How to perform Smith Machine Leg Press with proper form
Setup
- Adjust the Machine: Position the seat and foot platform to ensure your back is supported and your feet can sit flat on the platform.
- Load Weights: Add weight plates to the bar on the Smith machine as needed.
Positioning
- Feet Placement: Place your feet shoulder-width apart on the foot platform, ensuring your toes point slightly outward.
- Back Position: Sit back against the pad, keeping your back fully supported.
Execution
- Starting Position: Unlock the bar by lifting the safety catch.
- Lowering the Weight: Inhale as you bend your knees, lowering the platform toward your chest.
- Ensure your knees track in line with your toes.
- Do not let your knees extend past your toes.
- Depth: Lower until your thighs are at least parallel to the platform (or as far as comfortable without rounding your back).
- Pressing Up: Exhale as you push through your heels to return to the starting position.
- Extend your legs but do not lock out your knees at the top.
Tips
- Maintain a neutral spine throughout the movement.
- Keep your core engaged to support your lower back.
- Use controlled movements; avoid bouncing at the bottom.
Safety
- Always ensure the safety catch is in place before beginning your set.
- If unsure about your form, seek guidance from a trainer.
Exercises
Clean, Barbell
Type: Upper, Lower, Push
Target: Glutes, Hamstrings, Quadriceps, Back, Shoulders
Synergist: Calves, Biceps, Chest, Forearms
Clean and Jerk, Barbell
Type: Upper, Lower, Push
Target: Glutes, Hamstrings, Quadriceps, Back, Shoulders
Synergist: Calves, Biceps, Chest, Forearms
Deadlift, Barbell
Type: Lower, Pull
Target: Glutes, Back, Hamstrings
Synergist: Quadriceps, Calves, Abs, Forearms
Deadlift, Cable
Type: Lower, Pull
Target: Glutes, Back, Hamstrings
Synergist: Quadriceps, Calves, Abs, Forearms
Deadlift, Dumbbell
Type: Lower, Pull
Target: Glutes, Back, Hamstrings
Synergist: Quadriceps, Calves, Abs, Forearms
Deadlift, Smith Machine
Type: Lower, Pull
Target: Glutes, Back, Hamstrings
Synergist: Quadriceps, Calves, Abs, Forearms
Deadlift, Band
Type: Lower, Pull
Target: Glutes, Back, Hamstrings
Synergist: Quadriceps, Calves, Abs, Forearms
Deadlift, Kettlebell
Type: Lower, Pull
Target: Glutes, Back, Hamstrings
Synergist: Quadriceps, Calves, Abs, Forearms
Deadlift, Leverage Machine
Type: Lower, Pull
Target: Glutes, Back, Hamstrings
Synergist: Quadriceps, Calves, Abs, Forearms
Good Morning, Barbell
Type: Lower, Legs
Target: Hamstrings
Synergist: Glutes
Good Morning, Smith Machine
Type: Lower, Legs
Target: Hamstrings
Synergist: Glutes
Good Morning, Leverage Machine
Type: Lower, Legs
Target: Hamstrings
Synergist: Glutes
Hip Adductor, Leverage Machine
Type: Lower, Legs
Target: Hamstrings, Glutes
Synergist: Quadriceps
Lying Leg Curl, Band
Type: Lower, Legs
Target: Hamstrings
Synergist: Calves
Lying Leg Curl, Leverage Machine
Type: Lower, Legs
Target: Hamstrings
Synergist: Calves
Reverse Lunge, Barbell
Type: Lower, Legs
Target: Glutes, Hamstrings
Synergist: Calves
Reverse Lunge, Dumbbell
Type: Lower, Legs
Target: Glutes, Hamstrings
Synergist: Calves
Reverse Lunge, Kettlebell
Type: Lower, Legs
Target: Glutes, Hamstrings
Synergist: Calves
Reverse Lunge, Bodyweight
Type: Lower, Legs
Target: Glutes, Hamstrings
Synergist: Calves
Romanian Deadlift, Barbell
Type: Lower, Legs
Target: Back, Glutes, Hamstrings
Synergist: Abs, Calves