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How to Do a Leg Press?

Leg press is popular & widely used gym equipment used to build leg muscles. There are two leg press machines — the standard horizontal and the 45-degree leg press. Both machines work on the quadriceps and hamstrings. Learning how to use the machine properly is essential to avoid injury and maximise the strength-building benefits. Good posture is crucial while doing a leg press. Locking your knees and taking too much weight are common mistakes to avoid. Read on to understand how to use this machine correctly.

Steps to Do a Leg Press

Leg press is one of the effective equipment used for strengthening quadriceps, hamstrings, and gluteal muscles. The quadriceps are a vital group of muscles located in front of your thigh that help you perform various activities, such as walking, running, kicking, and jumping. On the other hand, hamstrings are tendons that connect large thigh muscles to the bone and refer to the group of three muscles located on the back of your thighs. The leg press is usually incorporated into leg strengthening programs and machine-circuit workout routines. Using this machine correctly is important to avoid injuries. Here are steps on how to do a leg press.

1. Sit properly on the leg press machine with your feet positioned hip-width apart and straight ahead on the leg press platform.

2. The height of your feet should allow a good range of movement at both your hip and knee joints.

3. Draw in your abdominal muscles and lock your shoulder blades back and down.

4. Grab the handles provided on the machine.

5. Move through a maximum range without losing technique or bottoming out the thighs into the rib cage.

6. Reverse the pattern and return to the starting position.

7. Repeat.

It is essential to maintain good posture while performing the exercise. Avoid locking your knees, bouncing at the bottom of the movement, rounding your spine, letting your hips come off the pad, or collapsing your knees inward. If you are a beginner, try 3 sets of 10 repetitions and then gradually increase the number of reps.

Conclusion

Incorrect posture can cause severe injuries. Therefore, you should know how to do a leg press correctly. Avoid locking and bending your knees. One of the most common mistakes is taking too much weight. Avoid doing that, and always maintain good posture while doing a leg press. Also, remember to invest in a comprehensive health insurance plan to safeguard your health and finances and remain prepared for unforeseen medical emergencies.

One of the important components of our overall wellness is also being financially secured. Healthcare emergencies can happen any time, but a good health insurance policy can protect you from such uncertain situations. To know more about Wellness and other health related tips, visit the wellness corner.

Source: webmd.com, nasm.org, verywellfit.com

Disclaimer: This blog provides general information and discussions about health and related subjects. The information and other content provided in this blog, website or any linked materials are not intended and should not be considered or used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Kindly contact your doctor before starting a new medicine or health regime.

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Published on January 29, 2024