Leg extensions are infamous for causing knee injuries. Because weight is placed on the ankles, the knee experiences a great deal of added force as it extends, which increases the likelihood of a patella or quadriceps tendon injury.
Are leg extensions actually bad for your knees?
Drawbacks. Aside from the quads, the exercise doesn't work any other muscles. It's not effective for improving overall leg strength. It also places a lot of pressure on the knees, which increases the risk of injury.May 23, 2019
Are leg extensions good for knees?
Leg extensions are a key exercise in strengthening the patellar ligament and quadriceps attachment for the knee. This exercise focuses on strengthening the quad alone and, therefore, strengthens key attachments for the knee joint at the same time.May 24, 2019
Does leg extension machine hurt your knees?
Critics of the leg extension machine argue it's bad for your knees because: 1) it loads the quadriceps in a non functional way. 2) it creates a shear force at the knee which is potentially damaging to the Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL).Jan 12, 2018