From a seated position, push a platform away by extending your legs, primarily working the quadriceps through a controlled knee extension.
How to do the Seated Leg Press#
- Set the seat so your knees start near a 90° bend and place your feet about shoulder-width on the platform.
- Hold the machine handles and tighten your midsection to keep your torso stable.
- Drive through the middle of your feet to straighten your legs until they are nearly extended.
- Briefly pause at the top without locking your knees.
- Slowly bend your knees to lower the platform back to the starting position under control and repeat.
Muscles worked#
- Primary: Quads (Quadriceps Femoris), Glutes (Gluteus Maximus)
- Secondary: Hamstrings (Biceps Femoris, Semitendinosus & Semimembranosus), Adductors (Adductor Magnus, Longus & Brevis (Hip Adductors))
Common mistakes#
- Locking the knees at full extension.
- Pushing with the heels only instead of through the midfoot.
- Positioning the feet too high or too low on the platform.
- Allowing the hips to lift or the lower back to round.
- Using momentum or very rapid reps instead of controlled movement.
