Smith Machine Leg Press

An intermediate strength exercise for the quads, calves, glutes and hamstrings, done with a gym machine.

Movement guide

Smith Machine Leg Press

Demand · source-assignedMedium (unreviewed)

Equipment requiredStrength machine

Muscle focusQuads · Calves · Glutes · Hamstrings

Written instructions available. A verified 3D demonstration has not been built for this variation.

Make it easier or harder

Start where you can move well, then step up.

Easier option

3D demoLeg pressBeginner · Strength machine

Similar move, beginner grade.

This move

Smith Machine Leg PressIntermediate · Strength machine

Intermediate grade (source-assigned).

Harder option

Back squat with bands demonstrated on the 3D figure

3D demoBack squat with bandsAdvanced · A barbell + A band

Similar move, advanced grade.

Imported reference · editorial review pending. Clinical review is pending.

This entry comes from an external exercise database. Its instructions and difficulty have not completed our editorial or qualified clinical review.

How to move

Position a Smith machine bar a couple feet off of the ground. Ensure that it is resting on the safeties. After loading the bar to an appropriate weight, lie underneath the bar. Place the middle of your feet on the bar, tucking your knees to your chest. This will be your starting position.
Begin the movement by driving through your feet to move the bar upward, extending the hips and knees. Do not lock out your knees.
At the top of the motion, pause briefly before returning to the starting position.

Practice and cautions

No dose has been assigned. Any timing or repetition examples in the imported instructions are source examples, not an individualized recommendation.

Imported community instructions and difficulty labels have not been independently reviewed for technique or individual suitability. Equipment labels may include additions inferred from the setup text; check the instructions for the exact support or alternatives. Stop for sharp or increasing pain, numbness or tingling; seek qualified guidance for symptoms, unfamiliar equipment or advanced skills.

Add to a routine Log a session

Sources and review status

Sources support the educational description; they do not establish that this exercise is suitable for you.

Free Exercise DB · community text ↗
Unlicense · Free Exercise DB contributors; derived from wrkout/exercises.json. Text import; no photographs or media. · Revision f00c92c7dcf1216a928a52c3706c7ce8e2f71ed5

No variation is labeled clinically validated.

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What it works

Muscles

Main: Quads. Also: Calves, Glutes, Hamstrings.

Equipment

Strength machine

Level

Intermediate (source-assigned, not yet reviewed). See the easier and harder options above.

Similar moves

Narrow-stance leg press demonstrated on the 3D figure

3D demoNarrow-stance leg pressBeginner · Strength machine

Back squat with chains demonstrated on the 3D figure

3D demoBack squat with chainsAdvanced · A barbell + Other / check instructions

Barbell box squat demonstrated on the 3D figure

3D demoBarbell box squatIntermediate · A barbell

Barbell Bulgarian split squat demonstrated on the 3D figure

3D demoBarbell Bulgarian split squatAdvanced · A barbell + A bench or box

Barbell hack squat demonstrated on the 3D figure

3D demoBarbell hack squatIntermediate · A barbell

Barbell lunge demonstrated on the 3D figure

3D demoBarbell lungeIntermediate · A barbell

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Questions people ask

What muscles does the Smith Machine Leg Press work?

Mainly the quads, with help from the calves, glutes and hamstrings.

What equipment do I need for the Smith Machine Leg Press?

Strength machine.

Is the Smith Machine Leg Press good for beginners?

It is graded intermediate. The grade comes from the source database and has not been independently reviewed. If it is too hard right now, start with the Leg press.

What is an easier alternative to the Smith Machine Leg Press?

Try the Leg press. It works similar muscles at a lower grade.

How do I make the Smith Machine Leg Press harder?

Progress to the Back squat with bands, or add load, range or slower lowering once your form is solid.