How To Do A 45 Degree Leg Press (2024)

What Is A 45 Degree Leg Press

How To Do A 45 Degree Leg Press (1)

The 45-degree leg press, also known as an incline or angled leg press, is a variation of the seated leg press where the plate is pushed at a 45-degree angle, instead of towards the wall. This exercise primarily works the quads, hamstrings, and glutes, with some involvement from the calves and adductors.

The 45-degree leg press is more challenging than the seated variation due to an increased range of motion, gravitational pull, and higher starting weight. Benefits include more glute and hamstring activation and more resistance, which can make this more effective for building strength and mass. If you are new to leg presses, we’d recommend starting with the seated leg press to build form and confidence first.

Unlike with squats, the upper body is stabilised in a leg press, allowing the lower body to be isolated more and more weight to be lifted. This makes it a good alternative for those who struggle with squats due to balance, core, or back issues, but also means it can be more effective for training the legs to failure which is key for strength and hypertrophy gains. Leg presses can be used alongside squats or as a replacement.

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How To Do A 45 Degree Leg Press (2024)

FAQs

How To Do A 45 Degree Leg Press? ›

Engage the core then lower the plate until your knees are between 45 and 90 degrees, ensuring your glutes and lower back stay still throughout. This is your starting position. Press the plate up by extending your legs out straight, taking care not to lock your knees.

Is 45-degree leg press easier? ›

The 45-degree leg press machines offer a greater range of motion and increased muscle engagement for individuals seeking a more extensive workout. While they may require additional space and come at a higher cost, they provide a highly effective workout due to the direct resistance targeting the legs.

How much does a 45-degree leg press weigh? ›

Standard 45° Leg Press Machine

Here, you sit facing upwards, with your feet placed on a foot plate attached to a weighted sled. These standard leg press machines usually start at around 125 pounds, although some can provide you with a starting weight upwards of 200 pounds.

What is a 45-degree leg press called? ›

The traditional 45-degree leg press machine, also known as an incline leg press machine, is the most popular leg press machine and are commonly found in commercial gyms. Using this type of machine involves pushing weight at a 45-degree angle incline on a sled.

How to use a 45 degree leg press? ›

Engage the core then lower the plate until your knees are between 45 and 90 degrees, ensuring your glutes and lower back stay still throughout. This is your starting position. Press the plate up by extending your legs out straight, taking care not to lock your knees.

What angle is best for leg press? ›

Bend both knees to 90-degree angles. The back knee should point toward but not touch the floor, and your front knee should be directly over the ankle. Power through this position and continues through until the opposite leg is now forward lunging. Keep the core tight and upper body stable and upright.

Is leg press good for glutes? ›

The leg press machine is a fantastic tool for sculpting and strengthening your glutes. By following these simple yet effective tips, you can make the most of your leg press workouts and unlock the full potential of your glutes. Starting with a leg press machine may seem intimidating at first, but fear not!

Is Angled leg press better than normal? ›

Greater range of motion: The angled design allows for a more natural and extensive range of motion compared to the horizontal leg press. Direct resistance: The weight is more directly applied to the legs, potentially increasing the effectiveness of the exercise.

Is 240 kg leg press good? ›

According to various sources, the average leg press weight for a guy falls within the range of 425 lb to 499 lb (193 kg to 226 kg) for 1 rep max (1RM) performances. This level of performance often classifies an individual as intermediate, showcasing impressive strength compared to the general population.

How much can the average person leg press? ›

An average amateur male should leg press around 350 lbs, as per STRONG Nation. The average male leg press is around 2 - 2.5 times his body weight. An average male bodybuilder can leg press about 400-800 pounds (1 to 2 reps).

What is an impressive leg press? ›

The average Horizontal Leg Press weight for a male lifter is 425 lb (1RM). This makes you Intermediate on Strength Level and is a very impressive lift. What is a good Horizontal Leg Press? Male beginners should aim to lift 156 lb (1RM) which is still impressive compared to the general population.

Which leg press is easier? ›

The machine's design allows for a greater range of motion, which can lead to increased flexibility over time. The horizontal seated leg press is a great machine for beginners or those who are recovering from an injury, as it's a safe and easy exercise to perform.

Is 450 a lot to leg press? ›

Remember, there's no such thing as a "good" or "bad" leg press weight. For many beginners, leg pressing 100 pounds is an excellent achievement. For more experienced lifters, a 500-pound leg press may be considered ideal.

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