PSA:
We are working on getting more in depth content for this article (and many others) to bring you the best of the best to help you progress in your fitness goals. Unfortunately, this will take time!
We promise to always provide transparency so I will start with this: From content, to writing, to editing and web development, this is a 2 person show at the moment! We hope you join us on the early stages of building this community and get to see us grow! I was torn between waiting or launching with that I have, and if you are reading this article then I think you can guess that I decided to do a full send!
I want to build this community for you, so if you have input on what kind of content you would like to see feel free to shoot us a message here.
Now let’s dive in!! 👇
Proper Form for Leg Press:
- Starting Position: Sit on the leg press machine with your back flat against the pad and feet placed shoulder-width apart on the platform. Your knees should be at about a 90-degree angle.
- Foot Placement: Position your feet so that your heels stay in contact with the platform throughout the movement. Adjust based on target muscles (higher for glutes/hamstrings, lower for quads).
- Engage Your Core: Brace your core and grip the handles for stability.
- Pressing Motion: Push through your heels to extend your legs, keeping control of the movement. Fully extend but avoid locking your knees.
- Peak Contraction: Hold briefly at the top, maintaining tension in your legs.
- Controlled Lowering: Slowly lower the weight until your knees are at a 90-degree angle or slightly deeper, without letting them cave inward.
Common Mistakes:
- Locking the Knees at the Top: This can strain the joints and increase injury risk. Keep a slight bend at full extension.
- Lifting the Hips Off the Seat: Keep your lower back and glutes in contact with the pad to avoid spinal strain.
- Placing Feet Too High or Too Low: Incorrect placement can shift emphasis away from the intended muscles or cause knee discomfort.
- Using Too Much Weight: Heavy loads can lead to improper form and reduced range of motion. Choose a manageable weight.
- Rushing the Movement: Lower and press with control to maximize muscle engagement and prevent injury.
- Letting Knees Cave In or Out: Keep your knees aligned with your toes to avoid undue joint stress.