Leg Presses

[JJ from GoodTimes]

Does anyone have a video or can explain what range of motion should be used when doing leg presses?

I usually try and use a full range of motion to the point where my knees touch my chest on descent.

I thought maybe I was going to far down because most people I see only go maybe half of that. Granted I can't do that much weight doing them like this..maybe 4-5 plates per side tops, but it really seems to work not only the quads but also the hammys very throughly.

There are people in my gym who fill up the machine with 45's on each side then they go and grab the BB from the flat bench lay it across the top of the machine and add more 45's..YET, their range of motion is only half of mine...

I just wanted to know I'm I overdoing these by going to far down...

For example, when you squat you try to go down like you are sitting in a chair (about that low), most people don't go all the way down to where your but touches your ankles...maybe leg presses are the same way...and I'm going too far..

any input would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Scotsman]

You're doing them right. More weight doesn't mean a better lift. Those half reps won't give you as much work as lighter full reps.

Cheers,
Scotsman

 

[Awes0me]

sounds like u r doing them right 2 me m8

 

[louden_swain]

Get the fullest range of motion you can.

I see the same thing as well. . yet these guys are boasting 23-24 inch quads.

Instead of bringing your front quads down into the chest, wide your stance and let your inner quads come down to the outside of your ribcage. Never let the sled come down to the point where your lower back starts to roll out from underneath you. Keep the technque solid, legs tight, and use a moderate pace. Also, ever lock out at the top position. . keep constant motion on the quads.

Overall, I rate this exercises as a good quad and butt builder, but its poor for developing the muscles of the hips. Also not a good exercise for developing functional strength. . but for building muscle. . its a good one.