Best Leg Press Machines

Leg training is an integral part of working out. Your lower body contains about 50% of your total muscle mass, and plays an important role in how you look, feel, and even how many calories you burn. More muscle means a higher metabolic rate.

While squats and lunges are great lower body exercises, using a leg press is an equally good solution. But how do you choose the best leg press machine?

The right leg press machine can make training your lower body a pleasure, while the wrong machine could be uncomfortable and even result in injury. Leg press machines also need to be robust enough to support a lot of weight and, above all, should be easy to use. There is no need to make leg training even harder than it already is!

In this guide, we test and review 15 of the best leg press machines so that you can choose the right one for you. Equipped with the best leg press machine, you should have no problem developing the lower body of your dreams.

The Best Leg Press Machines

1. Body-Solid GLPH1100 Leg Press

This home leg press machine would not look out of place in a commercial gym. It provides a couple of leg press options to help make your workouts varied, engaging, and productive.Key Features

• Quad-track roller system
• 2″ x 4″ 11-gauge steel construction
• Duel hack squat and leg press functions
• 1000 lb. capacity
• Heavy-gauge, cross-hatch footplate
• Padded back and shoulder cushions
• Fully adjustable backrest and footplate angle
• 3 safety bar lockout positions

With the Body-Solid GLPH1100 Leg Press/Hack Squat Machine, you can do two of the best leg exercises around – feet-elevated leg presses and standing hack squats. In addition, you can also use this machine for calf raises too. With its 1000 lbs. load capacity, this machine is ideal for even very strong users.

Pros

• Easy and comfortable to use
• Suitable for beginner and advanced exercises alike
• Safe and comfortable to use
• Strong, sturdy construction
• Smooth, quiet movement

Cons

• Weight plates must be purchased separately
• Large footprint – may be too big for smaller home gyms

The Body-Solid GLPH1100 Leg Press/Hack Squat Machine would make a good addition to any home or garage gym. If you are serious about leg training, this product comes highly recommended.

2. Bodycraft F660 Leg Press/Hip Sled

The Bodycraft F660 Leg Press/Hip Sled is a dual-action machine that is built for heavy leg workouts. Made from high-quality materials, if you want a workout machine that will last a lifetime, this product could be a great option.

Key Features

• Fully adjustable shoulder pads
• Adjustable footplate
• 1000 lbs. load capacity
• Cross-hatch, non-slip footplate
• Lifetime warranty
• Solid, stable construction
• Plastic wheels and linear bearings for a smooth, quiet action

The Bodycraft F660 Leg Press/Hip Sled offers three exercise positions – the traditional leg press and hack squat, plus a modified “donkey squat” position that emphasizes the hips and hamstrings. You can also use this machine for calf raises. It’s a well-built, versatile leg training station that would be at home in any commercial gym.

Pros

• Offers three different leg exercises plus calf raises
• Thick, well-padded shoulder and back supports
• Can accommodate even very tall users
• Very quiet in use, even when heavily loaded
• Suitable for the strongest users

Cons

• Back support pad is quite narrow and may not accommodate larger users
• Weight plates must be purchased separately
• Some self-assembly required

The Bodycraft F660 Leg Press/Hip Sled is a versatile leg training machine that is ideal for even the hardest of hardcore leg workouts! More than just a standard leg press, this machine offers variety, comfort, and safety.

3. 4-Way Hip Sled Leg Press

Where most leg machines allow you to perform one or two exercises, the 4-Way Hip Sled allows you to perform four great exercises for a total lower body workout.  Big, strong, and made for hardcore workouts, if you are serious about leg training, this machine is worthy of your consideration.

Key Features

• Offers four exercises – leg press, hack squat, front squat, and calf raise
• Large cross-hatch, non-slip footplate for comfort and safety
• 2” square steel construction
• Thick back and shoulder pads
• 1000 lbs. capacity
• Multi-position, easy to adjust safety bars

If you are looking for a cheap leg press machine that is also suitable for heavy workouts, the 4-Way Hip Sled is a good choice. Offering four different leg exercises, you get a lot of bang for your buck. Half the price of many other leg press and hack squat machines, the 4-Way Hip Sled would be a great addition to any home or garage gym.

