Are you in search of a leg press machine and you are confused about which to select from the wide variety of them currently on the market? You are at the right place. By the time you are done with reading this article, you’ll have known what to look in an ideal leg press machine and the best 10 from various prominent brands.
But wait, before we go into those deets, why do you really need a leg press machine? Let’s first agree on one thing; our legs are our foundation. They support the rest of our bodies and enhance our mobility.
Therefore, even as you work out, you shouldn’t fail to give your legs the attention they deserve, considering the great role they play in your life. Exercise them well too to make them stronger and build muscles.
Most commercial gyms have heavy-duty power cages for leg exercises and squats. Unfortunately, the power cages are usually quite pricey, and so, you may not afford to buy one.
As such, one of the best alternatives is a leg press machine. Although some leg press machines don’t offer the squatting benefit, they can help you to build more muscular and stronger legs. However, squatting feature is a plus.
Besides, a leg press machine is comfortable, thanks to the padded head, neck, and shoulder areas. Rest on it after squats to relieve back pressure resulting from the workouts.
With a non-slip footplate, the exercise equipment also takes your safety into consideration. As such, a leg press machine is a very important piece of equipment in your home gym.
After comprehensive research on the leg press machines, we narrowed our list of the best to 10. Let’s have a look at them now, and you’ll see why we strongly feel that they deserve to be on the list.
Powertec Fitness Leg Press
Powertec Fitness Leg Press is a compact leg press machine measuring 79″ (L) x 36.6″ (W) x 54″ (H). Because it doesn’t occupy much space, it is suitable for a home gym where floor space is minimal. It has a weight capacity of 1000 lbs
Safety and comfort
Every side of Powertec Fitness Leg Press features dual safety catches with an ergonomic grip design. This helps you to rotate the locking pins easily in order to secure or release the weight sled without hurting yourself.
The machine has fully adjustable back support for extra back comfort and the protection of your lower back from excessive pressure. Besides, the backrest and the seat are cushioned with a high-density memory foam padding for additional comfort. With the adjustable back support and memory foam padding, your neck, head, and shoulders are well supported and you have a stable base which you need for pressing heavy weights.
Also, the footplate is large, offering widespread support for your safety while working out your legs. Don’t worry about possible dangerous tip-overs while on the machine; the nylon reinforced wheels make the equipment very stable. Besides enhancing the stability of the machine, the bearings in the roller system also make it function smoothly.
Versatility
Besides comfort, the adjustable backrest enables a user of this workout equipment the freedom to exercise their legs in different press positions. Besides, the footplate is the high tensile footplate is large enough to support an extensive array of foot positions. Due to that, switching from leg presses to calf rises and vice versa is a matter of a couple of seconds.
Durability
Buying Powertec Fitness Leg Press is a long-term investment because of its sturdy roller system and durable 2” by 3” steel mainframe. It’s one of the leg press machines you can use for years and still remain in good shape.
Pros and cons
Cons Just like Powertec Fitness Leg Press, Body-Solid Leg Press and Hack Squat machine has 1,000 lb capacity. Also, measuring 56″ (L) x 34″ (W) x 83″ (H), this leg press machine doesn’t occupy much floor space as well. Versatility Body-Solid Leg Press also doubles up as a squat hack machine. Simply rotate the back support and adjust the footplate position to switch it to a hack squat machine. Therefore, it saves you the cost of buying hack squat machine separately and the floor space that the separate equipment would occupy. The leg press machine caters for a wide range of leg lengths. Simply adjust the back support angle to your leg length. Safety and comfort The machine has dual safety handles on its sides to enable you to be in full control of all its lockout positions. As such, you can lift heavy weights safely without the help of a spotter. For your extra comfort, the back supports are covered with ergonomically contoured DuraFirm padding.This workout equipment is stable too as the quad track roller system enhances even distribution of weight. Durability Body-Solid Leg Press and Hack Squat Machine gives you years of great leg workout value, thanks to its sturdy and durable construction, especially the heavy-duty 11-gauge steel frame which measures 2″ x 4″ and the Double-stitched thick DuraFirm cushioning measuring four inches. Pros and cons Cons Premier Vertical Leg Press handles different weights up to 1000 lbs. Therefore, you can use standard or Olympic plates on it, just at it is the case with the above two machines. Measuring 49 inches (L) by 47 inches (W) by 75 inches (H), TDS Premier Vertical Leg Press is fairly compact, thus suitable for people who want to maximize on floor space usage. However, some users complain that the machine’s