With the trend of home gyms kickstarting as of 2020, more and more people are continuously adding or upgrading their home equipment. This goes to show how staying fit and working out has become a big part of our lives.
One piece of equipment that you cannot do without is a leg press machine. Leg press exercises can help to strengthen your thighs, quadriceps, calves, and glutes. This type of leg exercise can help improve your overall physical performance.
There are actually thousands of leg press machines available in the market today. So, here I am to help you to decide which one is the best buy product to invest your resources as leg press machines don’t come at a cheap price.
Keep on reading, and hope you find what you think best suited for you!
Best Leg Press Machines For Home Use Compared and Reviewed
| Image | Name | Brand | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|
Top | BodyCraft F660 Leg Press/ Hip Sled | BodyCraft | Check Price on Amazon |
 | Body-Solid GLPH1100 Leg Press/Hack Squat Machine | Body-Solid | Check Price on Amazon |
 | Powerline by Body-Solid Home Gym with Leg Press | Body-Solid | Check Price on Amazon |
 | Weider Ultimate Body Works | Weider | Check Price on Amazon |
 | TDS Premier Vertical Leg Press | TDS | Check Price on Amazon |
#1 - BodyCraft F660 Leg Press/ Hip Sled
The F660 Leg Press is a compact machine made of solid steel and designed to endure tough workouts.
High quality, professional-grade, super-durable equipment — are some of the claims from users that made it a top-of-mind choice. It can be used purposely for both commercial purposes and home gym.
Another great feature of this leg press machine is the footprint at 39 by 79 by 50 inches (W x H x D) and comes with such an impressive weight capacity that up to 1000lbs.
You can perform different types of workouts such as performing calves, glutes, quads, and other leg exercises with the adjustment feature of the foot platform.
The manufacturer guarantees that this model will last for ages even despite use and abuse. What’s more, it’s always been hailed as a superior leg press machine by most professionals everywhere.
PROS
- High weight limit
- Solid steel construction
- Highly adjustable
CONS
- Very expensive
- Takes time to put the machine together
#2 - Body-Solid GLPH1100 Leg Press/Hack Squat Machine
For starters, you’re sure to be fully-secured when performing exercises as it has three various safety lock positions. It also makes it easy and convenient for you to use during a workout. And serious lifters, this model is also ideal to use as it’s also capable of loading up to 1000lbs in total.
I like how you wouldn’t need to worry about the frame as this has been designed to minimize torsional flex, and it is extra heavy-duty with 2″x4″ and an 11 gauge steel frame.
Plus, thanks to its 10cm thick DuraFirm material, it provides sufficient comfort. It also has a quad track roller system, making it much simpler to distribute any weight and adjustable back pads.
Of course, it isn’t without its negatives. The main downside of this particular model I believe is that it’s really complicated to assemble the machine, so you’d best ensure you have enough time or a couple of hours available on the chance that you want to set this beast up.
PROS
- Three safety locks
- Durable construction
- Comfortable
CONS
- Challenging to put together
- Unclear assembly instructions
#3 - Powerline by Body-Solid Home Gym with Leg Press
This machine provides you with all of the support you need to get a great leg workout as it offers a high weight load for multiple and unlimited exercises. It has a 1000 lbs maximum weight load capacity and consists of a heavy-duty steel frame, known exceptionally durable to use.
I would recommend vertical type if you have a smaller space at home. Also, to make sure that you’re comfortable the whole time while working out, they provide plenty of cushioning in the machine.
Another feature that makes it stand out from other vertical leg press machines is that it has dual adjustable half inch locking pins. It also comes with a diamond plate steel press and three-stop and starting points.
You don’t need to worry about its durability as each part of this model is carefully hinged and bolted to produce a solid, sturdy structure.
The only not-so-good about this leg press machine is that it can be noisy when you’re working out as it can squeak whenever you’re putting a heavy load on.
