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Last Updated: May 9, 2023
Fitness is an important part of our life and we have several tools to help us achieve our fitness goals. When it comes to working out, the legs are the most neglected part of our body and most of us tend to focus only on the upper muscle groups. Half of our body’s mass consists of the quadriceps, thighs, calves, and buttocks. So one must never miss a leg workout.
You must be searching for the best leg press machine that won’t break down and hurt you during the workout. As when it comes to fitness, we all want durable fitness machines to promote our fitness regimen and live healthy lives.
This article will serve as a guide to a potential home gym owner, who not only wants the best leg workout machine but also wants a guide on how to choose the perfect one. Before now most of these workout machines could only be found in commercial gyms but presently thanks to technology and evolution, these machine manufacturers believe it is better to construct smaller equipment for personal and home use.
When getting a solid leg press machine for your home, it can be confusing to choose the best out of the hundreds of machines out there. With fitness machine makers claiming that theirs is the best, an individual could end up buying something that is not worth the money spent.
So, having tested out some of the leg press machines that are said to be the best, and compared observations with use, and reviews from other fitness experts, below are 8 of the best leg machines on the market.
Why You Should Trust Us
Here at Treadmill Review Guru, we test and use all kinds of fitness equipment. When working to improve your health and build muscle, cardio, and strength equipment are beneficial and can help. That is why our team works to bring consumers like you, insight into which equipment is best. We want to be sure that you bring home equipment that you’ll use and love. The following list of leg press machines are the best on the market for home use, based on our expertise.
The Best Leg Press Machines of 2023
- Force USA Ultimate 45-Degree Leg Press Squat Hack Combo
- Titan Fitness Leg Press Squat Hack Machine
- Hammer Strength Plate Loaded Iso-Lateral Leg Press
- Body Solid GLPH1100 Leg Press Hack Squat
- Rogue Iso Leg Press 35
- Titan Fitness Plate-Loaded Linear Hack Squat Machine
- Force USA Compact Leg Press
- Body Solid Powerline PVLP156X Vertical Leg Press
See the details, Pro’s and Con’s and why each treadmill made our best list below.
Sneak Peek Of The Best Leg Press Machines:
Best Leg Press Machines – Our Expert Picks
1. Force USA Ultimate 45-Degree Leg Press Hack Squat Combo
The Force USA Ultimate 45-Degree Leg Press Hack Squat Combo is a highly versatile machine. It allows users to perform leg presses, calf raises, and a variety of squats. This machine can handle up to 1000 lbs of weight, so users of all abilities will be sure to get a lot of use and great workouts in on the Force USA Ultimate.
Built with 13-gauge steel and 11-gauge steel joints and stress points, the Leg Press Hack Squat Combo is durable and sizable. Its footprint is 94” long and 66” wide, so we recommend making sure you have enough space for this impressive machine. The 26” x 22” foot plate allows you to mix up your stance when leg pressing.
This leg press machine has plenty of safety features, too. The safety side rails and safety catch help keep you safe to securely use the Leg Press Hack Squat Combo with ease. Although, the amount of weight you’ll be pushing and squatting against won’t be easy. With the banded pegs and weight plate holders, users will get in some serious lifting with the Force USA Ultimate Leg Press Hack Squat Combo machine.
- Allows users to perform leg presses, hack squats, forward thrusts, and calf raises.
- There are multiple weight plate storage hooks and pegs for bands to use a lot of weight and tension.
- The added safety features make this a safe, reliable machine.
- The foot plate is large enough to provide multiple different stance positions.
- It is large and requires a designated space.
