Leg Extension Machine – Definitive FAQ Guide

A leg extension machine is an easy to use & simple piece of strength equipment. It will bring versatility to a commercial gym’s inventory.

As it is a popular machine among wholesale manufacturers. Many types & variations are available for sale.

To choose the best machine on offer, read this FAQ guide. It has answers to all the relevant questions about leg extension machines.

It will help you decide what to buy & where to buy it from.

Let’s start,

Table of Contents

What is the function of a commercial leg extension machine?

It is a strength-based machine that targets the muscles of the legs & thighs. It performs an open-chain moving exercise. This means that the legs are being moved during the whole workout routine.

Equipment: Strength-based

Primary target: Quadriceps

Secondary targets: Rectus Femoris & Vastus muscles

Type of exercise: Open chain kinetic

Function: Isolation

Level: Beginner & advance

https://youtu.be/u6tU-AF20Hg

Figure 1 – A leg extension machine

What are the types of leg extension machines?

Commercial-grade leg extension machines are of three types:

• Selectorized leg extension machines
  • Seated
  • Standing
• Hammer-strength leg extension machines
  • Seated 
  • Standing
• Combination machines
  • Leg extension & leg curl combo, etc.

Selectorized leg extension machine:

This type of leg extension machine comes with an attached weight stack. It is also called a pin loaded machine.

Two versions of this leg extension machine are available for sale. Seated & standing.

Hammer strength leg extension machine:

Plate loaded leg extension machines can be used with conventional weight plates. Those are available in most commercial gyms.

Figure 2 – A plate loaded leg extension machine

Two versions of this leg extension machine are available as well. Seated & standing.

Combinations:

A leg extension machine can be combined with other exercise machines. Like a leg curl machine. This makes it cost-effective & versatile.

https://youtu.be/6MaGoMPRudI

What are the parts of a leg extension machine?

A commercial leg extension machine has the following parts:

• Framework
• Adjustable seat
• Adjustable backrest
• Ankle roller
• Weight stack
• Shroud (either full or partial)
• Weight pins
• Weight storage horns
• CAM
• Accessory or bottle holder
• Handles
• Wires & pulleys

Figure 3 – Yanre Fitness leg extension machine

Why is a leg extension machine necessary for a commercial gym?

A leg extension machine is a useful and simple machine to have. It will be an asset to any commercial gym.

It is necessary for a commercial gym because it is a:

• Compact
• Cost-effective
• Adjustable
• Weight load options
• Versatile

Compact:

Commercial gyms are usually short on space. Fitness machines that are useful but occupy a small area are preferred. 

A leg extension machine is compact & lightweight. It is easily portable and needs little storage space.

Cost-effective:

There are many versions of a leg extension machine available wholesale. Depending upon what you need, a leg extension machine can be a cost-effective option.

For example, a plate loaded machine would be cheaper than a selectorized one. Because it has no weight stack.

Also, combination machines give benefits of two different exercises. All at the price of one.

Adjustable:

People of all shapes and sizes visit commercial gyms. Therefore, the exercise equipment should be adaptable to all types of individuals.

A leg extension machine has multiple adjustable parts. To accommodate users of all sizes, weights, & heights.

Weight load options:

A commercial leg extension machine has two weight load options. It can either be:

• Plate loaded
• Pin loaded

Both types of weight loads have their pros & cons. But It is nice to have the option to choose the one best suited to your clientele or business.

Versatile:

A leg extension machine gives you many options to choose from. From the type of weight load to a seated machine or a standing one.

You can research & order the type closest to your needs. All these available choices make a leg extension machine versatile.

What are the adjustable parts of a leg extension machine?

A commercial leg extension machine has multiple adjustable parts. That makes it adaptable to different types of users.

These parts are:

• Backrest
• Ankle roller
• Starting point
• Leg-thigh support

Backrest: 

The backrest of a leg extension machine is adjustable up to 7 – 8 positions. This will give users the option to set the backrest forwards or backward.

To accommodate for their height.

Figure 4 – Adjustable backrest

Ankle roller:

The ankle roller is also adjustable. Because if it is in the wrong place during the workout, it can cause injury or bruising.

