Leg Press Machine · Quadriceps
Machine Leg Press is the leg press machine exercise for the quadriceps in the GymStreak library: a compound movement, all beginner level. The guide below links to step-by-step instructions and form tips.
Written by the GymStreak coaching teamUpdated
01
The quadriceps is four muscles: the vastus lateralis (outer thigh), vastus medialis (the teardrop above the inner knee), vastus intermedius (underneath) and rectus femoris. All four straighten the knee; the rectus femoris also crosses the hip and helps lift the thigh.
02
On the leg press, set the safety catches, keep your lower back on the pad through the whole rep and don't snap your knees straight at the top. The leg press lets you load your legs heavily while your back is supported, making it a popular alternative or addition to squats. It also doubles as a calf-raise station.
03
Build around one squat or leg-press pattern, add a single-leg move such as lunges, and finish with leg extensions if you have a machine. Bodyweight and goblet squats are the best starting points for beginners.
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Free GymStreak calculators that go with quadriceps training.
Guides from the GymStreak blog on this topic.
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