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Exercise Comparison

Backward Drag vs Leg Extensions

Backward Drag - starting position
Backward Drag - ending position
Backward Drag
beginner·Other·compound
Leg Extensions - starting position
Leg Extensions - ending position
Leg Extensions
beginner·Machine·isolation

Side-by-Side

Backward Drag
VS
Leg Extensions
beginner
Level
beginner
Other
Equipment
Machine
compound
Mechanic
isolation
pull
Force
push
Strongman
Category
Strength
quadriceps
Primary
quadriceps
calvesforearmsgluteshamstringslower back
Secondary
None

Muscle Analysis

Shared

quadriceps

Only in Backward Drag

calvesforearmsgluteshamstringslower back

Instructions

Backward Drag

1

Load a sled with the desired weight, attaching a rope or straps to the sled that you can hold onto.

2

Begin the exercise by moving backwards for a given distance. Leaning back, extend through the legs for short steps to move as quickly as possible.

Leg Extensions

1

For this exercise you will need to use a leg extension machine. First choose your weight and sit on the machine with your legs under the pad (feet pointed forward) and the hands holding the side bars. This will be your starting position. Tip: You will need to adjust the pad so that it falls on top of your lower leg (just above your feet). Also, make sure that your legs form a 90-degree angle between the lower and upper leg. If the angle is less than 90-degrees then that means the knee is over the toes which in turn creates undue stress at the knee joint. If the machine is designed that way, either look for another machine or just make sure that when you start executing the exercise you stop going down once you hit the 90-degree angle.

2

Using your quadriceps, extend your legs to the maximum as you exhale. Ensure that the rest of the body remains stationary on the seat. Pause a second on the contracted position.

3

Slowly lower the weight back to the original position as you inhale, ensuring that you do not go past the 90-degree angle limit.

4

Repeat for the recommended amount of times.

Verdict

Both exercises target the quadriceps. Backward Drag is a beginner exercise using other, while Leg Extensions is beginner and uses machine. Choose Backward Drag if you have access to other, or Leg Extensions if you prefer machine. Backward Drag is a compound movement working multiple joints, making it better for overall strength. Leg Extensions isolates the target muscle for focused development.

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