assembly instructions are not fully helpful. Safety and comfort From the solid feel of the machine, you can easily tell that it’s a safe machine to use for coming years. The lock bars are of sturdy steel construction for secure weight support. Also, the safety catches are solid and smooth, making you feel secure and safe while pressing heavy. The same case applies to weight carriage releases. Better still; the machine has a top support bar which enhances its strength and stability. Your lower back won’t suffer from the exercises you do with this machine no matter how intense they are. This is because the press specifically works on your legs, protecting your lower back from stress and pressure. Besides, the back support features three inches thick padding which reasonably protects your back from possible destructive tension and pressure. Versatility The steel footplate is so wide (30 by 15 inches) that it can accommodate any feet size and provides sufficient room for different leg work out positions. Pros and cons Cons The FORCE USA 45 Degree Compact Leg Press doubles up as a calf rise machine and is one of the least expensive but quality leg press machines. Durability The machine features heavy-gauge rolled steel frame for improved durability and comes with a lifetime structural warranty plus a 30-day money-back guarantee. This shows that the manufacturer is confident with its quality. Size When assembled, FORCE USA 45 Degree Leg Press is 65″ deep and 52″ wide. The compact size makes it suitable for home use, especially where space is little. Versatility With a capacity of 660 lbs you can count on this 30-degree leg press machine for effective and safe workouts as long as the weight doesn’t exceed the limits. Unfortunately, some people would want more than that. Whether you want to use Olympic plates or standard plates, FORCE USA 45 Degree has you covered as it is compatible with both. Safety and comfort With four easily adjustable stop positions, you can set the most comfortable and safe distance between the seat and the footplate. The machine also has an easy to operate control lever that won’t require you to use both hands; one is enough. The back support is well designed and sufficiently cushioned for the necessary back support to minimize back injury risks and keep you comfortable while working out. The seat, which has high-density foam padding, also provides you with additional comfort. However, some users complain that the seat’s plastic rollers wear pretty fast. Pros and cons Cons With a weight limit of 1000 pounds, XMARK Leg Press Hack Squat XM 7616 can be a great vertical leg press machine for you if you don’t intend to engage in extremely intense lifting beyond the capacity. Safety and comfort You can perform your preferred heavy leg exercises safely even without a spotter as the machine’s handles let you put the rack in position using your hand once you feel like your muscles have been fatigued. Although the machine tends to produce creaking sounds when approaching maximum load, the creaks should not scare you because the equipment is strong. It won’t break. The equipment also takes your comfort into account, providing you with well-padded support areas such as shoulder braces, headrest as well as lower back support. Versatility Whether you want to perform calf rises or hack squats or just leg presses, XMARK XM 7616 got you covered. Besides, you can adjust the seat and/or the leg plate of XMark XM-7616 to suit your own height as well as your preferred motion range. Once you are done with your workout session, the next person will come and do the same according to his/her height and motion range preference. As such, it can serve a wide variety of people. Durability With 11 gauge steel mainframe construction measuring 2″ x 3″ and 2” x 2” and scratch resistant powder coat finish on the frame, XMARK Leg Press Hack Squat XM 7616 does not only look pretty but is also built to last. Pros and cons Cons Like most of the leg press machines that we’ve focused on here, BodyCraft F660 Leg Press/Hip Sled has 1000 pound weight capacity. Also, its design also relatively compact as it measures 39 inches (L) by 79 inches (W) by 50 inches (H). Therefore, if space constraint is one of your major concerns, and you’d like to exercise your lower body effectively, then you can consider this machine. It’s a sleek and classy hip and leg press machine that you’d be proud to have in your home or commercial gym. Bodycraft F660 is two-in-one workout equipment serving as a hack squat and a leg press. You can adjust the shoulder pads of Bodycraft F660 Leg Press/Hip sled to fit your height during squats Due to the adjustability, the equipment can be used by people of all heights. When it comes to leg presses, the foot plate is fully adjustable foot plate for different foot angles and leg lengths. This helps you to achieve your desired level of comfort. When you want to do hack squats, simply fold the footplate out of the way. Durability The machine features industrial grade linear bearings which unlike plastic wheels, never flatten, or wear out. Comfort and safety Bodycraft F660 has incredibly comfortable padding on the seat, lower back and shoulder support for extended and injury-free workout sessions. The major downside we’ve noted about BodyCraft F660 Leg Press/Hip Sled is its assembly process, which