Legs·Machine·Compound

Leg Press

Quads · Machine

Beginner

Body Part

Legs

Equipment

Machine

Level

Beginner

Type

Compound

Force

Push

The Leg Press is a beginner machine exercise that primarily targets the Quads.

Muscles Worked

Quads primaryCalves secondaryGlutes secondaryHamstrings secondary

How to Do the Leg Press

  1. 1Using 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).
  2. 2Lower 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. 3As you inhale, slowly lower the platform until your upper and lower legs make a 90-degree angle.
  4. 4Pushing mainly with the heels of your feet and using the quadriceps go back to the starting position as you exhale.
  5. 5Repeat 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.

Related Exercises

Exercise data from the open-source Free Exercise DB.