thumb|Cable leg press machine
The leg press is a compound weight training exercise in which the individual pushes a weight or resistance away from them using their legs. The term leg press machine refers to the apparatus used to perform this exercise. If performed correctly, the inclined leg press can help build knees that can handle heavier free weights, on the other hand, it also carries a risk of serious damage since locked knees can bend the wrong direction throughout the exercise.
It can be performed in variations, for example with one leg, or attaching bands to the leg press.
- Quadriceps
- Hamstring
- Gluteus maximus
- Calves (partially)
Varying the angle between the sled and the backrest and/or the position of the feet on the plate puts more emphasis on one or the other muscle group. Performing the exercise one-legged may also help to correct strength imbalances between the legs. This is because during a bilateral two-legged leg press one side may be excessively dominant. Working both legs alternatively in a single-legged fashion means each leg has to perform the same amount of work.
Standing
A standing leg press is a one-legged variation which is performed with one foot on the floor and the other positioned ahead of the person on a wall. Keeping one foot on the floor, the person bends their leg and moves towards the wall, and then straightens their leg and moves away from the wall etc. Alternatively an unfixed sled or cable pulley machine can be used to provide resistance against which the person pushes against.
See also
- Exercise
- Exercise physiology
References
- Análise anatômica e eletromiográfica dos exercícios de leg press, agachamento e stiff