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Truth on Fitness: Leg Extensions
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Welcome to the Truth on Fitness Newsletter!
Dr. Paul Juris, Executive Director of CYBEX Institute for Exercise Science has created a series of articles that investigates the scientific truths behind popular fitness topics and the products engineered by Cybex International. In this newsletter series we will look at an assortment of fitness subjects, and present credible basic science and evidence-based conclusions that will help our readers make smart decisions about their own fitness methods and practices. We have summarized the Truth on Fitness article in this newsletter for easy reading but we encourage readers to click on the full article link for more information. |
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The Truth on Fitness: Leg Extensions
Leg extensions may very well be the most objectionable exercises in health and fitness. Some people object to the fact that they are not functional, while others imply that they can cause ligament damage, or create knee pain around the patella. Sometimes people dislike them, simply because others dislike them.
But are leg extensions really bad? Actually, no. For example, no studies have documented people tearing ligaments while doing leg extensions, and while knee pain is a risk with all lower body activities, it can be avoided on leg extensions by limiting the motion to the very last 20 degrees of knee extension.
On the other hand, there is good scientific evidence that leg extensions improve lower body strength and function. They help develop the quadriceps muscles, which are important contributors to running and jumping, and some studies have even shown that leg extensions help to improve function in patients with ACL-deficient knees.
The truth is that leg extensions are really beneficial exercises, which should be a part of any complete, lower body strength program. If you want to learn more about leg extensions, read the full article here: The Truth on Fitness: Leg Extensions.
Paul M. Juris, Ed.D.
Executive Director, CYBEX Institute for Exercise Science |
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Product Highlight: Eagle Leg Extension RLD
The CYBEX Eagle Leg Extension offers a Range Limiting Device (RLD) that adjusts the machine to the user rather than the user to the machine. This CYBEX patented technology is a standard feature on Eagle. Regardless of the starting position selected, the cam remains synchronized with each individual user. RLD varies the leverage to maintain the correct level of force throughout the range of motion while taking into account each user's limits and abilities. Start RLD (adjustable start only) provides start positions every 10 degrees. Total RLD (adjustable start and finish) provides start and end positions every 10 degrees which is ideal for physical therapy in that it stops users before internal stress is too high.
For more information visit our website at CYBEX Eagle Leg Extension or download a brochure at CYBEX Brochures. |
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