How to Do Leg Press
Step-by-step instructions, muscles worked and workouts that use the leg press.

| Main muscles | Quads |
| Also works | Calves, Glutes, Hamstrings |
| Equipment | Machine |
| Level | Beginner |
| Type | Strength |
How to do it
- 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 heels of your feet 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.
Form tips
- Start light and own the movement before adding weight.
- Control the lowering phase — don't drop into it.
- Keep breathing; exhale on the hardest part.
- Stop if you feel sharp pain (different from muscle burn).
Workouts with this exercise
Gym Legs Workout for Intermediate6 exercises · about 47 min · GymGym Lower Body Workout for Intermediate6 exercises · about 47 min · GymLeg Day for BeginnersFrom our videos
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