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Direction-of-travel diagram for the knee extension pattern. Photography for the Band Leg Extension is not shot yet.
StrengthIn review

Band Leg Extension

A seated knee extension against a long band anchored behind the body.

This page is a working draft. A coach has not reviewed it, so read it as a starting point, not as checked instruction.

Pattern
Knee extension
Modality
Strength
Difficulty
Beginner
Mechanic
Unknown
Force
Unknown
Laterality
Unilateral
Impact
Low
Trains where
Gym, Home
At home
Yes

How to do it

Set up

  1. Secure a long band around a fixed post or bar near floor height and place the other loop around one ankle.
  2. Sit on the floor facing away from the anchor. Keep the working thigh raised and support it with both hands behind the knee.

Do the rep

  1. Keep the thigh still and straighten the working knee against the band.
  2. Bend the knee under control, then complete the set on that side.

What counts as a rep

A rep counts when the knee straightens through a comfortable range and bends back without the thigh moving; count each side.

One rep counts when the knee straightens through a comfortable range and bends back without the thigh moving; count each side.

Breathing

Exhale during the effort; inhale during the controlled return.

Cues

  • Keep the thigh still.
  • Move at a steady speed.
  • Use a stronger band when the reps get easy.

Common mistakes

  • Moving the whole leg

    What you seeThe thigh swings as the knee straightens.

    FixUse a lighter band and support the thigh in a fixed position.

    Control keeps the work in the intended movement.

Stop the set if

  • Stop if you feel sharp pain.
  • Stop if the band slips or shows a tear.
  • End the set when you cannot meet the rep standard under control.

General educational content, not individual coaching or medical advice.

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