Quad exercises

Machine Seated Leg Press

Also known as: Presse à cuisses horizontale · Οριζόντια πρέσα ποδιών · horizontal leg press · seated leg press machine

Primary
Quads
Equipment
Machine
Type
Compound
Suggested rest
1.5 min

How to do the Machine Seated Leg Press

  1. Adjust the seat so your knees are bent to about 90 degrees and place your feet on the platform.

  2. Hold the handles and keep your back against the pad.

  3. Push the platform until your legs are almost straight.

  4. Return slowly without letting the weights touch down.

Sets and reps

GoalSetsRepsRest
Muscle growth3–48–121.5 min
Muscular endurance2–315–201 min

When you hit the top of the rep range on every set, add 5 kg (10 lb) next session and work back up.

Starting points from training research. Stop each set 1–3 reps short of failure.

Muscles worked

Primary

Quads

Secondary

Glutes, Hamstrings

The front of your thighs straightens the knee. Squats, leg presses and lunges with deep knee bend build them; leg extensions isolate them.

Alternatives

Same muscles, similar movement: swap in one of these if the Machine Seated Leg Press doesn’t suit your gym or your joints.

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Machine quad exercises