How to do leg press

Coach's Tips

This exercise allows you to lift a substantial amount of weight, and you can emphasize different muscle groups in your legs by varying your foot placement on the platform.

Start Position

1. Sit comfortably on the leg press machine, adjusting your seat and backrest so that your knees are bent at a 90-degree angle, with feet solidly on the footplate.

2. Disengage the safety mechanisms and set the weight stack to a low resistance level.

Proper Form

1. Gently push the footplate away by extending your legs until they are nearly straight.

2. Pause briefly at the peak of the movement, then gradually return the footplate to its original position.

Breathing Technique

1. Inhale as you extend your legs and push the footplate away.

2. Exhale as you carefully bring the footplate back to the initial position.

Precautions

1. Ensure your feet remain flat on the footplate and your back stays supported throughout the movement.

2. Avoid locking your knees when your legs are straightened.

3. Refrain from letting the weight stack drop abruptly back to the starting position.