PROS
- Multiple exercises
- Durable construction
- Saves space
CONS
- Can be noisy
- Tedious to assemble
#4 - Weider Ultimate Body Works
The resistance bands (4 different power bands) of Weider Ultimate Body Works is designed to provide you a very intense workout, having dimensions of 71″ x 26.5″ x 49.5″.
Actually, this machine uses your own body weight as its mode of resistance, and this implies that you can use it for other exercises not just only for your legs. I truly love how versatile this is.
You can perform bodyweight workouts and can even adjust the bench to whatever your own liking. Plus, it can be simply folded and easily stored when not in use.
However, if you’re looking for a machine that can help you to tone and build your muscles without having to use weights, this is an absolutely great choice. However, if you’re looking for a weighted leg press, then this type will not work for you.
In addition to this, once you purchase you will directly get a 3-month warranty on the parts and the labors for the machine. For most users, the only issue they have is that this can be somewhat tricky to set it up.
PROS
- Easy to store
- Affordable
- Versatile
CONS
- Challenging to set up
- Not a weighted machine
- Handles are a bit uncomfortable
#5 - TDS Premier Vertical Leg Press
It comes with safety catches and the weight carriage will surely provide you smooth and stable great exercises on your legs, hams, and quads. You can also use it to lift as much weight as possible and is extremely safe to use on a solo mission.
Another great feature is its backrest is well-padded. Its assembled dimension is 49″W x 47″D x 75″H and has a total weight of 200 lbs. TDS makes sure to produce it as sturdy, safe, and highly durable. With a wide range of machines, this can be found in various sizes depending on your choice.
Although it is a smooth machine to use, remember to don’t over tighten the bolts because on the off chance that you do that it can become sticky and a bit jerky.
With a lifetime warranty offer, you can expect that the machine would last for a very long time, no matter how intense your everyday workout sessions get.
PROS
- Affordable
- Heavy-duty, sturdy design
- Lifetime warranty
CONS
- Wide side
- Separate neck rest isn't included
- Some customers complain that instructions for assembling the machine are very poor.
My Number One Pick
- Adjustable shoulder pads allow for a wide range of user heights. This also allows us to make the machine smaller than most
- Fully adjustable foot plate for any desired angle
- Foot plate also folds out of the way for Hack Squats
- Industrial grade linear bearings. Plastic wheels tend to flatten over time. Linear bearings never flatten, or wear out
- Lifetime warranty
What To Look Out For When Buying A Leg Press Machine For Home Use
Leg press machines are an investment, so when you decide to buy for your home gym make sure to check several things. At the onset, durability and versatility are some of the things you’d want to see when reading reviews about your prospect machines.
But first of all, let’s discuss: what is a leg press?
A Leg Press is a straightforward exercise that involves the lifting of weighted equipment with the use of your legs. It is executed at a 45 degree angle and the weight is usually adjustable. The move is to push upwards, away from yourself, then inwards, towards yourself. Here’s a tutorial video:
The level of difficulty is dictated by two things: your angle and the weight of the platform. As you may have guessed, this tests and trains your overall lower body strength.
How to Execute the Proper Leg Press: Step-by-step
- Proper Resting Position When you sit on a leg press, your head and back should be comfortably situated against the backrest of the machine. This area is usually padded enough for maximum comfort of the user. Additionally, your buttocks should be laid flat, not slightly lifted and not slouched back.
- Proper Foot Positioning Your foot positioning will dictate which muscles are actually being worked as you exercise. If your feet are too low on the platform, your knees receive the impact; on the other hand, if it’s too high, your glutes will be targeted.Your legs and feet should be at a 90-degree angle form. Keep this alignment consistent as you execute the workout.
- Push away the platform with your feet planted flatly on it. Do not use your heel or toes as this will put unnecessary strain on your ankles. As you are pushing the platform away, keep your core engaged.
- Proper breathing will be beneficial for you as you move. Inhale as you let the platform fall inward towards you with ease. Exhale as you push it back away.Remember to do this as slow as possible. Being explosive on leg presses does more harm than good.
- Hold the extended position for optimal results. However, make sure that you are not locking your knees as you hold. Keep it at a slight angle to take the pressure off your knees.
