Leg Press Exercises

Leg Press Exercises

We may very well have saved the best for last with regards to the leg exercise inventory with the
addition of the leg press movements. The leg press exercise provides a marvelous opportunity for the
safe and efficient power training for the legs. The leg press movement allows for maximum loading
while significantly reducing the potential injury-risk associated with the squat movements. The major
benefit associated with the leg press exercise inventory is that the trainee does not have to support
maximum loading while in the standing position which presents high risk of both internal and external
injury potential.

Reduced Injury-Risk
The risk of external injury is significantly reduced in the 45° angle leg press and inverted (vertical),
leg press exercises, and is limited in the horizontal leg press movement. (I have never heard of
anyone being injured in the performance of the horizontal leg press exercise. It should be stressed
however that the rudiments of proper exercise execution need to be adhered to in order to provide
for the safe utilization of this effective exercise). The burden of supporting the load is assumed by
the legs with the back in a stabilized position in the 45° angle, and inverted leg press applications.
The lying leg press movement provides for the movement to be completed without the necessity of
working directly against gravity. (While the plate stack is driven upward, the movement application is
in the horizontal plane and thus is not considered as directly opposing gravity. where movement of
the resistance does not have to be taken directly).

Proper Execution Required
While the leg press movement is much safer than the squat movement, injuries are still a factor
to be considered. Remember, the press is considered a power movement and as such, heavy resistance
is generally employed. Whenever heavy weight is being used, the risk of injury cannot be overlooked.
While the correct application of the leg press movements can significantly reduce injury risk,
incorrect execution can induce serious injury. The beginning weight-training student would be welladvised
to learn the rudiments of correct movement methodology in order to provide for the safe,
efficient utilization of the highly-beneficial leg press exercise.

Essentially, there are three basic movement applications within the leg press exercise inventory.
Each of the exercise applications carries a global methodology while at the same time demanding
specific consideration. We shall outline the basic requirements associated with the leg press movement
and then provide essential movement components specific to each variation.

The first aspect to be considered when determining the proper movement methodology of the
leg press exercise is the comparison of exercise execution between the squat and the leg press
movement action. With the squat movement, the platform (floor) remains stabilized while the body
is moved through space. With the leg press exercise the body (upper portion) remains stabilized
while the feet drive the platform through space.

Horizontal Leg Press
We shall begin with the lying leg press as this exercise most closely resembles the squat exercise.
The greatest benefit attributed to the lying leg press is that the movement can be applied in the desired
90° angle. You will recall that the importance of applying the movement as close to 90° as possible
was seen as a vital consideration when evaluating the execution of the squatting movement.
Achieving a 90° angle of execution in the squat while possible is certainly difficult. The lying leg press
movement allows for the difficult-to-achieve 90° angle as the movement is applied in a horizontal
plane with the body positioned in the horizontal position.

Considerations for Foot Placements
The feet should be placed at shoulder-width or slightly-wider-than-shoulder width distance with
the toes pointed outward at about a 45° angle in providing for the basic anatomical position (in the
horizontal). Shoulder-width and slightly-wider-than-shoulder-width foot placements allows for full
range-of-motion applications. Wider foot placements reduce the range-of-motion of the movement
application. The negative aspect of narrow foot placements is that they exert greater pressure on the
lower spine which often leads to injury.

Proper Location Essential
You will want to make certain that
the feet are placed at the proper height
in effort to provide the most advantageous
position of the body to effectively
apply accentuation of the powerful
muscles that comprise the hip area.
Several foot positions are possible with
the lying leg press movement: a heelsout
position can be applied to accentuate
the outside portion of the thighs,
a straight ahead application is often
used to hit the middle of the thighs and
a heels-in position provides emphasis to
the inner region of the thighs.