some users say they found to be quite difficult. Pros and cons Cons Powerline PVLP156X is a vertical leg press which effectively works out your lower body muscles only, leaving out the rest of your body. It’s one of the best leg presses to consider if your space is crowed. Measuring 46 x 48 x 60 inches, it helps to maximize the use of your minimal space as you get the best from your leg press and calf rise using the equipment. Safety and comfort The extra-thick padding on the contoured back support protects your lower back from injuries. The back support works together with the contoured head and neck pads to help you maintain proper and comfortable exercise position. Better still; the machine has a diamond plate steel press deck which ensures safe and secure lifting. Versatility The three half-inch locking pins on Powerline PVLP156X helps you to easily and securely switch between the three starting and stopping positions for secure, effective and progressive leg workouts. Durability Powerline PVLP156X features a sturdy and long-lasting alloy steel construction. As such, you can count on it for years of great leg press experience. Pros and cons Cons Pro SLP500G2, just like other products in the Body Solid line, has sophisticated pillow blocks while its ball bearings are sealed for alignment accuracy as well as friction-free motion. It has a load capacity of 210 lbs and measures 75 x 32 x 72 inches. Safety and comfort Due to the refined pillow block and the overall advanced design, the machine protects your spine from excessive compression. The quad track roller system makes the machine very stable by distributing the weight evenly. You can perform your exercises without worrying about possible tipping of the machine. Durability The mainframe, which measures 2 inches by 4 inches, is made of heavy-duty steel for high durability. The back pad is made of Durafirm material which is very tough and tear-resistant, making the equipment to last long as well. The machine is built to stand the test of time, even when subjected to the most strenuous routines. A lifetime warranty that comes with the equipment is quite convincing that the machine is of high-quality. Versatility Body-Solid Pro allows natural biomechanical movement in full range to suit your preferred less press positions and motions for comprehensive leg and calf workout. The DuraFirm back pad is fully adjustable to accommodate a wide range of user sizes. Pros and cons Cons If your space is too little for full sized leg press and other workout pieces of equipment, Weider Ultimate Body Works could be your ultimate solution to your lower body workouts, among other exercises. Besides having a compact design (59 x 27.5 x 48 inches), this machine can be lowered down and adjusted to a smaller size. In fact, you can fold it flat for even easier storage. It has a weight capacity of 250lbs Versatility The pulley system and the incline bench are adjustable. If you want to increase the proportion of the bodyweight engaged in the leg presses, simply increase the inclination of the bench. If you want to reduce the leg press body weight, reduce the inclination. On the other hand, the pulley system is so versatile that it supports over 20 exercises, including upper boy workouts like chest presses, tricep extensions, upright rows as well as bicep curls. Comfort and safety The back pad has enough padding to provide your back with the cushion it needs to avoid too much pressure on your spine. The padding also proves you with ample support. Durability Featuring durable steel tubing, this body exercise machine is built to withstand years of use. Pros and cons Cons 42 x 32 x 50 inches and weighing just 91 pounds, Yukon Fitness Vertical Leg Press VLP-154 is easily portable and occupies minimal floor space. It is a machine that allows you to have great leg workouts without using much of your floor space. With a narrow design, the equipment occupies more space vertically than it does horizontally. Safety and comfort This leg press machine has a cradled neck featuring an ergonomic design to offer you the necessary comfort and support during your leg press exercise session. For your safety, the machine’s foot plate is non-slip, preventing you from potentially dangerous foot slides. Versatility With a maximum capacity of 600 lbs, Yukon Fitness Vertical Leg Press allows you to progressively work your legs with a wide range of weights up to the limit. Considering that most people don’t use weight exceeding 600 lbs on a leg press machine, therefore, it means that you can use this machine forever. Whether you want to use standard or Olympic plates, Yukon Fitness Vertical Leg Press is okay with any of them. However, just like some vertical leg presses, Yukon Fitness Vertical Leg Press can be loud while in use. But with regular lubrication, you can make it less noisy. Pros and cons Cons In case you are looking for the best leg press machine, consider the ones listed here. Our review is unbiased and so, can be very helpful for you to make the best-informed decision.
Body-Solid Leg Press & Hack Squat
TDS Premier Vertical Leg Press
FORCE USA 45 Degree Compact Leg Press
XMARK Leg Press Hack Squat XM 7616
Bodycraft F660 Leg Press/Hip Sled
Versatility
Powerline PVLP156X
Body-Solid Pro SLP500G2
Weider Ultimate Body Works
Yukon Fitness Vertical Leg Press VLP-154
