Leg Extensions

Everybody has been asking for leg exercises, here is my current personal favorite - leg extensions. It is important to note that there is a lot of controversy about this exercise, many physical therapists strongly advise against it. I emphasize this a lot but its even more important in this exercise, JOINT PAIN IS NOT GOOD. If you get any twinges of pain in you knee, STOP immediately.

It is very important to limit the range of motion on this exercise so as not to cause injury.  We want to only move the knee 20 degrees.  Hold the leg extended straight, then allow the foot to go down 4-5" (20 degrees) then back up slowly.  If you allow the knee to bend so much that it is at a 90 degree angle then you are putting incredible stress on the knee joint and are asking for injury. 

Also of the utmost importance is to perform this exercise very, very slowly.  No bouncing or using momentum whatsoever.  Try to count "one onethousand, two one thousand" when going up, and again when going down, thats the pace you should strive for. Its very tempting to do a bouncy motion because you can do a lot more weight that way but you are just begging to get injured if you do it.