Pros

• Budget-friendly
• Strong, stable construction
• Fully adjustable and padded for comfort
• Suitable for beginner and advanced exercisers alike
• Easy transition from one exercise to the next

Cons

• Requires two-person assembly
• Narrow back support may prove awkward for larger users

If you are looking for a budget-friendly solution for all your leg training needs, the 4-Way Hip Sled fits the bill nicely. It’s a solidly-constructed machine that should provide you with great workouts for years to come.

4. Powertec Fitness Leg Press

A lot of home leg press machines provide multiple workout options, such as hack squats and front squats. The Powertec Fitness Leg Press bucks this “more is better” trend and only offers one exercise – regular leg presses. However, what it does, it does very well.

Key Features

• Compact design with a small footprint
• Four loading pins
• 1000 lbs. loading capacity
• Large non-slip, cross-hatch footplate
• Thickly padded, fully adjustable back support
• Multi-position weight catchers

If you are serious about leg pressing, the Powertec Leg Press is a good workout choice. It’s simple but sturdy construction combined with easy to use mechanism means it is ideal for home and light-commercial use.

Pros

• Compact design is ideal for home use
• Comfortable and easy to use
• Great price
• Suitable for even very strong users
• Accommodates tall, wide users

Cons

• Self-assembly required
• Assembly instructions not very detailed
• Can only be used to perform one exercise

The Powertec Leg Press might not be as versatile as other leg press hack squat machines, but for many exercisers that is an advantage. If you want a budget-friendly, easy to use, dedicated leg press for home use, this machine really does deliver the goods.

5. Body-Solid Powerline Leg Press

Most leg press machines are angled at 45 degrees. This means you can lift a lot of weight, but that also means you need a lot of plates for an effective workout. They can also be expensive. This vertical leg press by Body-Solid is small, light, and very budget-friendly, and, best of all, you don’t need to load it with 500 lbs. to get a good workout.

Key Features

• Vertical leg press using a traditional, old-school design
• 400 lbs. loading capacity
• Suitable for use with non-Olympic, standard weight plates
• Powder-coated frame
• Three start/stop positions
• Thick, angled back pad
• Cross-hatch, non-slip footplate

Vertical leg presses offer a comfortable, safe position in which to train your legs. Also, because of their very simple design, they are very light and compact, making them ideal for home use. This position can take some getting used to if you usually use an angled leg press, but you’ll soon learn to love the benefits of using a vertical leg press.

Pros

• Ideal for home gyms where space is at a premium
• Easy to load and use
• Isolates the lower body

Cons

• Back pad angle is not adjustable
• Small footplate means you canto to wide-leg presses
• Some users may be prone to lower back rounding which could lead to injury

The Body-Solid Powerline Vertical Leg Press is a viable alternative to larger, heavier, 45-degree leg press machines. Ideal for home use, this is a very budget-friendly option for anyone wanting to work their legs in safety and relative comfort.

6. Body-Solid LVLP Leg Press

Leverage leg press machines are typically found in commercial gyms, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t suitable for home or garage use too. The Leverage Horizontal Commercial Leg Press by Body-Solid provides a very effective leg workout and comes with a lifetime warranty for peace of mind.

Key Features

• Direct drive leg press system
• Very large non-slip, cross-hatch footplate
• Footplate pivots to keep feet flat at all times
• Fully adjustable, padded back support.
• Heavy, strong, 11-gauge steel construction

With angled leg presses, you only lift a proportion of the weight loaded onto the machine. With lever leg presses, not only do you lift 100% of the weight, the load increases as you approach lockout. This means you can get a better workout with less weight. The upright seat position also means this machine is easier on your lower back.

Pros

• Safe, comfortable workout
• Large footplate for a range of foot positions
• 1000-pound capacity
• Durable construction which should last a lifetime

Cons

• Long footprint may mean it’s too big for some home gyms
• Only suitable for one exercise – leg presses

The Body-Solid Leverage Horizontal Commercial Leg Press is an excellent alternative to the standard 45-degree design. Easier on your lower back, you can get a better workout with less weight. It is, however, a big machine, and you’ll need plenty of space to fit it into your home or garage gym.

