![The 5 Best Leg Curl Machines [Ranked]](https://cdn.blogarama.com/images/posts_thumbs_site_id/3991/399061-601659346.jpg "The 5 Best Leg Curl Machines [Ranked]")
Leg curl and leg extension machines exercise leg muscles on different sides of your legs. Leg curls work on the back of the leg (Source).
This posterior leg exercise requires that you sit or lie down as you bend your knee (Source).
Leg extensions require that you straighten your leg against weighted resistance, exercising the muscles on the anterior or front of the leg (Source).
Purchasing a dedicated leg curl and extension Machine for your home gym can be a great way to rehab a knee or leg injury, or to focus on developing your hamstrings and quadriceps for enhanced speed, balance and coordination (Source).
The Bottom Line
The best value buy is the Marcy Utility Bench- it provides leg extensions and leg curls, while also adjusting to incline, flat and decline configurations. It's not as sturdy as some of the other, more expensive options, but if you're on a budget it's a solid option.
The Powerline, like the Marcy machine, is a bench-style option, but is higher-end, sturdier and easily handles up to 250 lbs for quadricep extensions.
Our Top Pick: The XMark Leg Curl Machine
- 12-position adjustable thigh pad
The XMark leg curl machine features a 12 position thigh pad, a 20 position press arm and a fully adjustable backrest pad.
Besides leg curls, it also provides leg extensions- and buyers say that it was relatively easy to assemble.
Unlike the Mary leg curl machine, it's a sturdier build that accommodates heavier weights without wobbling.
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Plus you can load weights on its back to ensure it remains balanced. You might find that if you're doing heavy leg work that you'll max out 45 lb. plates on it.
One buyer told us, though, that he loaded it with 300 lbs and as long as it was properly counter-balanced with weights on its back, it didn't become insecure. In addition, buyers commend the quality of the padding as well as the responsiveness of the customer service. Overall, a great addition to home gyms.
Leg Curl Machines Compared
| Leg Curl & Extension Machines | Our Rating | Price ($) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Marcy Leg Extension & Curl Bench | 4.1 | $ | |
| The Body-Solid Series Leg Extension & Curl Machine | 3.9 | $$$ | |
| The XMark Leg Extension and Curl Machine | 4.6 | $$$ | |
| The Deltech Fitness Leg Extension & Curl Machine | 4.7 | $$$ | |
| The Powerline Leg Extension & Curl Machine | 3.9 | $$ |
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Best Leg Curl Machines For 2021
1. The Marcy Leg Extension & Curl Bench Review
Effectiveness
Price
Ease of Use
This utility bench offered by Marcy is a solid option for someone who needs a seated leg curl machine. Users like the price-performance ratio of this machine, but their main complaint is its unsteadiness.
This product features a 6-position adjustable back pad that can be altered to suit your workout routine. The foam roller paddings allow users to exercise comfortably on the equipment. It also has a convenient transport handle and wheels. The Marcy Utility Bench seems like a good choice if you are looking fora cheaper leg curl machine with a maximum weight capacity of 300 pounds.
The general user consensus concerning the Marcy Utility Bench kit is that it is suitable for a regular person that wants to build muscle and who is on somewhat of a budget. Users state that this adjustable leg curl machine is decent for the price. They like that it is easy to put together and that it changes from sitting to lying position in an instant.
However, many buyers complain about stability issues. Their main concern is that the bench is unsteady and wobbly. Several purchasers have complaints regarding some design flaws, such as the narrow and poorly padded leg extension pads, no padding over hard and sharp bolts/caps and the awkward gap between the seat and the backrest.
Marcy Video Review
Pros
- Decent machine for the price
- Easy to put together
- Switches from sitting to lying position quickly
Cons
- Many buyers complain about instability of the bench
- Several complaints of certain design flaws
2. The Body-Solid Series Leg Extension & Curl Machine Review
Effectiveness
Price
Ease of Use
This seated exercise machine offered by Body Solid is a solid option if you are looking for a leg extension and curl machine. Users like the quality and sturdiness of the machine, but do complain about difficult assembly due to the lack of any instructions.
This product features a fully adjustable, seven-gauge steel cam which is great because it easily accommodates users of all sizes. It has thick and comfortable Dura-firm pads for guaranteed durability. This Body Solid Cam Series Machine might be a solid choice for someone who needs a machine for both leg curl and leg extension workout.
In general, users have a favorable opinion of this Body Solid leg curl and extension machine.What they praise is the gym-like quality and that the machine feels sturdy.
However, purchasers complain about the lack of any assembly instructions which makes it really hard to put the item together. One buyer complains about the bottom leg device which is not adjustable, as well as about weight rail that doesn’t hold many plates.