- 4-in-1 design for leg press, hack squat, forward thrust and calf raises
- Calf block for calf raises
- 4 weight plate storage holders
- Additional plate holders
- 4 band pegs
- 6 band peg positions
- 5 racking/safety lockout positions
- Footprint: 94” D x 66” W x 60” H
- Foot plate: 22” x 26”
- Weight rating: 1000 lbs
- 13 GA steel
- 11 GA steel joints and stress points
- 2 x 4 steel mainframe
- Laser-cut powder-coated steel construction
- Warranty: limited lifetime for frame, 5-years for cables & pulleys, and 6 months for upholstery & attachments
2. Titan Fitness Leg Press Squat Hack Machine
Another valuable combo machine is the Titan Fitness Leg Press Squat Hack Machine. Designed to work and strengthen everything from your legs to your glutes and core, this Leg Press from Titan Fitness is fairly compact. It isn’t tiny and weighs 325 lbs, but can handle up to 1000 lbs of weight and offers multiple storage posts for weight plates.
The Titan Fitness Leg Press Machine is versatile and quick to adjust for leg presses to hack squats and forward thrusts to calf raises. The machine is angled at 45 degrees to allow quick adjusting between leg presses and hack squats.
The steel build is sturdy and provides three lockout positions for safety. There is multiple areas of storage for weight plates that will fit Olympic plates, too. Plus, the diamond-plated footplates provide a textured surface and enough room to change foot positions to target muscles differently.
- Designed to be a 2-in-1 machine that allows for leg presses, hack squats, forward thrusts, and calf raises.
- Multiple storage posts for Olympic-sized weight plates
- Padded shoulder and back pads for comfort.
- Angled 45 degrees to offer quick adjusting and multiple positions.
- The warranty is more limited than what other brands include.
- 2-in-1 design for leg presses and hack squats
- 45-degree angle sled weight carriage
- Safety handrails
- Dual loadable weight posts for Olympic plates
- Dual weight plate storage holders
- Adjustable back pad/foot plate angle
- 3 lockout positions
- Footprint: 84” L x 40” W x 53” H
- Leg Press footplate: 21” x 15”
- Hack Squat footplate: 26” x 22”
- Weight rating: 1000 lbs
- Product weight: 325 lbs
- Frame: steel
- Carriage bar weight: 115 lbs
- Laser-cut powder-coated steel construction
- Warranty: 1-year
3. Hammer Strength Plate-Loaded Iso-Lateral Leg Press
When training, it is very important to work your muscles independently. On a leg press, this looks like training each leg individually. Training like this helps to correct any imbalances since most likely one of your legs is a little stronger than the other. The Hammer Strength Plate-Loaded Iso-Lateral Leg Press is designed for just that. It has two separate footplates to work one leg at a time.
The 11-gauge steel makes for a durable build and we appreciate the half-inch adjustment increments that work for a variety of users. This Leg Press machine from Hammer Strength is very heavy at 605 lbs. It can handle 350 lbs of user weight.
The padded seat is angled at 35 degrees to keep your joints in proper alignment. The weight posts are used to hold weight and as storage, when you need it. Hammer Strength includes a 10-year frame warranty with the purchase of the Plate-Loaded Iso-Lateral Leg Press. Users can expect to work their lower body efficiently with this leg press machine.
- Allows users to work legs individually to strengthen muscular imbalances.
- Adjusts in half-inch increments, to work for a variety of users.
- Made with 11-gauge steel to be durable and stable.
- The seat is padded and angled to keep the ankles properly aligned.
- Weighs 605 lbs and is incredibly hard to move.
- Separate arms and footplates to work legs independently
- 35-degree angled seat
- Half-inch adjustability
- Padded seat
- 14 lbs per work arm of resistance
- Powder coat finish
- Footprint: 71” D x 62” W x 59” H
- Recommended space: 119” D x 110” W x 96” H
- Weight rating: 4 x 45 lbs
- Product weight: 605 lbs
- Max User Weight: 350 lbs
- Frame: 11-gauge steel
- Warranty: 10-years for the frame, 5-years for bearings, and 90 days for upholstery
4. Body Solid GLPH1100 Leg Press Hack Squat
This machine was built with comfort and safety in mind. Unlike several leg press machines out there, this one by Body-Solid, works on the gluteus muscles, the calves, and quads, while easing tension in the joints and bones. In order words, you would not leave the machine feeling like you have been run over by a trailer.
