LEG EXTENSION &
LEG CURL - These two leg muscle exercises are bodybuilders favorites, but
they're merely okay. We would recommend using them only if an injury
prevents you from doing squats workout safely and pain-free. Further, most
physical therapists recognize that open-chain movements (your feet
aren't planted against a solid object) such as the leg extension
(particularly the lower half of the movement) can place great shear
on the knee joint and are thus potentially dangerous.
Hold the weight for a
slight pause at the top and squeeze the muscle hard. If your thighs
burn, you're doing it right! Lower the weight slowly and under control.
The movement should be slow and precise.