leg extension question

[logra]

I'm not really a big fan of leg extensions, and this question is mainly just cause I'm curious. I spent a long time trying to figure out, but couldn't find the answer anywhere.

When you do leg extensions, what difference would it make to dorsi/plantar flex during the movement?

I know rotating your feet laterally or medially would change the focus, and I know during leg curls dorsi/plantar flexion makes a difference....but what about during the extension?

 

[shibs]

honestly that shit you hear about flexing your toes outward or w/e is a bunch of bs. just do the ext. man. and honestly, simplier is better.

 

[shibs]

do some freaking squats

 

[logra]

i'm not asking cause i want to do extensions or i'm afraid of them or i need advice on what to do. i'm asking cause i'm curious and want to learn.

how does rotating your foot not change the focus of the extension?
how does plantar/doris flexing your foot change or not change the focus of the extension?

 

[zedhed]

Dont know about the muscular focus but I do know that when you rotate your feet in or out you are putting a tremondos ammount of stress on that portion of your patella. When you have your toes pointed str8 up the load is maximally spread out on the patella. When you rotate your toes to one side or the other you have reduced the load bearing area of the patella.
Front squats are much much more knee friendly any way you cut it.

 

[hardrock]

I just use them to pre exhaust my quads. Hate them and leg curls.

 

[CheapPinz]

I could be wrong, but I think its more of a matter of doing it slow enough to hit the muscle fibers you intend to exercise. I've seen some very fit bodybuilders maintaining their physique with a very low weight and higher reps..

 

[logra]

yeah, i do them mainly slow, as post exhaustion after various squats. that way, i'm already tired so the weight will be low and it won't put too much stress on my knees. leg curls i tend to do explosively with bands, but not always.