Skip to main content

Horizontal leg press

Step by step instructions, muscle activation and variants for the Horizontal leg press.

Unknown difficultyGlutesQuadriceps

About this exercise

The horizontal leg press is a machine exercise that builds lower-body strength and size, targeting the quadriceps and glutes by pressing a weighted platform away from a seated position.

How to Perform

  • Sit on the machine with your back flat against the pad and place your feet shoulder-width apart on the platform
  • Release the safety handles and grip the side supports
  • Bend your knees to bring the platform toward you in a controlled motion
  • Lower until your knees reach roughly a 90-degree angle without rounding your lower back
  • Press through your heels to push the platform back until your legs are nearly extended, without locking your knees
  • Repeat for the desired number of repetitions

Muscle Activation

Primary
GlutesQuadriceps

About the Horizontal leg press

The Horizontal leg press is a foundational movement that builds strength and muscle through controlled, progressive overload. Train it 1 to 2 times per week with 3 to 5 working sets per session, gradually adding weight or reps as form holds up.