Fitness enthusiasts have a hard time adopting the leg press into their routines. Most think that it’s an excuse not to squat. However, most information out there is controversial as the leg press helps with strength and muscle-building.
If you’re used to the traditional back squat, the leg press machine allows you to use more weight. That means that you can do more reps, thus more muscle growth. Also, the machine is padded, allowing you to focus on working out instead of stabilizing the load. Ultimately, you push more weight controllably.
So, what’s the fuss around the leg press and should you consider adding it to your workout routine?
The Benefits of the Leg Press
Despite the controversial statements about the leg press, there’s enough evidence that the machine is beneficial. Here are a few benefits of the leg press:
1. Leg Isolation
With the leg press, you’ll either sit or lay on your back (against a pad). Only your legs are involved in driving the weight. If you’re not interested in working on your upper body, it’s fine because it won’t be involved in the movement. Therefore, if you’re nursing a shoulder or elbow injury, you can still get a good leg workout.
After all, the leg press machine allows you to position your foot on the footplate, isolating these parts of your body:
• The quads
• Hamstrings
• Calves

2. No Balance is Necessary
Yes, exercising with the leg press requires less effort. However, that does not mean it’s inefficient. In fact, its ease of use makes it a better solution.
Those who struggle with balance can use the leg press to build muscles. Also, since you’re seated as opposed to standing and squatting, you can work your leg muscles better. So, beginners have an opportunity to get as much workout in as professional lifters.
Squats, in particular, have adverse effects when done wrongly. Fortunately, the leg press helps improve balance.
3. The Leg Press Improves Your Deadlift
The leg press mimics the deadlift motion. Usually, many lifters have an issue lifting barbells off the floor. Since that’s the weakest point for many, the leg press helps improve the deadlift motion. However, it cannot replace the deadlift. It only helps get the weight off the floor.
4. It Helps Move More Weight
Since there’s less strain on the core and back, lifters can drive more weight on the leg press machine. Although exercises like squats need your core’s and spine’s stability, the leg press utilizes stability from the machine. So, you’ll drive more weight using the machine than other exercises.
That does not mean you should hurt yourself by driving too much weight. If there’s any rounding on your back, the weight is too much.
5. The Leg Press Improves Quality of Life
Walking or climbing up a flight of stairs relies on your quads. According to studies, having weak quads puts you at risk for:
• Osteoarthritis
• Disability
• Falls
The leg press works the quadriceps, thus eliminating chances of falls and injuries as you get older. So, you should consider getting a leg press early in life to set yourself up for smoother aging.
People have varied opinions about the leg press. However, that does not take away from the fact that it’s helpful. In addition, beginners and professional lifters can use the machine without much struggle.