A new leg extension machine is coming to CrossFit Fig. It is the first of six new tools and machines arriving over the next month to enhance the training experience for our members.
CrossFit will always be built around the basics: squatting, hinging, pressing, pulling, carrying, running, jumping, and moving well under load. This machine does not replace those fundamentals. It gives us another focused tool to help members build strength, address individual needs, and stay healthier while pursuing their goals.
Why Strong Quads Matter for CrossFit
Your quadriceps help extend the knee and contribute to nearly every lower-body movement we train. Strong quads support better positions and force production in squats, lunges, box jumps, running, rowing, wall balls, and Olympic lifts.
Compound movements remain the foundation of our programming because they train the body to work as a coordinated system. Focused accessory work can complement that training by strengthening a specific area that may need more attention. A leg extension lets us train the quads directly without asking the hips, back, or upper body to carry additional load.
Supporting Stronger, More Resilient Knees
The knee is designed to bend, straighten, absorb force, and produce force. Building the muscles around it can improve capacity for the demands of training and everyday life. Controlled leg extensions allow members to strengthen the quads through a comfortable range of motion with an easy-to-adjust resistance.
This can be especially useful when a full squat, lunge, or loaded barbell movement is not the right starting point. The machine makes it possible to begin light, control the tempo, and progress gradually as strength and confidence improve.
Pain and injuries are individual. Members returning from an injury or following a rehabilitation plan should work within the guidance of their healthcare provider and ask a CrossFit Fig coach how to appropriately incorporate the machine into training.
Train Each Leg and Find Imbalances
Many people naturally favor one side. Previous injuries, sports, work demands, and daily habits can create differences in strength or control between the legs. Because the new machine allows us to isolate each leg, members can compare sides and give a weaker leg the focused work it needs.
Unilateral training does not mean chasing perfect symmetry. It gives coaches and athletes another way to identify meaningful differences, choose an appropriate starting load, and rebuild strength in a controlled manner.
A Useful Tool for Accessory Work and Return-to-Training
The leg extension machine can serve several purposes depending on the member:
- Accessory strength: Add focused quad work after a CrossFit class or strength session.
- Muscular endurance: Use controlled higher-repetition sets to build local capacity.
- Unilateral work: Train one leg at a time to address a noticeable imbalance.
- Return-to-training: Reintroduce resistance gradually when compound movements are not yet appropriate.
- Bodybuilding and hypertrophy: Add direct quad volume without creating as much whole-body fatigue.
Available During Open Gym
The leg extension and the other incoming equipment will be available during Open Gym. Members can use the new tools for accessory work, recovery-focused sessions, individualized training, or extra practice outside a regular class.
Open Gym gives you flexibility, but you do not have to figure everything out alone. If you are unsure how to adjust the machine, select a starting weight, or fit it into your weekly training, ask a coach. We can help you use it with a clear purpose instead of simply adding more work.
How to Start
Begin lighter than you think you need. Adjust the seat and pad so the machine fits comfortably, move through a controlled range of motion, and avoid swinging or using momentum. The goal is to feel the quads doing the work while maintaining a steady position.
A coach can help you choose the right setup, range of motion, repetitions, and progression for your goals. Quality and control matter more than the number on the weight stack.
One of Six New Training Additions
This leg extension is only the first preview. Six new tools and machines are coming to CrossFit Fig over the next month. Each addition is being selected to complement our coaching and programming while giving members more options to train effectively.
The basics will remain the basics. We are simply expanding the toolbox so members can perform better, address individual needs, and keep training for the long term.
Watch for more equipment announcements soon. Current members can check the training schedule for class and Open Gym availability. If you are not a member yet, book a free intro to tour CrossFit Fig and learn how our coaching can support your goals.
