Leg presses in studio quality

Leg press - the ultimate leg machine

The leg press is a popular piece of fitness equipment that specifically strengthens leg muscles and enables safe, controlled strength training. Through guided movement , the thigh muscles (quadriceps), the hamstrings, and the gluteus muscles can be intensively challenged. Whether in the gym or at home, the leg press is an essential training tool for building muscle and improving leg strength.

Types of leg press - what are the differences?

There are three types of leg presses: the classic 45 degree leg press, the Hackenschmidt and the vertical leg press.

Leg press 45 degrees

The 45-degree leg press is one of the most popular variations of the leg press and can be found in almost every gym. It combines effective leg training with a guided movement path that ensures both safety and maximum muscle activation . In this variation, the exerciser sits on a padded backrest at an angle of approximately 45 degrees. The feet are positioned on the large pressure plate, and the weight is pushed upwards by extending the legs in a controlled manner. The weight carriage moves up and down along an inclined guide rail.

We recommend the ATX® Leg Press 45° - Leg Press Classic .

The leg press is an extremely versatile piece of training equipment that can be used both for targeted strengthening of the thigh muscles and for effective calf muscle training . The guided movement allows for optimal engagement of the quadriceps, hamstrings, and gluteal muscles, effectively increasing strength and muscle mass. At the same time, the leg press allows for isolated training of the calf muscles through targeted foot placement at the lower edge of the pressure plate. This exercise variation, also known as the " calf rocker ," places intense strain on the lower legs and contributes to the development of defined, powerful calves.

Correct technique is crucial for the effectiveness and safety of the exercise. The movement should always be performed slowly and with control to ensure maximum muscle activation and avoid injury. It is recommended to turn the toes slightly outward and also bend the knees outward to ensure a natural and ergonomic load on the muscles. This precise movement allows for targeted strengthening of both the thigh muscles and the calves, making the 45-degree leg press an essential part of a balanced leg workout.

Hackenschmidt leg press

The Hackenschmidt leg press is an excellent variation of the classic leg press, particularly suitable for strengthening the thigh muscles. The special movement sequence intensively engages the quadriceps, hamstrings, and glutes, achieving maximum muscle activation. At the same time, the Hackenschmidt leg press offers the opportunity to specifically train the calf muscles.

The ATX® Hackenschmidt Combo 4inONE leg press is perfect.

The movement sequence of the Hackenschmidt leg press is particularly effective and combines the advantages of a guided leg press with the biomechanical principles of the Hackenschmidt squat . The exerciser leans their back against the padded backrest of the machine and places their feet shoulder-width apart on the pressure plate. The knees are bent in the starting position, while the weight is pushed upwards by a controlled extension of the legs. Care should be taken not to fully extend the knees to maintain continuous tension in the muscles.

Vertical leg press

The vertical leg press differs significantly from other variations because the weights are pressed vertically upwards. In the starting position, the exerciser lies on their back with their feet directly under the weight sled. This leads to maximum muscle activation of the quadriceps, hamstrings, and glutes.

The vertical leg press offers several advantages for strength training. The vertical movement engages the entire leg muscles more intensively than incline or horizontal variations. This leads to greater strength development, as gravity acts directly on the weight, thus achieving greater muscle engagement, which in turn leads to more effective muscle building.

Another advantage is the space-saving design. Vertical leg presses are more compact than other models, making them ideal for home gyms with limited space. Furthermore, the flat back position increases the activation of the core muscles to stabilize the movement, further strengthening the core muscles.

Discover the ATX® Vertical Leg Press !

Advantages of the leg press

I. Targeted muscle growth: The leg press allows for concentrated exercise on the leg muscles, effectively promoting muscle growth. Different foot positions allow for targeted targeting of different muscle groups.

II. Joint-friendly training: Compared to free squats, the leg press reduces the strain on the knee and hip joints because the movement occurs in a stable, guided path. This makes it ideal for athletes with joint problems or for those undergoing rehabilitation.

III. Greater training safety: Because the leg press follows a fixed trajectory , it minimizes the risk of injury compared to free weights. This is especially beneficial for beginners or those with back problems.

IV. Variable training options: Different foot positions on the pressure plate allow for targeted training of individual muscle groups. A narrow foot position emphasizes the quadriceps, while a wider position more strongly activates the adductors and glutes.

Conclusion: Why the leg press should not be missing from any training plan

The leg muscles are among the largest and strongest muscles in the human body, which is why they should be used regularly and particularly hard.

By training with the leg press we can not only strengthen our leg muscles, but also improve our posture and optimise the stability of our centre of gravity .

The leg press is an essential training tool for anyone who wants to build their leg muscles sustainably and safely. Thanks to its low-impact movement, versatile training options, and high level of safety, it's suitable for beginners, advanced users, and competitive athletes alike. Anyone who wants to develop strong, muscular legs should incorporate the leg press into their training plan.

Buy leg presses in studio quality

Most of our leg equipment has been tested for studio quality according to EN 20957 III, II, IV. At motion sports, you get first-class workmanship and quality! If you have any questions, please contact our customer service .