Terminal Knee Extension (TKE)

strengthenkneeeasyQuadriceps (hold front knee straight)

Content last reviewed: 2026-07-06

Terminal Knee Extension (TKE) — start/setup and end/loaded positions — Left: start / setup position. Right: end / loaded position.

How to do it

Loop a band behind the working knee, anchored in front so it pulls the knee forward.
Stand tall with a slight bend in the working knee, foot flat.
Let the other leg support balance.
Straighten the knee fully, squeezing the quad at lockout.
Keep the heel down and control the return.

Form cues

Squeeze the quad hard at full lockout
Keep the heel down and foot flat
Control the return — don't let the band snap you back

Dosage

Frequency: 3–4×/week
Volume: 2–3 sets × 12–20 reps each leg
Teaches an active straight knee for the front leg.

Muscles worked

quadriceps — anatomical illustration — quadricepsAnatomical illustration derived from BodyParts3D, © The Database Center for Life Science, licensed under CC BY-SA.

Strengthens: quadriceps

Target muscles

Abdominal Trunk Curl Thera-Band Kicks (Dynamic Reflexive Stabilization)Isometric Neck Flexion Sphinx & Prone Hip Extension (Restore Lumbar Curve)Knee Extension Stretch (Genu Flexum)Scapular Depression (Elevated Shoulder)