Smith Machine Leg Press
An intermediate compound strength exercise that works the quads, using a machine.
Starting position
End position
How to Do Smith Machine Leg Press
- 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.
- Begin the movement by driving through your feet to move the bar upward, extending the hips and knees. Do not lock out your knees.
- At the top of the motion, pause briefly before returning to the starting position.
Muscles Worked
Alternatives to Smith Machine Leg Press
10 movements that train the same primary muscle, closest substitutes first — same kind of training, then variations of the movement itself, then a similar difficulty.
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1
Narrow Stance Leg Press
An intermediate compound strength exercise that works the quads, using a machine.
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2
Smith Machine Pistol Squat
An intermediate compound strength exercise that works the quads, using a machine.
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3
Leg Press
A beginner compound strength exercise that works the quads, using a machine.
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4
Smith Machine Squat
A beginner compound strength exercise that works the quads, using a machine.
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5
Smith Single-Leg Split Squat
A beginner compound strength exercise that works the quads, using a machine.
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6
Lying Machine Squat
An intermediate compound strength exercise that works the quads, using a machine.
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7
Leg Raises
Leg raises target the often-neglected lower portion of the abdominals and hip flexors. They're one of the most effective exercises for building lower ab strength and definition.
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8
One Leg Barbell Squat
An advanced compound strength exercise that works the quads, using a barbell.
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9
Single-Leg High Box Squat
A beginner compound strength exercise that works the quads.
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10
Barbell Full Squat
An intermediate compound strength exercise that works the quads, using a barbell.
Frequently Asked Questions
What muscles do smith machine leg press work?
Smith Machine Leg Press primarily works the quads. The calves, glutes and hamstrings assist as secondary muscles.
What equipment do I need for smith machine leg press?
Smith Machine Leg Press uses machines.
Smith Machine Leg Press: is it suitable for beginners?
Smith Machine Leg Press is rated intermediate. Movements that assume you already own the basic pattern and are ready to load it.
What can I do instead of smith machine leg press?
Narrow Stance Leg Press, Smith Machine Pistol Squat, Leg Press train the same primary muscles and are listed with 7 more alternatives above.
Can Fitnit count my smith machine leg press reps automatically?
Not automatically yet. Fitnit's AI rep counting covers push-ups, squats, dumbbell curls, crunches and pull-ups today; smith machine leg press can be logged manually in the app, and tracked movements are added over time.
Photographs and step-by-step instructions from free-exercise-db, a public-domain exercise dataset. Muscle mapping and alternatives by Fitnit.
Track Your Smith Machine Leg Press with AI
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