90° Angle Possible
The lying leg press affords the trainee
with an opportunity to apply a 90°
angle-of- application and as such the
proper placement of the feet allows for
the accentuation of the desired muscular
areas. The lying leg press movement
allows for the feet to be positioned further
away from the body than in the
squatting movement. The advantage of
having the feet placed away from the body (in this case high up on the foot platform) is that it allows
for the movement emphasis to be applied via actions of hip-joint flexion and extension. The exertion
of the hip-joint provides for the accentuation of the powerful hamstring and gluteal muscle groups.
If the feet are placed too low on the platform the emphasis of the movement will be applied via
knee-joint flexion and extension. The emphasis of the movement will now be applied almost entirely
by the quadriceps.

Avoidance of Toe-Emphasis
An additional consideration is that higher foot placements facilitate the emphasis of the movement
to be applied with the rear portion of the feet while lower foot placements encourage the trainee
to apply pressure with the toes. Significantly, toe applications do little to activate the powerful
muscles of the region of the hips and instead, place heavy emphasis on the knee-joint which increases
the risk of injury and severely curbs the effectiveness of the exercise.

While it appears to be easier to move heavier loads with the toes-application, it should be noted
that when the exertion is applied with the toes, the resistance is being supported by the vulnerable
knee-joint and little effort is being applied by the powerful muscles of the hip-joint. This establishes a
high-injury risk factor and greatly reduces the effectiveness of the exercise.

Summary of Correct Exercise Execution
- Assume a horizontal position on the bed with the feet placed in the desired shoulder-width or,
slightly-wider-than-shoulder-width distance and the feet positioned at a 45° angle away from the
body. Place the shoulders snugly into the shoulder harness with the head in contact with the bed.
- Slowly initiate the eccentric contraction phase of the movement by utilizing knee and hip flexion.
Remember to draw the legs up with the knee and thighs aligned in order to accentuate the muscles
of the thighs. There is a tendency to draw the legs up with the knees held out to the sides.
The knees-out position accentuates the exertion of the movement to be felt in the knee joint.
Particularly vulnerable with this action is the medial cruciate ligament which can easily become
stretched due to the extreme pressure that is being applied to the inner portion of the knees.
Keeping the entire surface of the soles of the feet will encourage the desired knee-thigh alignment.
- Draw the legs up through the entire ROM of the hips while making certain to keep the upper
torso (and this includes the area of the lower back) throughout the movement application. There
is a tendency to raise up off the bed with the lower back at the completion of the eccentric contraction
in effort to apply leverage .into the subsequent concentric contraction phase of the
movement. Lifting the hips off the bed induces a rounding of the spine action which exposes the
lower back to injury-risk due to the fact that the force vector is now directly in line with the highly-
vulnerable lower lumbar region. Pause for one or two counts before initiating the concentric
contraction phase of the movement.
- Initiate the concentric contraction phase by driving slowly with the rear portion of the feet. Remember
to keep the entire soles of the feet in contact with the foot platform. Maintaining contact
with the entire region of the soles of the feet serves two purposes.

- It allows for the accentuation of the exertion to be applied with the rear portion of the foot
which a) provides for the accentuation of the powerful muscles of the hips and b) alleviates the
risk of injury to the knees.
- By keeping the toes in contact with the platform, the dangerous practice of rocking back onto
the extremities of the heels during the force phase of the movement is eliminated. Rocking back
onto the heels induces a hyperextension of the knee-joint which could create serious injury to the
patella ligament.

- Concentrate fully on driving with the powerful muscles of the hips and thighs while providing
for slow deliberate movement applications. You will want to avoid the tendency of raising the
hips during the concentric contraction. Raising the hips causes an arching of the back posture
which places the trainee at risk of suffering from a jamming of the facet joints in the lower lumbar
region.
- Remember to avoid lifting the head off the bed during the concentric contraction as this will
encourage a rounding of the back posture which despite the fact that the movement is not performed
directly against gravity and the resistance is not being supported by the spinal column,
could lead to injury risk. The rounded back posture allows the force vector to attack the exposed
lower lumbar region.
- Avoid “snapping-out” at the conclusion of the concentric contraction phase of the movement. A
snapping action in the knee causes a hyperextension effect which can easily cause serious injury
to the ligaments and tendons in the knee-joint. There is tendency to rise up with the hips during
the completion of the set. Raising the hips during the concentric contraction causes an arching of
the back posture which exposes the lower lumbar region to injury.