7. Body-Solid Pro Club Line SLP500G2 Leg Press

The Body-Solid Pro Club Line SLP500G2 Leg Press is a self-contained leg press machine that is ideal for home use. With its sectorized weight stack, you don’t any need extra weight plates. This means it is easy to use and ideal for beginner and intermediate exercisers.

Key Features

• 210-pound sectorized weight stack
• Fully adjustable seat
• Smooth, quiet pressing action
• Large cross-hatched, non-slip footplate
• Sturdy 2″ x 4″ steel frame

With no plates to load, the sectorized weight stack on this Body-Solid Pro Club Line SLP500G2 Leg Press is very easy to use. Simply pull out and reinsert the loading pin without getting off the machine. The upright seated position also takes pressure off your lower back. There is not enough weight to challenge very strong lifters but, for the average home exercise, this machine should deliver a solid workout.

Pros

• Very easy and comfortable to use
• No additional weights required
• Ideal for beginners and intermediate exercisers
• Compact design ideal for home-use
• Low-back friendly seat position

Cons

• Not heavy enough for advanced users
• Cables will stretch and will need periodic adjustment
• Can only be used for leg pressing

The Body-Solid Pro Club Line SLP500G2 Leg Press is a high-quality machine that is also ideal for home use. Sturdy and built to last, it’s a very viable alternative to angled leg press machines, especially for beginner/intermediate exercisers who aren’t interested in lifting huge weights.

8. TDS Premier Vertical Leg Press

Vertical leg presses provide a good, compact, alternative to much larger 45-degree leg presses. They are decidedly old-school, but that’s not a bad thing. The TDS Premier Vertical Leg Press is heavy-duty enough for even the hardest of hardcore home exercisers.

Key Features

• Compact, heavy-duty design
• Large non-slip footplate with angled edge for calf raises
• Thickly padded backrest for comfort
• Easy to reach safety bars
• 1000-pound capacity

The TDS Premier Vertical Leg Press is made for heavy workouts. Where many home-use leg presses are only suitable for light to moderate loads, this machine is rated right up to 1000 pounds. The large footplate means you can adopt a variety of foot positions and you can even do calf raises on this machine.

Pros

• Easy to use
• Suitable for the strongest of users
• Small footprint makes it ideal for home use

Cons

• Vertical position can be hard on the lower back
• Backrest angle not adjustable

The TDS Premier Vertical Leg Press is an excellent at-home alternative to more common 45-degree leg press machines. Made to last, this easy to use machine is ideal for home users, but some may find the supine pressing position uncomfortable.

9. Weider Ultimate Body Works

Where most leg presses use external weight plates and weight stacks for resistance, the Weider Ultimate Body Works uses your own bodyweight. This makes for a smooth, joint-friendly workout that is ideal for beginner and intermediate exercisers.

Key Features

• Very low price
• Can be used to train all major muscle groups
• Very smooth and quiet to use
• Light and portable

Weider is one of the most well-known names in fitness and has been producing workout equipment for over 25 years. While the Weider Ultimate Body Works is not strictly a leg press, that is one of the exercises that you can do on this machine. By simply changing the angle of the carriage, you can quickly adjust the intensity of your workout; no additional weights are required.

Pros

• Very budget-friendly
• Exercises for your whole body, and not just your legs
• Uses your bodyweight and elastic ropes for resistance
• Lightweight, portable design ideal for home use

Cons

• Resistance limited by your bodyweight
• Not suitable for serious strength training or bodybuilding
• Not ideal for heavy use

If you are looking for a full-body workout you can do at home that isn’t too intense, the Weider Ultimate Body Works could be a good option. Cheap, light, and portable, this machine is designed for home use. But, if you want to build muscle and strength and need to work with heavy loads, this is not a viable option.

10. Valor Fitness CC-10 Leg Press Machine

The Valor Fitness CC-10 Home Gym Vertical Leg Press Machine is made for heavy home and light commercial users. Its heavy-duty construction means this machine can support up to 500 lbs. which should be enough for even the strongest exerciser.