- When returning to resting position, keep your back flat. Do not be moving upwards and downwards in the seat rest as this will affect your movements. If you’re just starting out, simply do 10 leg presses at a time with a weight you can sustain, then gradually move up as you progress.
What are the most common mistakes that you can make as a beginner?
Practice makes perfect and as a beginner, you’re expected not to be an expert in leg presses. So, I’ve listed down some things that you can actively avoid to veer away from risk of injury and unnecessary body pains.
Common mistake #1: Lowering the platform too close to you
When you allow the platform to slide too low, meaning too close to your body, it puts pressure on your back. When this happens, your butt is slightly lifted, your glutes are off the seat and you are putting your lumbar disks at risk.
Make sure you lower the platform before you even feel your glutes lifting from the seat. I would recommend the expert eye of a trainer or even just a buddy who has substantial experience in the gym to spot this for you.
Common mistake #2: Not lowering the platform enough
As opposed to the first common mistake, shallow reps are not good as well. You’re not putting any body part at risk, but you’re just wasting your time. This doesn’t yield any result and doesn’t work any body part.
Common mistake #3: Improper foot position
Your whole foot must be firmly placed on the platform. This means that it should be at the middle part of the platform, and not lower or higher.
An article from the National Library of Medicine, says that when your feet isn’t properly positioned you are not balanced enough, This includes not having your heels on the platform.
When you lack balance, you are not able to perform a carefully controlled rep.
Common Mistake 4: Locked knees
Firstly, there’s a thin line between locking out your knees and performing a full extension on a leg press. The difference between the two is where the pressure point is transferred: joint or muscle.
You may be quickly catching your breath as you lock your knees, however, this is risky for your knees and unbeneficial for your muscles. Simply go a fraction before full extension to avoid locking out.
Source: Bodybuilding.com
Now, what should you consider before buying a leg press machine?
The shoes should provide tight-fitting, or contain a quick lace system such as the Salomons. As your foot gets heavier and heavier the more obstacles you go through it has the potential to fall off your shoe (Such as my example with the Vans).
They will also get very wet so you want to ensure that they don’t slide off or another competitor accidentally steps on them halfway through the obstacle course and then putting them on and tightening them will become a mission in itself.
What do you prefer, a Horizontal Or Vertical Leg Press machine?
There’s actually no huge difference between a leg press that is horizontal (or partially horizontal) and one that is vertical, except that when you’re using a vertical leg press, your legs should be in positioned straight up into the air and your back should be sitting against the floor.
With regards to home gyms, numerous individuals prefer to use vertical leg presses since they help to save so much space, something which is advantageous and convenient on the off chance that you have limited space at your home.
On the other hand, vertical models might be somewhat harder to utilize in light of the fact that they use gravity as far as possible, driving you to lift the weight straight out of sight.
Check the Weight Limit
This is really important to check the weight limit of the machine you wish to buy on the grounds that depending on what wellness level you are at or are hoping to accomplish you will need to have the option to press a bit of weight.
On the off chance that you are a beginner or intermediate, you will do fine with a leg press machine that can hold up to 500 or 600 pounds.
However, if ever that you are a serious weight lifting enthusiast you may require a leg press machine that can hold as much as 1,000 pounds. Remember that the higher the weight limit is, the more the machine being referred to will usually cost.
Consider checking the Type of Leg Press Machine
What I mean by this is that there are two primary types of leg press machines, those that utilize machine or mechanical resistance and those that utilize weight plates for resistance.
Machine resistance leg presses will in general be much more costly to start with, however, they are likewise simpler and easier to change and they remove the requirement for plates.
On the other hand, plated leg press machines are less expensive to start with, however, you should purchase your own weights, in addition to the augmentations dictated by the heaviness of the plates which you have.
Size and Adjustability
I included the size and adjustability on the grounds that those 2 factors go far in figuring out who can utilize the leg press machine in question. The foot cushions, back, and seat should all be adjustable to represent size distinctions in the users.