The adjustment can be a simple pull pin or a full or partial sundial. Depending on the manufacturer & the type of the machine.

Ankle support can be adjusted by 4 or more positions.

Figure 5 – Adjustable ankle roller

Starting point:

The starting point in a leg extension machine is adjustable. Because it helps lessen the impact on the joint. And it prevents the weights from hitting each other at the endpoint of the movement.

Figure 6 – Adjustable starting point

Leg-thigh support:

Some leg extension machines have leg-thigh support to properly secure the knee joint. It is usually a part of plate loaded or combination machines.

It is made adjustable to adapt to users of different sizes and weights.

Figure 7 – Adjustable leg-thigh support

What are the advantages of a commercial leg extension machine?

A commercial leg extension machine has many advantages. Some of which are:

• User-friendly
• Budget-friendly
• Personalized experience
• Accessories
• Variety

User friendly:

A leg extension machine has a simple but effective design. It has little to no learning curve. It is beneficial to both beginners & advanced users.

It is a strength machine with simple pop-pin adjustments. And it is easy to get in & out of as well.

Budget-friendly:

Commercial strength equipment is designed to be of good quality & easy on the pocket. It is better to order these machines wholesale to save on packaging & delivery.

Commercial leg extension machines can be ordered from abroad. Like, wholesale manufacturers in China (Yanre Fitness.com). 

This will cut down on both production and shipping costs. Without compromising on quality.

Personalized experience:

Leg extension machines have many adjustable parts. This allows every user to have a personalized experience on the equipment.

These machines are best suited to commercial gyms as they can adapt well to all kinds of body shapes & sizes.

Accessories:

Wholesale leg extension machines have many added accessories free of cost. The accessories make these machines attractive to gym users.

They include:

• Instructional placards
• Bottle & cellphone trays
• Key hooks
• Towel hooks, etc.

Variety:

One of the advantages of buying wholesale is the variety available. Wholesale manufacturers make standalone & combo machines to make versatile fitness equipment.

Manufacturers like Yanre Fitness offer original designs & high-quality products. Commercial leg extension machines are available in combination with leg curl machines.

What should you look for in a leg extension machine when placing a wholesale order?

Things that you should research or consider before placing your order are:

• Seated or standing
• Weight type
• Construction
• Upholstery
• Dimensions
• Cost
• Warranty
• Assembly

Seated or standing:

Although both seated and standing leg extension machines do the same thing. There are some differences to consider.

A seated machine is stable and safe. While a standing leg extension machine is ground-based.

Weight type:

A leg extension machine provides resistance in two ways:

• Weight plates
• Fixed weight stack

Weight stacks cost more but they are easier to use. Weight plates are sold separately. So, the machine itself will not cost as much. But there is a small learning curve.

Construction:

Wholesale machines need to have sturdy construction. As it is meant for commercial use. Leg extension machines at Yanre Fitness are made of:

Framework: High-grade steel, Q235 qualified

Pipes: High-frequency, welded pipes

Shroud: ABS virgin material, 4mm thick

Pulleys & CAM: Made of POM material

Seat adjustment: Torsion spring adjustment

Weight plate sleeves: Hard chrome

Figure 8 – Construction of a leg extension machine

Upholstery:

No one likes to use machines with cracked & torn padding or covers. The upholstery on commercial machines has to be top-notch. 

Leg extension machines at Yanre Fitness are upholstered with:

Padding:  High-density foam

Pad covers: Furniture-grade PU leather

Cost:

You can save on buying leg extension machines by doing the following

• Order wholesale
• Bulk-order
• Trusted manufacturer
• Order from abroad (E.g., China)

Warranty:

Look into your manufacturer’s warranty period. Different parts of the same machine may have different warranty duration.

Read the fine print before placing your wholesale order.

Assembly:

Almost all fitness machines are delivered semi-assembled. This means that some assembly will be done at your end.

So, make sure your machines come with:

• Detailed instructions manual
• Labeled parts

What are the specifications of a leg extension machine?