Key Features

• 2” x 2” steel construction
• High-density foam backrest
• Three loading pins that accommodate regular and Olympic weight plates
• Vertical handles for user stability

With a vertical leg press, you push the weight up from a supine position. Unlike 45-degree leg presses, that means you have to lift 100% of the load. With its 500-pound capacity and thickly padded backrest, the Valor Fitness CC-10 Home Gym Vertical Leg Press Machine should provide even the strongest exerciser with a comfortable, effective workout.

Pros

• Compact design ideal for home use
• Comes supplied with Olympic and standard loading pins
• Strong and stable construction
• Easy to adjust start and finish positions

Cons

• Very small footplate will limit foot placement options
• Backrest angle is not adjustable

The Valor Fitness CC-10 Home Gym Vertical Leg Press Machine is all about the basics, and it does the basics really well. There are more technologically advanced leg presses available, but if you want a low-tech but still effective leg training machine, this could be a good fit.

11. Mini Leg Press

Leg press machines are often so big and bulky that they are not ideal for smaller home and garage gyms. The TFD Mini Leg Press lives up to its name and is specifically designed for light commercial and home use.

Key Features

• Compact, lightweight design
• 600-pound weight capacity
• Single, center carriage rail
• Fully adjustable back support
• 3-position carriage stop
• Conveniently-located weight safety catches

Compact and easy to use, the TFD mini leg press should be more than enough for most home exercisers. It won’t support 1000s of pounds but, unless you are super-strong, it’s 600-pound loading capacity should be plenty. Thickly padded, this machine should be comfortable to use and provide years of faithful service.

Pros

• Compact design ideal for home use
• Single weight carriage rail for less weight
• Comfortable, customizable workout
• Hardwearing, powder-coated finish

Cons

• Some self-assembly required
• Assembly instructions are not very clear
• Can only be used to perform one exercise
• Weight plates are sold separately

The TFD Mini Leg Press is a budget-friendly option for exercisers who don’t want or need to lift huge weights. It looks good, is made from good-quality parts and materials, and is an excellent workout option for home and garage gyms.

12. FORCE USA Monster Ultimate 45 Degree Leg Press

The FORCE USA Monster Ultimate 45 Degree Leg Press/Hack Squat Combo is a serious leg press machine for serious leg pressers! It combines two essential exercises – leg presses and hack squats – and has enough features to please even the most exacting workout enthusiast.

Key Features

• 1000-pound weight capacity
• Adjustable oversized, non-slip footplate with adjustable calf raise block
• Built-in weight storage racks
• Bottom pegs for adding resistance bands
• 5 Safety lockout positions and 5 racking positions with a superior range of motion for users up to 7′ tall.
• Converts quickly between leg press and hack squat functions
• Padded, fully adjustable back and shoulder pads

This leg press machine is something of a beast! It offers features usually only found on commercial-grade equipment, such as band pegs and weight holders. You might not need all these features, but you’ll definitely enjoy them if you’ve got them. Think of the FORCE USA Monster Ultimate 45 Degree Leg Press/Hack Squat Combo as the leg press equivalent of a Rolls Royce.

Pros

• Heavy-duty construction
• Many features normally only found on commercial leg press machines
• Suitable for very strong exercisers as well as beginners
• Can be used for both leg presses and hack squats, as well as calf raises
• Keep your gym tide with built-in weight storage racks
• Add variety to your leg press workout by adding resistance bands

Cons

• Large footprint and heavy frame weight – may be too big for some home gyms
• Weight plates not supplied
• Some self-assembly required

This is a commercial-grade leg press that is also ideal for serious home and garage gym use. If you train hard but don’t want to join a gym to do it, the FORCE USA Monster Ultimate 45 Degree Leg Press/Hack Squat Combo could be the answer to your home gym prayers.

13. Body-Solid LP40S Leg Press

The Body-Solid LP40S Leg Press is an add-on unit for the for EXM4000S Home Gym. It does not come supplied with weights and is only compatible with the Body-Solid EXM4000S Home Gym System.

Key Features

• Adjustable backrest
• Non-slip, cross-hatch footplate
• Angled footplate edge for calf raises
• Solid construction

If you are looking for a way to expand the functionality of your Body-Solid EXM4000S Home Gym, the LP40S Leg Press is a good place to start. Easy on your lower back, and a cinch to adjust and use, this add-on will add a new dimension to your home workouts.