Keys to the Lift
- Maintain contact with the bed with the entire back (as well as the head) throughout the entire
movement application. Do not lift the spine off the bed at the completion of the eccentric contraction
phase and remember to avoid raising the hips during the concentric contraction phase of
the movement.
- Maintain contact with the entire soles of the feet and drive off the rear portion of the foot. You
will want to remember to avoid the tendency of rocking back onto the extremities of the heels
during the completion of the concentric contraction phase of the movement.
- Avoid the tendency of “snapping-out” at the conclusion of the concentric contraction phase.

45-degree Leg Press
The most prevalently utilized leg press movement, virtually every gym is equipped with a 45° angle
leg sled, the 45° angle leg press is considered less effective than the lying leg press due to the fact
that the 45° angle application focuses almost exclusively upon the quadriceps muscles while providing
only very slight attention to the hamstrings and only slightly more emphasis on the gluteals. The
fundamental benefit of the 45° angle leg press is that due to the fact that the back is in a stabilized
position and the weight does Dot have to be supported in a standing position; considerably more
weight can be applied to the movement. The added loading affords the opportunity for enhanced
growth and development of the quadriceps. However, the effects upon the hamstrings and the gluteals
is far less than if a lying leg press movement application was executed with far less weight.

However, for those who are against squatting or for those athletes who have suffered injuries,
the 45° angle leg press allows for potentially safer, (if somewhat less effective) power training for the
muscles that comprise the region of the hip-joint.

Injury Risk
While the 45° angle leg press is considered safer than the squat exercise (due to the stabilized
posture of the back and the removal of the requirement to support the weight on the shoulder while
performing the movement against gravity), there are number of injury risks associated with the performance
of this exercise. Due to the fact that heavy resistance is employed in this movement and
because of the exertion placed upon the knees and the lower back, as a result of the angle-of
application, proper exercise
execution is required to ensure
the safe, effective utilization of
this popular leg movement.

Danger of Hyperextension
of the Knee Joint
However, one major concern
associated with applying
pressure with the rear portion
of the feet is that there is a
tendency to rock back with the
heels in an exaggerated posture
that sees the toes raised off the
platform. Because of the angle
of the movement application, if
there is an exaggerated rocking
back on the heels there is experienced
a hyperextension of the
knee-joint which can lead to
serious injury.

As well, many trainees fall
into the habit of pushing down
on their thighs or even their
knees during the concentric
contraction of the movement
(not recommended as it detracts
from proper form and
the opportunity for maximum
fiber recruitment potential in the thighs). If there is an exaggerated rocking back on the heels action
and the trainee applies additional pressure by forcing the knees downward, the hyperextension of the
knee-joint is much more severe.

Foot Position
The position of the feet is an important consideration when approaching the execution of this
exercise.

Heel Pressure
The feet should be placed at the sufficient height so as to allow for a full or flat foot placement
of the feet upon the platform. The height should be such so as to allow for the entire region of the
soles of the feet to remain in contact throughout the movement application which allows for the
pressure to be exerted with the heels of the feet which serves two important functions.

- It allows for the emphasis of the movement to be applied through the actions of hip-joint flexion
and extension which activates the upper hamstrings and gluteals providing for enhanced growth
and development potential. (Note: the quadriceps are still remain highly-activated with the heelpressure
movement application but the benefit of incorporating the hamstring and gluteal muscle
groups can be realized). Please note as well: The involvement of the calf muscles is virtually eliminated
(the calves only provide a stabilizing effect), due to the fact that the heels-in-contact-withthe-
platform position eliminates the actions of plantar and dorsi flexion of the ankle-joint which
(as mentioned), activates the calves.
- The pressure upon the knee-joint is significantly reduced with the pressure being exerted by the
heels which lowers the risk of injury.

