Muscular fitness has a direct correlation to a number of health markers, from how much lean muscle mass you have to lower back strength and self-esteem. According to the University of New Mexico, connective tissue strength, bone density and endurance also are related to your level of muscle fitness. While any number of resistance and aerobic exercises can lead to leg muscle development, various pieces of equipment target different muscles in the legs to help focus your workouts.
Measurements
Measuring your muscle fitness is one way to determine the level of strength that can guide your future workouts. According to the University of New Mexico, muscle strength is determined by how much force you can generate with a certain group of muscles, while muscle endurance refers to the number of repetitions you can complete. The most effective piece of equipment to measure leg strength and endurance is the leg press.
Function
The seated leg press is a machine that primarily works the hamstrings, gluteus maximum and quadriceps. The abductors or stabilizing muscles also receive a workout on the leg press. According to the American Council on Exercise, your tailbone must be flat against the backrest on the leg press while your feet rest flat on the pedals. The amount of weight easily can be adjusted on the equipment as you gain strength on both the push and the release.
Features
Your legs should push to full extension without locking your knees on the leg press to provide a complete repetition. Movement should be controlled as you push in on the pedals and release. A leg press machine also features handles, which you can hold to balance your core and prevent back injury. The handles allow you to stabilize your upper body so that you can concentrate on placing all the momentum on your legs.
Considerations
Keeping track of the amount of weight that you can push on a leg press serves a number of purposes. The initial measurement provides a baseline from which you can measure your progress. According to the University of New Mexico, measuring the amount of weight you can press on the leg equipment also provides you with a number that you can compare to determine whether you are meeting normal standards for your size, weight and age.
Benefits
To keep you challenged and interested, you should vary the machines you use in your leg workouts, advises the American Council on Exercise. Other common pieces of equipment found in gyms or fitness centers include weighted cables, resistance bands and stability balls. You also can work your legs with body resistance workouts such as squats and lunges. Aerobic and leg workouts can be combined on a step machine, elliptical trainer or stationary bike. Ankle weights are ideal for leg lifts you can perform at home or in the gym.
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