Pros

• Fully compatible with Body-Solid EXM4000S Home Gym
• Suitable for beginner and intermediate exercisers
• Easy to adjust and use
• Comfortable and safe

Cons

• Must be used in conjunction with Body-Solid EXM4000S Home Gym system

If you already own the Body-Solid EXM4000S Home Gym, this leg press could be a valuable addition to your set up. With it, you can do one of the best lower body exercises around – seated leg presses. Easy on your lower back, the Body-Solid LP40S Leg Press is a safe and effective way to strengthen your lower body.

14. Body-Solid Bi-Angular Gym

More than just a leg press machine, the Body-Solid Bi-Angular Gym with Leg and Calf Press is a complete home gym. With seven independent stations (including a leg press/calf raise), if you’ve got the space, this is a total body workout solution.

Key Features

• Offers 50 different strength training, toning exercises
• Sectorized weight stack for easy use
• 2:1 leverage ratio, making weights feel twice as heavy
• Fully padded, hardwearing upholstery on all seats and pads
• Lifetime manufacturer’s warranty
• Can accommodate multiple users at the same time

With the Body-Solid Bi-Angular Gym with Leg and Calf Press, you can work every muscle in your body, including your legs. With seven dedicated workout stations, you have everything you need to create a full gym at home. Designed with beginners and intermediate exercises in mind, this is a great workout solution for those with the space to dedicate to a large home gym.

Pros

• Train your whole body, and not just your legs
• Wide range of resistance options
• Weight stack expansion pack available
• Self-contained home workout solution – no extra equipment required

Cons

• Very large and heavy – needs a lot of space
• Weight stack may not be substantial enough for stronger users

The Body-Solid Bi-Angular Gym with Leg and Calf Press is like the Swiss-Army knife of workout machines – it does a bit of everything. However, that may mean that it does a lot of things reasonably well, rather than a few things brilliantly. Ideal for general home exercisers, if you are really serious about strength training, this all-in-one workout machine may not be your best choice.

15. Body-Solid Powerline Home Gym

The Body-Solid Powerline Home Gym with Leg Press is a compact home gym designed for beginner and intermediate exercisers. Smaller and lighter than many other all-in-one workout solutions, if toning and weight loss are your goals, this machine could help.

Key Features

• Compact, lightweight design
• Sectorized weight stack for easy use
• Low, mid, and high pulleys offer a wide range of exercises
• Suitable for men and women

More than just a leg press machine, the Body-Solid Powerline Home Gym with Leg Press provides a good way to tone and strengthen your entire body in the comfort of your home. You’ll need a reasonable amount of space to house this machine, but you’ll be rewarded with a convenient, easy to use alternative to going to a commercial gym to work out.

Pros

• Versatile
• Easy to use
• Weight stack can be upgraded for more advanced users

Cons

• 160-pound weight stack may be too light for some users
• Requires home assembly
• Stations are close together and may make it difficult for more than one person to work out at the same time

The Body-Solid Powerline Home Gym with Leg Press is a versatile home workout solution for anyone who wants to exercise all of their major muscles. It’s easy to use, and it takes no time at all to move from one exercise to the next. Advanced and strong users may find that this machine does not provide sufficient resistance.

Bottom Line

Leg press machines provide a safe, comfortable way to build, tone, or strengthen your lower body. Unlike free weight exercises like squats and lunges, the load is guided on rails which leaves you free to focus on lifting and lowering the weight. Getting tired? No problem! Just lower the weight onto the built-in safety stoppers.

There are several different leg press machine options to choose from, so it’s essential to do your research before buying. 45-degree leg press machines are big and heavy but are best for serious leg workouts. Vertical leg presses are smaller, lighter, and more compact, but they can be hard on your lower back. Sectorized leg press machines stacks make changing weights quick and easy, but they also limit the maximum amount of weight you can use. Some leg presses are part and parcel of more complete home gym setups.

Think about what you need from your leg press, and also remember that, over the coming months and years, your fitness and strength will increase. Don’t buy a leg press that you’ll quickly outgrow otherwise you’ll just have to replace it.