Check the Bearings of the Machine
Just a snappy word on the bearings, those being the things which leg press machines use to actually move.
Remember that bearings should be made of tough material and not with inferior plastic, to guarantee smooth and stick-free movements while you’re working out.
Versatility is important
The leg press machine you purchase should be extremely versatile. By this, what I mean is that it ought to provide the option of doing more than just leg presses.
A good leg press machine will likewise permit you to do things like hack squats, calf raises, and a couple of other things as well.
Check if there's included instructions how-to assemble the machine
Talking about assembling things and taking them apart, it’s a better idea to consider the assembling process of your leg press machine.
The simplicity and easiness of assembling your machine generally rely upon its design, yet it can likewise rely upon how great the tools and included instructions are.
Therefore, it is really important to consider the guidance manual and how it is so easy for you to interpret and understand. It’s good if you’re going to look online to check whether the manufacturer has any extra resources accessible to assist you with assembling the machine, for example, videos.
Always consider your budget and the Cost of the Machine
A leg press doesn’t come with a cheap price for home gym equipment, but it’s important to take note that you get what you pay for.
Don’t ever break your bank or use all your available resources, however, don’t opt on the least expensive options either. Be wise about which leg press machine you truly want to buy.
Check also the Machine's Footprint
This is definitely not a small piece of home gym equipment, so ensure you have enough space for your leg press and any frill that accompany it.
Don’t forget to check the specifications of the machine before you decide to order and buy it to guarantee that there’s enough space in your home gym.
Research and Read Reviews
That is mainly the reason why I created this review; to provide you some information so that you can make a good decision when buying your own leg press machine.
With reviews like these, you will get a feel and ideas of what you want to buy, after considering the pros and cons of the product and checking out their specifications as well.
Plus, knowing which ones have the best reviews could help you to settle in deciding which one you think can perfectly meet your workout needs.
Frequently Asked Questions for Leg Press Machines
Q. Would it be good for me to utilize a leg press machine as opposed to doing squats?
A: It definitely depends on your fitness goal. Remember that a leg press machine targets leg muscles, and the machines are being designed so that leg presses are a lot simpler to perform compared to squats.
However, you won’t fortify your core or stabilize your muscles as you would get with doing squats. That being said, it’s ideal to do both the squats and leg presses to get a balanced exercise for your legs ( if it’s your fitness goal).
Q. Do you think it’s good for me to add some extra weight when I’m using a leg press machine?
A: First, it’s important to let you know that you can likely utilize more weight with a leg press than you can with a squat. So, on the off chance that you don’t entirely bend your knees and the movements you take are much smaller, then you can have the option to lift more weight.
But, on the off chance that you increase the movement, at that point, it will be substantially more challenging to do your exercise.
Q. Will a leg press machine harm my knees?
A: If you’re bearing weight on your legs in any capacity, then it’s only natural that there’s always the possibility you might hurt your knees, especially if you’re not going it appropriately. Generally, you’re bound to get harmed if ever that you stack the weight excessively high for your current experience level, and you don’t have the correct structure.
This isn’t only the situation with a leg press machine, it’s the same thing with different things like barbell squats.
The best advice that I can give is to start low with the weight, and afterward work up to a level you can deal with. Your body will always let you know what is and what isn’t manageable for you. And also stop doing your exercise if you’re already experiencing knee pain.
Conclusion
When it comes to lower body exercise, a leg press machine is best known as a versatile piece of equipment you can add in your home gym. Debatably, after the squat, it’s considered the most useful home gym equipment that can help you to develop the strength and size of the thigh muscles.
With the help of a leg press machine, you will be able to handle far heavier weights that can lead you to your ultimate fitness goals. If you’re looking for more options, check out this post we did on the best home gym essentials. We even did a post on smith machines for home use, if you’ve got the space to add more heavy machinery.
Just a reminder: stay safe while working out and try not to lift more than you can handle.
Marko Rakic is a trail runner and fitness enthusiast from Sydney, Australia. He is the lead writer for The Ultimate Primate and believes the best way to live a happy life is through constantly challenging yourself.