Bodybuilding.com - Leg Press Exercise Guide and Video

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Leg Press

Also Known As: Leg Presses

Exercise Data

Type: Strength
Main Muscle Worked: Quadriceps
Other Muscles: Calves, Glutes, Hamstrings
Equipment: Machine
Mechanics Type: Compound
Level: Beginner
Sport: No
Force: Push
Your Rating:

8.1

Out of 10

Excellent

Exercise Rating Read Leg Press Reviews

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Main Muscle: Quadriceps

Using a leg press machine, sit down on the machine and place your legs on the platform directly in front of you at a medium (shoulder width) foot stance. (Note: For the purposes of this discussion we will use the medium stance described above which targets overall development; however you can choose any of the three stances described in the foot positioning section).
Lower the safety bars holding the weighted platform in place and press the platform all the way up until your legs are fully extended in front of you. Tip: Make sure that you do not lock your knees. Your torso and the legs should make a perfect 90-degree angle. This will be your starting position.
As you inhale, slowly lower the platform until your upper and lower legs make a 90-degree angle.
Pushing mainly with the ball of your foot and using the quadriceps go back to the starting position as you exhale.
Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions and ensure to lock the safety pins properly once you are done. You do not want that platform falling on you fully loaded.

Caution: Always check to make sure that when you re-rack the weight the platform is securely locked.

Variations: All foot stance variations described in the foot stance section.

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Muscle Targeted: Quadriceps

9.6

Out of 10

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Muscle Targeted: Quadriceps

9.0

Out of 10

Narrow Stance Leg Press

Muscle Targeted: Quadriceps

8.0

Out of 10

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Comment Type: Review Tip

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shelia l

Tip: Leg Press	Exercise Rating	10/10
Jan 22, 2010 5:41 AM: I like this machine as I get veru good results and the workout is awesome. I start with 45 lb plates on each side and add 10"s for up to 160lbs.

shelia l BodyStats

Height:

5 '2" (1.57m)

Weight:

144 lbs

Up 5.0 lbs

Bodyfat:

25.0 %

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shaebh

Tip: Leg Press	Exercise Rating	10/10
Jan 17, 2010 1:41 PM: You can make huge strength gains with this. I do pyramids with this, starting at two 45lb plates on each side for 100 reps. I then add one plate to each side, halfing the rep count each time until I am down to 10 reps and then I just stack the weights until I max out. Working your way back down is a...+See More

shaebh BodyStats

Height:

5 '4" (1.63m)

Weight:

171 lbs

Down 25.0 lbs

Bodyfat:

23.0 %

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rdugarte

Tip: Leg Press	Exercise Rating	10/10
Jan 8, 2010 8:28 AM: Excellent technical information

rdugarte BodyStats

Height:

6 '1" (1.85m)

Weight:

187.8 lbs

Down 57.2 lbs

Bodyfat:

15.9 %

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jagco

Review: Leg Press	Exercise Rating	9/10
Jan 7, 2010 6:44 AM: I like this vs squat because I have disc degeneration and it doesn't put pressure on the spine.