Smith Machine Leg Press

Smith Machine Leg Press — Start position
Start position
Smith Machine Leg Press — End position
End position
Region
Knee & Thigh
Equipment
Machine
Category
Strength
Level
Intermediate
Mechanic
compound
Force
push

Muscles worked

  • quadriceps
  • calves
  • glutes
  • hamstrings

Filled = primary · Outlined = secondary

Source: Free Exercise DB (public domain)

How to perform

  1. Position a Smith machine bar a couple feet off of the ground. Ensure that it is resting on the safeties. After loading the bar to an appropriate weight, lie underneath the bar. Place the middle of your feet on the bar, tucking your knees to your chest. This will be your starting position.

  2. Begin the movement by driving through your feet to move the bar upward, extending the hips and knees. Do not lock out your knees.

  3. At the top of the motion, pause briefly before returning to the starting position.

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