# Leg Press (Machine)

> A plate-loaded sled press that trains the quads and glutes without the balance demands of a squat.

Page: https://fitnessie.app/exercises/leg-press/
Type: Machine · Squat
Demo video: https://fitnessie.app/demos/leg-press-machine/1368ac41b1b8d526.mp4

## How to do it

1. Sit with your back and head on the pad and your feet flat on the plate, about shoulder width, toes turned out slightly.
2. Hold the handles beside the seat and release the safeties.
3. Lower the sled until your knees are bent to about a right angle, keeping your hips on the seat.
4. Press back up to straight legs without locking your knees.

## Key cues

- Back and glutes stay on the pad
- Knees track over the toes
- Feet flat on the plate
- Stop just short of locking out

## Common mistakes

- Cutting depth short as the weight goes up
- Going so deep your hips tuck and your lower back rounds
- Locking the knees out hard at the top
- Letting the knees cave in

## Muscles worked

- Primary: Quads, glutes and adductors
- Secondary: Hamstrings

## Equipment

Leg press machine.

## Programs that use it

- [Push Pull Legs](https://fitnessie.app/programs/ppl/)
- [PHUL](https://fitnessie.app/programs/phul/)
- [Upper/Lower](https://fitnessie.app/programs/upper-lower/)

## References

- [StrengthLog: Leg Press](https://www.strengthlog.com/leg-press/)
- [PureGym: 45 Degree Leg Press](https://www.puregym.com/exercises/legs/quad-exercises/leg-presses/45-degree-leg-press/)
- [Skelcore: 45 Degree Leg Press](https://www.skelcore.com/guides/45-degree-leg-press-mastering-form-angles)