Leg Extension Hacks

Rep Fitness

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Introduction

Before buying expensive /bulky Leg Extension Rack attachments for your rack (such  Titan Fitness Rack-Mounted version: https://amzn.to/46OGvjG ) which can be a pain to setup , break down and store… consider my easy hacks to achieve the same results (but easy to store and much cheaper).

Before I get into the hacks…we need to first discuss the ways in which you can elevate yourself high enough to adequately perform the exercise…

One typical way that I see these done is using a Plyo box (a wooden one or a  foam one). However, that is a non-starter for me since the load attached to your feet is going to hit the face of the box, limiting a full ROM. If you insist on using a Plyo box — use one that is open ended to get a better ROM. Be sure to get one tall enough for you!

Further, place a foam roller under your legs, to ensure your knees stay above your hips.

However, due to space constraints and ceiling height…I do not currently have a Plyo box. Further, I like getting HIGHER than most plyo boxes allow! So this is what I do…elevate myself using leg rollers!

Elevate Yourself

Step1: Attach either spotter arms or flip down safeties (my preferred option) to your rack at approximately hip level.

Step 2: Add a leg roller to the Safety/Spotter Arm. The leg roller should be spaced far enough back so that your butt can be placed on it.

Step 3: Add a second leg roller to your rack’s upright (slightly above the height of the 1st leg roller). You want your knees to be elevated higher than your hips to get a full ROM.

If you don’t want to spring just yet for these affordable yet awesome Rep Fitness leg rollers - you can make your own. To learn how, watch this video right here…

Step 4: Add a handle. This will make it easier to get in and out of position, as well as enable you lean backwards to get that full ROM. Mine is a 24” long plumbing nipple made the same way we made our leg rollers.

Alternatively, you can add a strap to your upright and hang onto it.

The Hacks

I attempted to use a Band peg/resistance bands/ankle straps to execute the leg extension. I also attempted to use ankle straps connected to my Rep Fitness Ares Attachment with a chain or strap. However, I didn’t like either option.

In order to get a FULL ROM, you need resistance at the bottom of the rep. Therefore, you need the band/strap/chain to be very tight when starting the movement. Having it tight made it awkward to get into position on the leg rollers. These options do work. They just are not ideal. Further, they were time consuming to set up. Therefore, I prefer these two Free-weight options instead:

Hack 1: Dumbbells:

If you have dumbbells with 10 LB pancake weights such as these adjustable dumbbells (https://amzn.to/46yCZuk ) or prostyle dumbbells, or another version with a wide enough plate - just set the dumbbell on a nearby step stool to keep it within reach for picking it up or setting it down with your feet. Easy to set up and effective!

Hack#2: Tib Bar

This one might be my favorite since it is quick to setup like #3- but a bit more comfortable …We are using a TIB bar. Tib bars are designed to primarily develop the tibialis, but they make for an excellent way to execute leg extensions as well.

My tib bar is from GMWD. Available here: https://amzn.to/48SvgIM

CLICK HERE TO BUY

You can buy a “fancier” tib bar, but I have idea why you would want to. Mine is comfortable and does the job as would expect it to. You could “DIY” a Tib Bar, but this model is so cheap, I am not sure why you would want to.

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