The seated leg press is a machine commonly found in gyms, designed to strengthen various muscle groups in and around the legs. Using a leg press machine involves sitting with legs bent at the knee and both feet placed firmly on a platform, and lifting various weights by extending the knees and hips without locking the knees. A lever-seated leg press works by extending the legs to move the platform while the seat remains stable, and a sled-seated leg press works by extending the legs to move the seat back and forth while the platform remains stable. Both machines work to build strength and muscle in the lower body.
Quadriceps
Most seated leg press machines are designed to target the quadriceps. The quadriceps are muscles located at the front of the thigh, between the knees and hips. These muscles are extremely powerful and are the primary muscles used to raise and lower the weight on the seated leg press. Lowering the angle of the seat or placing the feet lower on the platform can further emphasize these muscles during leg press exercises.
Glute Muscles
The gluteus maximus, medius and minimus comprise the largest muscle group in the body and are located in the buttocks. For enlarging and strengthening the glute muscles, the seated leg press machine can be a safe alternative to barbell squats, as the user can add more weight without placing potentially harmful strain on the back and shoulders. The glute muscles help support the target muscles, or the quadriceps, during the push phase of leg press exercises and thus are referred to as synergists.
Hamstrings
The hamstring muscles are located on the back of the thighs. These muscles do not contract during the leg press exercise, but they do help to stabilize the knees and hips and are considered the stabilizer muscles in these exercises. To emphasize the hamstrings a bit more, place the feet higher on the foot platform or raise the angle of the seat. This will also place more emphasis on the glute and hip muscles.
Gastrocnemius
The gastrocnemius is the large calf muscle located on the back of the calf. This muscle, like the hamstrings, is considered a stabilizer muscle in leg press exercises, because it helps to stabilize the joints in the lower leg, such as the ankles and lower portion of the knee.
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