Quads · Machine · Beginner

How to do Leg Press

The leg press works the quads and glutes by pushing a weighted sled away from you with your feet. Your back stays supported against the pad, so you can load your legs heavily without the balance and spinal loading of a barbell squat.

Primary muscle: Quads
Also works: Glutes and Hamstrings
Equipment: Machine
Level: Beginner
Category: Legs

How to do Leg Press, step by step

Sit with your back and hips flat against the pad and place your feet on the platform about shoulder-width apart.
Press the platform up slightly and release the safety handles.
Lower the platform by bending your knees until they come toward your chest, stopping before your lower back starts to lift off the pad.
Push through your whole foot to straighten your legs, stopping just short of locking your knees.

Station taken, or training at home? Alternatives to Leg Press →

Muscles worked

Leg Press works your quads as the main mover, with help from your glutes and hamstrings.

Track Leg Press in SPLYT

Leg Press is already in SPLYT’s exercise library. Log your sets, reps and weight on iPhone or Apple Watch, with last time’s weights already filled in.

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