That is not all; the leg press also doubles as a hack squat. In other words, you can get more than one exercise out of it. All you need to do is switch from one option to the other. For a standard home gym, consider this fitness machine for one of your first purchases.
The Leg Press Hack Squat machine from Body Solid features a textured footplate for both leg press and squat hack positions, as well as back and shoulder pads that are 4” thick for maximum comfort and support.
- It has the option of leg press and hacks squat in one, with ease. You can easily switch from working on your legs to working on your thighs on the same machine.
- The ergonomic and sleek design includes thick padding that gives comfort while working out.
- It has three safety lockout positions, all of which ensure that a user never gets stuck in the machine while using it.
- Inbuilt is also a Quad track roller, which glides easily while working on the quads and calf muscles, distributing your body weight evenly while you work out.
- The foot plate is narrow. If you have big feet, this could be a source of concern.
- Quad track roller system.
- Support for back and shoulders.
- Safety lockouts.
- Diamond plate foot platforms for solid leg grip.
- Footprint: 83” L x 34” W x 56” H
- Product weight: 325 lbs
- Weight capacity: 1000 lbs
- Footplate: 16.5” x 20.5”
- Carriage weight: 80 lbs
- Warranty: lifetime for the frame and all parts
5. Rogue Iso Leg Press 35
The Rogue Iso Leg Press 35 is an excellent durable leg press machine. It’s capable of handling up to 2,475 lbs of weight so you can seriously strengthen the muscles in your legs. The Rogue Iso Leg Press 35 is perfect for those looking to grow into their leg press machine, as well as seasoned lifters wanting to add some mass to their legs.
Found in homes and gyms, the Rogue Iso Leg Press 35 can handle a lot of use. It is designed for bilateral and unilateral movements to help align your body and strengthen any imbalances while growing the muscles in your legs, glutes, and core. The seat is adjustable with a pop-pin system. The safety spring stops are also adjustable to make for a comfortable and safe experience. The handles lock and food deck is textured for grip and ease of use.
The Rogue Iso Leg Press has 4 weight pegs for loading and 4 storage posts to handle 1” thick cast iron plates. This premium leg press machine is incredibly durable and weighs a whopping 708 lbs, so users can expect to get a lot of use out of it.
- Perform bilateral and unilateral leg exercises to strengthen all the muscles in your lower body.
- Handles up to 2,475 lbs of weight.
- Suitable for home and commercial use, as well as users of all abilities.
- The linear ball bearings make for a smooth movement of the foot decks.
- It is a bit pricy compared to other models.
- Allows for bilateral and unilateral movements
- Four weight pegs
- Adjustable lumbar seat
- Adjustable spring safety stops
- Multi-angle diamond-tread foot deck
- Spring loaded stop handles
- Four storage posts
- Footprint: 98” L x 64” W x 47” H
- Weight capacity: 2,475 lbs
- Product weight: 708 lbs
- Linear ball bearings
6. Titan Fitness Plate-Loaded Linear Hack Squat Machine
An affordable leg press machine is this one from Titan Fitness. The Plate-Loaded Linear Hack Squat Machine is excellent for lower-body training. Its compact footprint is a great alternative for users limited in space as well as those on a budget. The commercial linear bearings and steel allow guide rods move the carriage and make for a well-built machine.
This machine is designed to work your quads while reducing pressure on the lower back. The 35-degree angled seat is padded for comfort and has adjustable back padding. The handle allows users to pick their start and stop positions for safety and convenience.
Even though it just weighs 190 lbs, the Titan Fitness Hack Squat Machine can handle up to 700 lbs of weight. The 9.75” loadable sleeve lengths let users load this affordable machine with plenty of weight to work all the muscles in the legs and glutes.
- This is an affordable and compact machine.
- It can be loaded with up to 700 lbs of weight.
- The back and seat padding provide comfort and help to reduce stress on the lower back.
