Top 5 Leg Presses
While large fitness machines like the top leg presses may require a bit more of an investment in both money and space than free weights or other small scale workout equipment, these machines that work several muscle groups at once may well be worth the additional cost. Leg presses offer you a thorough lower body workout in one simple machine, targeting your quadriceps, glutes, hamstrings, and calves simultaneously. There are a couple of different types of leg presses, all of which perform similar functions; the major differences are in price, size, and personal preference. If you’re serious about fitness and are lucky enough to have some space you can dedicate to a professional quality home gym, then you’ll definitely want to include one of these top five leg presses in your collection.
Powerline
If you’re big on fitness but small on available square footage, a vertical leg press like the PVLP156X from Powerline is a good small space solution. Because you’re lying on your back and pushing directly up, the machine turns the traditional hefty width of leg presses literally on its side, adding height instead of girth. The back pad has extra cushioning and the head and neck pads are contoured for a comfortable fit, while the machine itself features a diamond plate steel press deck to prevent slipping, and the nylon bushings offer smooth movement for a non-jerky workout. This machine can hold up to 400 pounds on its 1” diameter posts and the durable powder coated steel alloy frame will stand up to lots of use. The PVLP156X sells for about $300.00 at Amazon.com.
BodySolid
Those of you who prefer a 45-degree angle leg press, meaning you prefer a leg press in which you’re seated, and those who have a bit more room and bit more cash to spare may want to look into BodySolid’s Leg Press/Hack Squat GLPH1100. This machine has a capacity of 1,000 pounds, but the engineered smoothness of the Quad track roller system will let you work your muscles without overworking your joints and the tough Durafirm back and neck pads will keep you comfortable and safely supported. BodySolid’s Leg Press/Hack Squat sells for about $1,300.00, shipping included, from HomeFitnessEquipment.org.
Yukon Fitness
Similar in design to BodySolid’s Leg Press/Hack Squat, the Husky Hip and Leg Sled HLS-160 from Yukon Fitness has the capacity to hold an additional 500 pounds, as well as the ability to convert from a leg press or hack squat to a power thrust. Oversized back pad is fully adjustable, as is the foot plate for customized comfort. There’s also built-in storage for the required Olympic plates, around $1,300.00 at BayouFitness.com.
Athletic Connection
The Field House series from Athletic Connection is a line of professional-grade fitness machines designed for use at home, in schools, or by personal trainers, and the Champion Barbell Leg Press from this collection is certainly worth a look. With a 1,200 pound capacity and pillow block bearings for easy, full range motion, the frame features 2x3” heavy wall steel tubing construction and 8 hydraulic shocks for a challenging yet safe workout on a durable machine, $1749.99 at Sears.com.
Bayou Fitness
Serious fitness enthusiasts will want to have a look at the E-7617 Leg Press/Hack Squat Machine from Bayou Fitness. The commercially rated E series is ergonomically designed to work your muscles without working your pressure points or placing undue stress on joints, plus it’s 1,000-pound capacity is safe enough to be used without a spotter, $1,599.99 at HomeFitnessEquipment.org.
