beginner · legs
Leg Press
Machine squat pattern for high-quality leg volume with less axial fatigue.
Quick answer
Feet mid-platform, lower until knees are deeply bent without the low back peeling off the pad, then press to soft lockout.
Leg presses aren't cheating—they're a tool. Use them when your spine is cooked from heavy squats or when you're learning to push hard without a bar on your back.
Form cues
- Low back stays glued to the pad
- Full range you can control
- Don't slam into lockout
Common mistakes
- Going so deep the pelvis tucks hard
- Tiny partials with the whole stack
- Feet placement so high you only hinge
Programming notes
3–4 × 8–15. Foot position bias: lower = more quads; higher = more glutes/hams.
leg press