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Leg exercise machine

Exercise devices, and in particular weight training machines, typically include a mechanical member that the user repeatedly moves along a prescribed path for exercise. Many atheletes and non-athletes utilize weight lifting or weight training exercises to build strength and/or bulk, to prevent injury, or to improve overall condition and appearance. Typically, weight training exercises are performed with either exercise machines or free weights, i.e., barbells and weighted plates, dumbbells, etc. For various reasons, most exercise programs incorporate both machines and free weights in a variety of different exercise routines to maximize the effect of working out a desired number of muscle groups. Several devices are devoted to stretching or exercising the muscles of the inner thigh. One exercise maneuver that is frequently performed on an exercise machine is referred to as a leg extension. The leg extension exercise involves extending, against a pivotal weight resistance, one leg or both legs forwardly and outwardly from a flexed position to an extended position. The exercise is performed from a seated position, and the applied force of the legs is directed against pads connected to pivotal levers. Another common exercise movement is the leg extension, which generally can be regarded as the opposing, or reverse, movement of the leg curl. More specifically, the exerciser moves his legs from a position in which the legs are bent at the knees at an angle of approximately ninety degrees to an extended position in which the legs are straight. The leg extension movement, which is typically performed as the user is seated, exercises the quadriceps muscles of the user. Leg extension exercise machines typically comprise a seat structure carried by a support frame to which is pivotllly mounted a leg force input lever. Via a sprocket, chain and cam linking system, the force input lever is operatively connected to a multi-element weight stack carried by the support frame, a selectively variable portion of the weight stack being operatively connectable to an outer end of the linking system to yieldingly resist leg-driven pivotal motion of the input member. A typical leg press exercise machine is comprised of a reclined bench for supporting a user, and a hinged weight carriage positioned for being pressed by both legs simultaneously. The upper body is generally perpendicular to the weight carriage. The user extends and retracts both legs to repeatedly press and release the weight carriage to lift and lower the weight. When the legs are fully extended, they are at a substantial angle relative to the upper body.

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