Body-Solid Video Review
Pros
- Gym-like quality
- Feels sturdy
Cons
- Buyers complain about the lack of assembly instructions
- Several complaints of certain design flaws
3. The XMark Leg Extension and Curl Machine Review
Effectiveness
Price
Ease of Use
This leg extension and curl machine offered by XMark Fitness is a good option for those who need a rotary exercise machine for isolating quadriceps and hamstrings while providing a full range of motion through each movement. Users love the performance and sturdiness of this exercise machine, but some do complain about certain design flaws.
This product features a12-position adjustable thigh pad, 20-position adjustable press arm and a fully adjustable backrest pad. It has an11-gauge steel mainframe construction with scratch resistant powder coat finish. It is designed with ultra-thick and oversized tear-resistant vinyl-covered rollers for added comfort.If you are looking for a commercial quality home gym piece of equipment, this might be a good option.
In general, users have a highly favorable opinion of this XMark Fitness leg extension and curl machine and they state that it works great, has an excellent range of motion and can be adjusted to fit person of any size. Satisfied purchasers say that it is sturdy enough to support heavy weights and easy to put together thanks to explicit and thorough assembly instructions that come with it.
However,some purchasers complain about certain design flaws, such as the Olympic adapters which are smaller than they should be. One buyer warns about the seat which, though adjustable, doesn’t go back far enough for tall people. He adds that getting in and out of the machine is pretty awkward due to the fact that you can’t get the legs onto pad without taking off the center post. Another one says that if you’re a strong person you will out-lift the weight capacity.
XMark Video Review
Pros
- Works great
- Excellent range of motion
- Adjustable and fits people of all sizes
- Sturdy
- Easy to put together
- Assembly instructions included
Cons
- Some buyers complain about smaller than standard Olympic adapters
- Complaints regarding awkward getting in and out of the machine
4. The Deltech Fitness Leg Extension & Curl Machine Review
Effectiveness
Price
Ease of Use
If you are looking for a top-rated leg extension/leg curl machine, you might want to consider this home gym machine offered by Deltech Fitness. Users love the sturdiness and quality design of the machine, but do complain about the lack of assembly instructions and several design issues.
This product is a great way to shape your thighs and hamstring muscles. This sturdy machine uses standard weight plates to supply resistance. This leg curl and extension machine could be a good choice if you want a durable heavy gauge steel piece of equipment for a home gym.
In general, buyers say that this is a great piece of sturdy and well-built equipment, durable and stable. One happy purchaser shares that the leg motion is smooth, padding very good and assembly fairly easy. Another one says that the item is adjustable for height on both the curl and extension and that the leg extension has a stopper.
However, buyers complain about the lack of assembly instructions. Some have issues with certain design flaws, such as the handles at the base of the machine for lying leg curls which are a bit too upright. As one buyer says, when lying down, your grip is put in an unnatural position.
Deltech Video Review
Pros
- Sturdy and well-built
- Durable
- Stable
- Easy to put together
- Smooth leg motion
- Very good padding
- Adjustable for height on both the curl and extension
Cons
- Buyers complain about the lack of assembly instructions
- Several complaints of certain design flaws
5. The Powerline Leg Extension & Curl Machine Review
Effectiveness
Price
Ease of Use
If you are looking for a leg extension and curl machine, you might want to consider this one offered by Powerline. Users like this machine for being a good deal for the price, but some do complain about certain design flaws.
This product is designed to develop quadriceps and hamstrings while protecting the joints from stress. It is equipped with a one-inch diameter weight post and can be used with weight plates and collars.If you are looking for a machine on which you can perform both upright and prone leg extensions and curls, this might be a solid option.
In general, users say that this Powerline leg curl/extension machine is a solid piece of equipment for a home gym and quite a good deal for the price. They say that it is a well designed and built leg bench with perfect angles for leg curls.One happy user shares that it is easy to put together.
However, some purchasers complain about the fact that no Olympic plate adaptor comes with the bench. One online reviewer says that the handles are a little bit too far forward.
Powerline Video Review
Pros
- Good deal for the price
- Well designed and built
- Easy to put together
Cons
- Some buyers complain about the lack of Olympic plate adaptor
- Several complaints of certain design flaws
What Are Buyers Saying?
The Marcy Utility Bench
The first leg curl machine we look that is the Marcy utility bench- it features adjustable backpack that can be configured into six different positions to accommodate a variety of different bodybuilding and workout routines.
Great for lying hamstring curls and seated leg curls, it's designed to provide a comprehensive workout and muscular development of your leg- utilizing a dual position leg developer to give your lower limbs a strong and strenuous workout inside your own home.
It features a handle at its front and when used together with its wheels makes it simple to maneuver around inside your home. The sawtooth adjustments enable you to finely tune the positions of your leg curling workouts.
Besides functioning as a leg curling workout bench, since this utility bench goes all the way back to an incline, you can perform a variety of dumbbell and bodyweight exercises on it as well.
- It has received some mixed feedback, however, with one buyer complaining that the bench was unstable when using heavier dumbbells and barbells with it.
- Another reviewer said while it was prett
