45 Degree Leg Press
Feet placed on the upper half of the platform.
- Level
- Intermediate
- Equipment
- Machine, Leg Press
- Movement
- Leg press · Seated
- Tracks
- Weight & Reps
Works
Glutes Quadriceps Adductors Calves Hamstrings
How to do it
- Sit with your back flat against the padded support.
- Place feet shoulder-width apart on the upper half of the platform.
- Grip the side handles, press the sled up slightly and release the safety latches.
- Bend your knees to lower the sled until they reach about 90 degrees, stopping before your hips lift off the pad.
- Push through your heels to straighten your legs without locking your knees.
- Re-engage the safety latches before exiting the machine.
Common mistakes
- Locking out knees completely at the top of the movement.
- Allowing hips to curl off the pad at the bottom.
- Placing feet too low on the platform, shifting stress to knees.
- Bouncing the sled off the bottom stop.
Safety
Never lock your knees under heavy load to avoid hyperextension injury.
Do not round your lower back as it places the spine at risk.
Always re-engage safety latches before standing up to prevent runaway weight.
Tips
- Drive through the mid-foot and heels to maximize glute activation.
- Keep your lower back pressed firmly into the pad throughout the rep.
- Maintain outward knee pressure to engage the adductors.
Details
- Base movement
- Leg press
- Legs
- Both
- Body position
- Seated
- Stance
- Shoulder-width
- Machine angle
- 45°