- It is made of steel and has commercial linear bearings and steel alloy guide rods, to be durable and stable to use.
- Titan Fitness backs it with only a 1-year warranty.
- Dual loadable weight posts for Olympic-sized weight plates
- 35-degree sled carriage angle
- Easy flip racking handle
- Adjustable start/stop positions
- Linear bearings on guide rods to provie a smooth motion
- Footprint: 46.75” W x 60.5” L x 45.5” H
- Weight capacity: 708 lbs
- Product weight: 190 lbs
- Footplate: 25.25” x 23.25”
- Weight sleeve length: 9.75”
- Weight sleeve diameter: 50 mm
- Frame: steel, powder-coated
- Bolt-together frame
- Warranty: 1-year
7. Force USA Compact Leg Press
Another compact leg press machine is the Force USA Compact Leg Press. Your legs will reap maximum benefits while this leg press machine takes up minimal floor space compared to other models. You’ll even be able to work the muscles in the lower leg with the included calf raise attachment.
We especially like the large footplate that allows for multiple foot positions to work all your lower body muscles, effectively. The 12” long sleeves can handle weight plates up to 660 lbs and users up to 6’6”. Users of all abilities can benefit from this leg press machine, too.
Force USA backs its Compact Leg Press with a lifetime structural warranty, indicating a well-built machine. Its heavy-gauge steel tubing and steel-plated end caps provide stability and the Hover-Glide mechanism makes for a smooth motion. The grip handles help your hands from slipping, and the back pad and footplate are easy and quick to adjust with the pop-pin system.
- This leg press machine is compact to take up less space than other models.
- The sleeves are 12” long and can handle 660 lbs of weight.
- The construction is made of steel and backed with a lifetime warranty.
- You can perform leg presses and calf raises with the included attachment.
- It doesn’t allow for as much versatility as other machines on this list.
- Adjustable back pad
- Adjustable footplate angle
- Calf block included
- Ergonomic comfort-coated grip handles
- Eco-friendly commercial grade powder coat
- High-density commercial grade foam padding
- Commercial grade vinyl upholstery
- Footprint: 52” W x 65” L x 57” H
- Weight capacity: 660 lbs
- User height capacity: 6’6”
- Footplate: 23” x 20”
- Weight sleeve length: 12”
- Steel tubing
- Force USA Hover-Glide mechanism
- Warranty: lifetime structural
8. Body Solid Powerline PVLP 156X Vertical Leg Press
If you’re looking to amp up the activation of your hamstrings and glutes from a leg press machine, then check out the Body Solid Powerline PVLP 156X Vertical Leg Press. This vertical leg press machine offers a great amount of intensity and isolates your quads while letting you load up to 400 lbs of weight on it. Plus, it is super affordable.
This leg press machine only weighs 93 lbs and is compact, making it suitable for more home spaces. The diamond-plate steel footplate provides a non-slip experience and allows for multiple foot positions to focus on working different muscles. The thick back pad and head cushion provide support while you’re lying on your back and pushing the loaded weight upward with your legs.
The Body Solid Powerline Vertical Leg Press is backed with a 10-year frame warranty and steel construction. The alloy steel frame is powder-coated and the 3 1” weight posts make for a stable design. Users can anticipate getting a lot of use out of this vertical leg press machine.
- The vertical leg press targets your lower body to isolate and strengthen the muscles in your legs.
- This budget pick is compact and durable with a steel build and a 10-year frame warranty.
- The three 1” weight posts can handle being loaded with up to 400 lbs of weight.
- There are 3 stop and start positions for safety.
- This machine isn’t best for advanced lifters.