The specifications of a leg extension machine are as follows:

Selectorized:

Footprint	105 * 150 * 160 cm approx. (L*H*W)
Machine weight	200 Kgs & above, approx.
Weight capacity	100 Kgs & above

Hammer strength or plate loaded:

Footprint	1500 * 1500 * 1000 mm approx.
Machine weight	130 kgs & above approx.
Weight capacity	200 Kgs & above
Loading pin size	270 – 300 mm loadable space approx.

*These specifications may vary based on the type of machine and the manufacturer.

What is the difference between a seated and a standing leg extension machine?

Both machines isolate the Quadriceps femoris in the front of the thigh. But there are some differences between the two. Which are:

SEATED LEG EXTENSION MACHINE	STANDING LEG EXTENSION MACHINE
Seat-pad Suitable for injured users Stable seated position One or both legs can be used The machine provides the balance  Isolates the Quads mostly & other muscles to a small degree	No seat-pad Not suitable for injured users Ground-based One leg used at a time User responsible for the balance Isolates Quads & other muscles in legs, neck, & back

What makes a leg extension machine stable?

The following factors ensure that your leg extension machines are stable during use:

• Counterbalance weight
• Rubber-pads at the base
• Bolt-down option

Counterbalance weight:

Weight storage pins and the weight stack acts as a counterbalanced weight. And prevent the machine from wobbling or tipping during use.

Figure 11 – Seated leg extension machine with a 10-inch counterbalance weight pin

Rubber pads:

Most machines have the base lined with rubber pads. These pads provide a firm grip on the floor. They also prevent any scratches to the floor.

Figure 12 – Rubber pads at the base of a leg extension machine

Bolt-down option:

Some models come with the option of being bolted down to the floor. This makes a leg extension machine 100% stable.

But bolting the machine to the floor is a permanent option. Once bolted, it can’t be moved or stored. 

Figure 13 – Leg extension machine with the bolt-down option

What is an adjustable starting position and why is it important for a leg extension machine?

A starting position is a place where you start the movement against resistance. In some machines, it is fixed. 

Leg extension machines have an adjustable starting position. Some models may offer up to 13 adjustable positions at 10-degree intervals.

The reason an adjustable starting point is important is that you can begin your workout without reaching too far back. Or stressing your knee joint.

It also customizes the machine for your form & prevents any potential injury.

Figure 14 – Adjustable starting position

What are the seat adjustment mechanisms for a leg extension machine?

There are three mechanisms for adjusting the seat or backrest of a leg extension machine. Which include:

• Pop-pin or pull-pin adjustment mechanism
• Step ladder adjustment mechanism
• Torsion spring adjustment mechanism

Pop-pins or pull-pins adjustment mechanism: 

These are metallic pins that can be pulled out & re-inserted after adjusting the position of the seat or backrest.

Figure 15 – Pop-pin mechanism

Step ladder adjustment mechanism:

This is a very simple & straightforward adjustment mechanism. Zig zag notches are made in the frame. There is a handle behind or below that can be inserted into these notches.

This moves the seat up & down or adjusts the angle of the backrest.

Figure 16 – Step ladder mechanism

Torsion spring adjustment mechanism:

This mechanism uses high-quality torsion springs to give a smooth seat adjustment experience.

Figure 17 – Torsion spring mechanism

What type of weight load is used with a leg extension machine?

A leg extension machine comes with the option of two types of weight loads:

• A Fixed attached weight stack
• Weight plates

A weight stack is permanently attached to the machine. The weight limit for it is also fixed. Unless the manufacturer offers an upgrade.

Another option is to use the machine with two-inch Olympic plates. You will have to purchase the weight plates separately. If you already don’t own any.

Figure 18 – An Olympic 2-inch weight plate

Conclusion

Are you looking for a leg extension machine to upgrade your inventory? Don’t let all the choices available in the market confuse you.

Have a look at the extensive range of leg extension machines available at Yanre Fitness.com. The high quality and original designs of the machines will make your choice much easier.

To remove any confusion, read this FAQ guide. Hopefully, you will find the answers you are looking for.

So, don’t wait. Visit Yanre Fitness.

And ask for a quote today!