Leg Press

Technique

Setup

Sit in the leg press with your back and hips flat against the pad and place your feet about shoulder width in the middle of the platform. Press the platform up, release the safety handles, and hold the side grips.

Movement

Lower the platform by bending your knees toward your chest until they reach about 90 degrees, or as deep as you can go with your lower back still on the pad. Press through your whole foot to return, stopping just short of locking your knees.

Form Tip

Keep your hips and lower back pressed into the seat. If your tailbone curls off the pad at the bottom, you have gone too deep and your spine is taking the load.

Increase Difficulty

Slow the lowering phase to 3 seconds, or progress to Single-Leg Leg Press.

Decrease Difficulty

Use a lighter load and a shorter range, keeping the depth where your back stays flat.