Slide show: Weight training exercises
Woman doing leg press with weight machine
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The leg press is an exercise you can do with a weight machine to work various muscles in the lower body, including the quadriceps muscles, the gluteal muscles, the hamstring muscles and the calf muscles.

Adjust the seat of the machine so that your legs are comfortably bent to about 90 degrees when your feet are on the platform. Avoid bending your knees too deeply, which will place too much stress on your knees. Place your feet on the platform about shoulder-width apart, and grasp the handles with your hands.

Slowly straighten your knees. Be careful not to arch your back, and make sure your knees do not roll or cave inward. Avoid using momentum to force your knees straight. You'll feel tension in the muscles in your legs and buttocks. Return slowly to the starting position. Repeat.

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