Lower Body

Press to Progress: Leg Press Technique

Quick Answer: The leg press is a machine-based lower body exercise that targets the quadriceps, glutes, and hamstrings. It allows you to lift heavy weights safely while building leg strength.

Difficulty
Beginner
Calories/Min
5-8
Equipment
Leg press machine
Muscles
Quadriceps, Glutes

Leg Press Form: Build Powerful Legs

1

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.

2

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.

3

As you inhale, slowly lower the platform until your upper and lower legs make a 90-degree angle.

4

Pushing mainly with the heels of your feet and using the quadriceps go back to the starting position as you exhale.

5

Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions and ensure to lock the safety pins properly once you are done.

Exercise Form

Leg Press form - step 1
1
Leg Press form - step 2
2

Benefits of Leg Press

  • ✓Allows heavy leg training safely
  • ✓Supports back during movement
  • ✓Targets all leg muscles
  • ✓Easy to adjust foot position
  • ✓Great for building leg mass

Pro Tips

  • 💡Don't lock knees at full extension
  • 💡Keep lower back pressed into pad
  • 💡Vary foot position to target different muscles
  • 💡Track your leg press in Move

Common Mistakes to Avoid

✗Locking knees at top
✗Lowering too deep (back rounds)
✗Placing feet too low on platform
✗Pushing with toes instead of heels

Leg Press Variations

High foot placement (glute focus)
Low foot placement (quad focus)
Narrow stance
Wide stance

Track Your Leg Press with Move

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