Low vs. High
A low foot placement encourages the emphasis of the movement to be applied with the toes
which results in the activation of the quadriceps. However, the desired emphasis upon powerful
hamstring and gluteals muscle group, which is activated using a high foot placement, is lost.

Close vs. Wide
The second area of consideration regarding foot position is the displacement of the feet. Several
applications are possible with the 45° angle leg press exercise. The general approach would be to apply
sufficient distance so as to allow for a full range-of-motion of the movement application. A
shoulder-width distance – with the feet placed in a slightly outward position- would be applied in order
to allow for the natural full range-of-motion execution of the movement. If the feet are placed
too far apart, a sacrifice must be made in the range-of-motion of the applied movement.

Conversely, if the feet are placed too close together, there will be an abbreviated eccentric contraction
application because the knees will be blocked by the chest. There will be a resultant spreading
of the knees to allow for a completed ROM of the eccentric contraction.

In addition, if the feet are placed in an exaggerated (closed) “stance” with feet touching, there is
natural tendency to raise the inside of the feet and to apply the pressure with the outside portion of
the feet. There is also a strong tendency to rise up onto the toes when the feet are placed too close
together which exerts pressure upon the knees as well as the lower back.

Involvement of the Calf Muscles

Danger of “Springing”
Another point is that because of the 45° angle of the movement application, the exertion of the
pressure being applied by the toes invokes the actions of dorsi flexion and plantar flexion of the ankle
joint which activates the calf muscles. The calves work in combination with the quadriceps which
further reduces the involvement of hamstrings and glutes. In addition, the calves/quadriceps combination
results in an applied springing action during the eccentric/concentric transitory phase of the
movement application. .Springing- exerts great pressure upon the knee-joint which can easily lead to
injury to the patella ligament.

Dangers of Human or Machine Error

Dangers of Poorly-Fitting Machines
One note of caution should be taken even before you take your position upon the leg press machine.
Make certain that the weight handle is securely in place and safely supported by the safety pins.
Frequently, machines are constructed with pins that do not amply support the cradle. These pins can
come loose on one side or the other either during the loading of the machine or through use by other
trainees. The machine may appear to be safely supporting the weights you have put on but the cradle
may be at the very edge of slipping off the pins. One side of the cradle could be completely off the
support pin (on that side} with the result being that should you happen to nudge the other support
out of place during your entry into the seat, the weight cradle could come crashing down upon your
leg.

Avoid Stepping Under the Cradle
Always enter the machine from the back of the seat as opposed to the side. This way you can
avoid the necessity of the potentially dangerous practice of stepping in under the cradle with one leg
to provide balance for the entry into the seat. You can enter by stepping on the seat and then “scrunching”
down into place. (You will want to wear clean shoes for this maneuver or the gym owner will
complain). I use this approach regardless of whether I am familiar with the apparatus or not. No
matter how safe the machine appears to be (or even has proven itself to be), you cannot afford to
take any chances as one mistake could be disastrous. As well, grasp onto the grip the provided handles
on the side of the machine and not the release handles for the weight cradle. If you grab the
weight-cradle handles they can easily be turned out releasing the load down on yourself.
Once safely in position, check and see if there are any safety pins that can be placed on the sled
columns that would provide a margin of safety should anything go wrong with the original support
pins.

Twist Free of Machine
When leaving the machine always twist the body around and step onto the floor outside of the
machine as opposed to standing up and stepping out of the machine leaving one foot under the
weight-cradle. Once again, should anything disturb the weight-cradle, it can come crashing down
onto your leg. When you consider the amount of weight that you will be working with on the leg
press exercise, the thought of the weight-cradle slamming into your leg should persuade you to exercise
extreme caution when working with the 45° angle leg press machine. To be honest, I have not
seen a cradle come crashing down on anyone but I have experienced a number of precarious situations
that definitely raised my caution level.

