Leg Press

About the movement

A machine squat that removes the balance and back demands. The leg press lets you safely load your legs with heavy weight.

How to do it

1. 1

   Sit in the machine and place your feet shoulder-width apart on the platform.

2. 2

   Release the safeties and lower the platform until your knees reach about 90 degrees.

3. 3

   Keep your lower back pinned to the pad; do not let your hips curl off the seat.

4. 4

   Press through your whole foot to extend your legs without locking your knees hard.

Form tips

• •Higher foot placement targets glutes and hamstrings; lower targets quads.
• •Do not let your knees cave inward as you press.
• •Leave a slight bend in your knees at the top; do not lock out violently.