I (my knees) don’t like extensions anymore. Leg curls are a good low strain movement.
[quote]forlife wrote:
I know serious lifters who do use these exercises, but they are the exception rather than the rule.[/quote]
Really?
In over twenty years of lifting, I have never known a serious lifter (bodybuilder, powerlifter, or recreational that didn’t use extensions & curls(flat, seated, and standing). They may not be the ‘money movement’, but they are defintly included in most routines.
Obviously there are chances of injuries occurring with any movement, but I think people who really overdo the extreme stretch position in extensions are asking for trouble… and No, I don’t mean the ‘turnaround’ point, I mean an out of control turnaround where you are putting an unsafe degree of stress on the tendon. (I’m sure someone with a better medical background than I can make it sound all science-y -lol)
S
There are no bad exercises.
Just exercises used in the wrong context or for the wrong application.
[quote]GluteusGigantis wrote:
There are no bad exercises.
Just exercises used in the wrong context or for the wrong application.[/quote]
This is well put.
[quote]The.Mentalist wrote:
GluteusGigantis wrote:
There are no bad exercises.
Just exercises used in the wrong context or for the wrong application.
This is well put.[/quote]
x 2
I never, ever would replace squats with leg extensions, however, I have used leg extensions in the past as an accessory exercise when I am dead and they have given me pretty good results in the few weeks at a time that I have used them.
[quote]The Mighty Stu wrote:
Obviously there are chances of injuries occurring with any movement, but I think people who really overdo the extreme stretch position in extensions are asking for trouble… and No, I don’t mean the ‘turnaround’ point, I mean an out of control turnaround where you are putting an unsafe degree of stress on the tendon. (I’m sure someone with a better medical background than I can make it sound all science-y -lol)
S
[/quote]
In your experience what degree of stretch/flexion is acceptable? 90 degree? A little past 90?
Well, I’m certainly not the utmost expert on kinesiology, but I imagine a small bit past 90 degree will safely allow you to get that extra little stretch before an explosive contraction (myostatic reflex). However, I’ve seen some people in the gym that really let the bar slam down and pull their legs back well past 90 degrees, and I can’t help but wince when I imagine the searing force that is put on the tendon in such an instance. (again, any medical folks feel free to add any specifics here!)
S
I appreciate everyone’s feedback. Like some have mentioned, I’ve heard leg extensions have the potential do hurt your knees if you do them for an extended period of time.
My quads already get a pretty good workout with squats and leg presses, but I’m going to try adding in some leg curls to work my hams more.
You can injure yourself doing any exercise. If you are opting not to perform a beneficial movement because there may be risk of injury involved, well, you might as well stop lifting.