Leg press

Sled press 45° inclinebeginnercompound exercisepush

Quadriceps CalvesGlutesHamstrings

Primary muscles: Quadriceps. Assisting muscles: Calves, Glutes, Hamstrings.

Leg press — 1 — start position and end of the movement

How to do it

Sit on the leg press machine and place your feet on the platform, shoulder-width apart.
Release the safety catches and press the platform until your legs are fully extended, without locking your knees – this is the starting position, with a 90-degree angle between your torso and thighs.
Lower the platform under control, inhaling, until your thigh and calf form a 90-degree angle.
Press the platform back up, using your quads and heels, exhaling, to the starting position.
Repeat for the desired number of reps and, at the end, secure the safety catches before getting up.

Key to the execution: Don't lock your knees at full extension and control the descent down to 90 degrees.

Common mistakes

Locking your knees out fully at the top of the press.
Going too deep, lifting your glutes off the seat.
Pressing only through your toes instead of your heels.

Alternatives: exercises for the same muscles

Barbell squat

Barbell · Bar on back

Front squat

Barbell · Bar in front

Bodyweight squat

Bodyweight · Bodyweight

Split squat

Bodyweight · In place, no step

Smith machine squat

Smith machine · On the Smith machine

Leg extension

Lever machine · Seated

Log your sets and see your progress

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The exercise pages are compiled by PlanSports; if you have an injury or pain, talk to your coach or doctor first.