing a mind-muscle connection with your quads and want to bring up the definition in your legs, you must add the leg extension to your exercise arsenal.
5. Convenience
Setting up a leg extension machine for a set is easy, even more so in the case of a selectorized machine, which makes it one of the most convenient exercises in a leg day training routine. Plus, since this is a machine exercise, there isn’t much you need to worry about when it comes to the exercise form.
6. Good For Rehab
A person dealing with an injury, recovering from one, or returning after a break will find the leg extension machine easy on their joints, tendons, and ligaments. Make sure you consult your physician about working out during or after a recent injury.
FAQs
Can I stop squatting if I perform leg extensions in every lower body workout?
While leg extensions do an amazing job of working the quads, they do not hit the glutes or hamstrings. Adding the squat and leg extension to your training regimen will help you build 3D legs.
Which is better—a plate-loaded or selectorized leg extension machine?
Most plate-loaded machines work like free weights. However, stacked machines help keep constant tension on your muscles throughout the movement. Your choice will depend on your physique goal.
How should I program the leg extension in my training regimen to build muscle?
To build muscle mass, you should focus on achieving muscle hypertrophy. You can do so by performing three to four sets of the leg extension and doing 10-15 reps in each set.
Are leg extension machines better than leg press?
The leg press involves a pressing movement, whereas the leg extension consists of a leg-extending movement. The leg press and leg extension both deserve a place in your training program.
Wrapping Up
While leg days are arguably the most dreaded days, the leg extension machines come as a ray of hope. They are convenient and easy on the joint but don’t compromise on the effectiveness front.
In this article, we have covered the nine best leg extension machines for a garage gym, and our top pick is the Titan Fitness Adjustable Plate Loaded Leg Extension. However, if you want something high-end, you cannot go wrong with the Body-Solid Series II Leg Extension.
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