Exercise Library / Legs

Leg Press

How to do the Leg Press with proper form, and the muscles it works.

Muscle group
Legs
Primary muscles
Quadriceps
Secondary muscles
Calves, glutes and hamstrings
Equipment
Machine
Type
Compound
Level
Beginner

Video: “How to PROPERLY Leg Press (FIX YOUR FORM NOW)” by Colossus Fitness on YouTube.

How to do the Leg Press

  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.

Muscles worked

The Leg Press mainly works your quadriceps, with help from your calves, glutes and hamstrings.

Leg Press start and finish positions

Leg Press: Starting position
Starting position
Leg Press: Ending position
Ending position

Track your Leg Press progress

Getting stronger means beating last time. GymGod shows your last weights and reps for every exercise, including this one, so you always know what to beat.

More legs exercises

Browse all 173 exercises →