Seated Leg Press

A lower-body compound exercise where you press a platform from a seated machine to safely train the thighs and glutes.

Beginner · Recommended Sets: 3 sets x 10-12 reps · Quadriceps, Gluteus Maximus

Seated Leg Press — Points to Check Today

  • Don't fully lock your knees — Locking out fully shifts the load onto the joints. (Snapping the knees into a full lock at the top)
  • Don't let your hips lift — Going too deep curls the pelvis and strains the lower back. (Going so deep that the hips lift off the pad and the lower back rounds)
  • Knees track over the toes — Knees caving inward stresses the joints. (Knees caving inward as you press)

Seated Leg Press — How to Do It / If You're New

  1. Sit with your back and hips fully against the backrest, and place your feet shoulder-width apart on the platform.
  2. Point your toes slightly out, release the safety handles, and take the load onto your legs.
  3. Inhale and slowly let the platform come toward you until your knees reach about 90 degrees (don't let your lower back lift off the pad).
  4. Press the platform with your whole foot to extend your legs, but don't fully lock your knees at the top.