Exercise Library / Leg Press
Leg Press
The leg press pushes a weighted platform away from you with your feet.
What this exercise does
The leg press pushes a weighted platform away from you with your feet. It builds the thighs and glutes while the machine supports your back, so you can train the legs hard without worrying about balance.
At a glance
- Body part
- Legs – Thighs, Butt / Hips
- Muscles worked
- Quads, Glutes
- Experience
- Intermediate
- Equipment
- Weight Machines
How to do it
- Sit in the machine with your back flat against the pad and your feet shoulder-width apart on the platform.
- Release the safety handles and bend your knees slowly toward your chest.
- Lower until your knees are bent at about 90 degrees.
- Press through your whole foot until your legs are nearly straight, without locking your knees.
- Do 8 to 12 reps.
Common mistakes
- Letting the lower back round off the pad at the bottom.
- Locking the knees out.
- Pushing through the toes only.
Make it easier or harder
Make it easier
Use a lighter weight and a shorter range.
Make it harder
Add weight, or slow the lowering.
Keep it safe
Set the safety stops, and do not go so deep that your hips lift off the seat.
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