- Vertical leg press
- Dual adjustable ½ inch locking pins
- 3 stop and start safety positions
- Extra-thick back and neck pads
- 3 1” diameter weight posts
- Optional Olympic adapter sleeves
- Footprint: 47.6” L x 34” W x 6.7” H
- Weight capacity: 400 lbs
- Product weight: 93 lbs
- Extra wide footplate with no-slip design
- 3 weight posts
- Frame: Alloy steel
- Warranty: 10-years for the frame, and 1-year for all other parts
Buyer’s Guide
Budget Is Necessary
Being fit is good for the health, but your pocket has to be considered when setting up your personal gym. There are a lot of expensive fitness equipment out there, as well as cheap ones. However, the fact remains that, to get the best or something close, you would have to spend more than pocket change. Look at how much you are able to afford before making a choice. Thankfully, one or two of the above machines are quite affordable.
Take Note of Space
It would not feel good to buy a machine that takes up space meant for other equipment. If you have a small garage or home gym space, either go for a narrow or compact machine, or one like the Powerline Home Gym that has other inbuilt equipment.
Reviews Are Important
That is the reason why this review was created; to help you make a good choice. With reviews, you will get a feel of what you want to buy, consider the pros and cons, and check out their specifications. Also, knowing which ones have the best reviews would help narrow down your choice(s.)
In conclusion, though people have their opinions of what the solid best leg press machines are, your preferences have to come first. Go for what you want and can afford and keep to stay healthy and fit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of a leg press?
Leg presses are used to build muscle in your legs and make them stronger. Having a strong lower body can help reduce the risk of injury and help you improve your performance in everyday activities. The leg press is a simpler exercise that doesn’t require balance. It can also help you to lift heavier when you do deadlifts and squats.
Why should you not lock your legs on a leg press?
The leg press is meant to work the muscles in your legs. When you lock out your legs when you’re fully extended, this causes the weight to go from the muscles to the joint. This places a lot of stress on the knee and can cause injuries. You should never lock out your legs when using a leg press machine.
What muscles does a leg press machine work?
Using a leg press machine will work your quads, glutes, hamstrings, and hip adductors. They even work your lower legs including the calves and shins. You can even change your feet stance to give certain muscles an even harder workout.
Is a leg press as good as squats?
Overall, squats are a better because they require more balance, coordination, and they work your core and back in addition to your legs and glutes. Squats also recruit more muscles because they require you to maintain a good posture, and your range of motion isn’t limited like it is in a leg press.
Another factor is that in a leg press you’re laying down, versus standing when squatting. It’s because of all of this that many people can use more weight on a leg press than they can when performing squats. The leg press is the safer exercise out of the two though.
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What are some of the best leg workouts which can be done without use of machines?
Hello Teslim, You can do the following exercises without any equipment:
Running.
Cycling.
Skipping rope.
Double leg and single leg squatting.
Lunges.
Jumping.
Double leg and single leg calf raises.
Frog jumps.
Duck walking.
With weights you can do the following:
Back squats.
Front squats.
Lunges with barbell and weights on back.
Lunges with back leg on a platform and barbell and weights on back.
Dead-lift.
I hope that is enough!
Are the leg extension and leg curls machines any good?
Hey Mel Gutier, Leg press machines help you get a great lower body workout as an alternative to the more traditional squats, lunges and other bodyweight exercises. When used correctly, they can offer unique advantages from a safety and injury prevention perspective as well as help you reach new heights of strength gains. The guided movements take everything else out of the equation, allowing you to focus on the muscle groups you wish to induce hypertrophy in.
Which are the best exercises for developing thick muscular legs?
Hey Playlegit, Sprints and various plyometrics, Barbell back and front squats, leg press, sled pushes, weighted lunges, weighted calf raises.
How do I gain muscle on my thighs and calves?
hello Anna Mosca, Workouts ( strength training)( squats) (deadlifts). Target on those areas more, than other areas of ur body. To get lean muscle running is bst way.
Can I just do leg extensions to get bigger legs?
Hey Sylvia Hubbard, You would get bigger quadriceps after a while, however, they would only become stronger in that specific range of motion. It wouldn’t be very functional – you don’t use your quads in many situations where you’re stabilized from the waist up and are simply raising your ankles. In my opinion, you need to incorporate more stabilizing muscles by doing more movements than just this.