What Is A 45 Degree Leg Press
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.
