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Exercise library · Quads

How to Do Leg Press

Step-by-step instructions, muscles worked and workouts that use the leg press.

Leg Press animated demonstration from start to end position
Main musclesQuads
Also worksCalves, Glutes, Hamstrings
EquipmentMachine
LevelBeginner
TypeStrength

How to do it

  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. (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. 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. You do not want that platform falling on you fully loaded.

Form tips

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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Gear for this exercise

Gym duffel bagGym duffel bagShoe compartment and space for everything.See it on Amazon →Gym glovesGym glovesBetter grip and fewer calluses.See it on Amazon →

Exercise photos and instructions: free-exercise-db (public domain). Animation made from the real start and end photos.

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