Leg Extension vs Box Squat
Which one fits your Leg workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Leg Extension more often — 49,848 sessions vs 21. Compare Leg form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Leg Extension and Box Squat and pick the one that fits your Leg workout.
Leg Extension vs Box Squat: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Leg Extension more often — 49,848 sessions compared to 21 for Box Squat.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Leg Extension and Box Squat differ in the muscles they work, the equipment they need, and how hard they are to learn — the comparison below covers each.
How Leg Extension and Box Squat Differ
| What differs | Leg Extension | Box Squat |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | quads | quads, hamstrings, and glutes |
| Equipment | a machine | a barbell |
| Difficulty | 1 of 5 | 5 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 49,848 sessions | 21 sessions |
How to Do Leg Extension
Leg Extension Muscles Worked: Leg
Form
- 1. Please lift until your knees are fully extended.
- 2. Please contract from the front of your thigh close to your knee up to the upper thigh near the hip joint.
- 3. Slowly lower down until the angle of your knees is 90 degrees while resisting the weight.
Coach's Tips
- 1. Please do not give any momentum as it may injure your knees.
- 2. Please be careful not to fully bend or straighten your knees.
- 3. Please be careful not to let your hips and back separate.
For a full Leg Extension guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Leg Extension exercise guide.
How to Do Box Squat
Box Squat Muscles Worked: Leg
Form
- 1. Tighten your abdomen and keep your waist straight, then bend at the hips to lower your buttocks down.
- 2. Sit down naturally until your knees bend and you touch the prepared object.
- 3. Stand up by pushing strongly through the center of your feet.
- 4. As your buttocks rise, straighten your knees and hips in sequence, and return to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- 1. Please be careful not to lean your upper body too far forward.
- 2. Keep your chest up and engage your core to avoid bending your waist.
- 3. Don't excessively bend your waist while trying to keep it straight.
- 4. Please do not stick your hips too far back.
- 5. Make sure your feet do not come off the ground.
- 6. When standing up, please ensure your knees do not come together.
For a full Box Squat guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Box Squat exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Leg, Leg Extension or Box Squat?
Planfit users log Leg Extension more often — 49,848 sessions against 21 for Box Squat. Both train Leg, so pick the one that matches the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
Do Leg Extension and Box Squat work the same muscles?
Not quite. Leg Extension loads quads, and Box Squat loads quads, hamstrings, and glutes.
What equipment do Leg Extension and Box Squat need?
Leg Extension needs a machine, and Box Squat needs a barbell.
Which is easier to start with?
Leg Extension is the easier place to start. Move to Box Squat once your form holds up.
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