Summary of Correct Exercise Execution
- Assume the correct preparatory posture by positioning yourself in the seat with the back in a
rigid and flat posture and secured firmly against the back rest. (Remember to keep the feet out
from under the weight cradle at this point).
- Place the feet on the weight-cradle platform with a shoulder width displacement with the toes
pointed slightly outward. Raise the feet to sufficient height so as to provide for the exertion of
the movement to be applied through the rear portion of the feet. This will allow for the incorporation
of the hamstring and gluteal muscles.
- Apply sufficient pressure upon the platform so as to be able to quickly adjust to the load should
anything go askew with the handles and support pins of the weight-cradle. Make certain to set up
the auxiliary safety pins. Slowly turn the handles of the weight-cradle to allow clearance for the
movement.
- Making certain to keep the head up and the chest out, and with the back held in a rigid, and flat
posture and pressed against the back rest begin the concentric contraction phase of the movement
by slowly using knee and hip extension to drive the weight upward.
- Drive off the rear portion of the feet while utilizing strong neural-impulsing in the powerful
muscles that comprise the hip to alleviate the pressure on the knee-joint and to get the most out
of the movement.
- There is a tendency to rise off the seat during the ascent so you will want to concentrate on
keeping the lower back pinned against the back rest throughout the movement.
- Complete the concentric contraction phase of the movement by slowly extending to the “finish
position”. Be cautious not to rock back onto the heels at the conclusion of the movement. You
will also need to concentrate on avoiding the tendency to “snap-out” at the end of the lift in order
to avoid straining the knees. Pause at the conclusion of the lift for two counts before lowering
the weight. Please note: many experts in the field of weight-resistance training advocate that
the movement should be halted just short of the fully-extended position. However it is felt here
that full-extension applications are safe providing there is no snapping-out of the knees at the
conclusion of the lift. As well, by providing a fully-extended application there is enhanced opportunity
to activate the gluteals and the upper hamstring/gluteal tie- in which accentuates the effectiveness
of the exercise without any necessary risk of injury.
- Begin the eccentric contraction phase of the movement by slowly extending the hips and the
knees. You will want to direct strong concentration into maintaining the impulsing into the muscles
of the gluteal and hamstring region in order to avoid the tendency of allowing for gravity to
take over the lift and forcing the knees to absorb the burden of supporting the load.
- Concentrate on maintaining a flat position of the feet as there is a strong tendency to lift the
heels during the eccentric contraction phase of the movement in effort to alleviate the pressure
felt in the gluteal region and redirect it to the area of the knees. Remember, there is a natural
tendency to incorporate the calf muscles into the action by utilizing dorsi flexion in the eccentric
contraction phase. Keeping the flat -feet position will allow you to avoid this common pitfall.
- Make sure not to bounce at the completion of the eccentric contraction phase of the movement
in effort to apply momentum into the subsequent concentric contraction. Bouncing discourages
muscular contraction and accentuates the pressure upon the knees. Bouncing also encourages a
hip-thrusting action during the initiation of the concentric contraction which exposes the lower
lumbar region to potential injury.

Keys to the Lift
- Maintain full contact with the feet on the foot platform and drive off the region of the heels during
the concentric contraction of the movement. (Remember to avoid a rocking-back-on-theheels
action at the completion of the lift which forces a hyperextension of the knees).
- Avoid the tendency to utilize a hip-thrusting action at the initiation of the concentric contraction
by staying down in the seat with the lower back pressed against the back rest.
- Avoid “snapping-out” at the completion of the concentric contraction phase of the movement.
- Maintain a flat-position of the feet during the completion of the eccentric contraction phase of
the movement in order to avoid the natural tendency of raising up onto the toes.
- Avoid bouncing at the conclusion of the descent in order to alleviate strain on the knees and the
lower back.