Exercise simulator

Leg press

Adjust the backrest and drag the three handles. Watch how the muscle highlights change with the pose and direction of push.

Backrest30°

Side view

RepetitionPress

Foot placement

Centre

Drag the slider or the foot marker on the diagram.

Push direction

45°

Drag the arrow tip up or down. The dashed line shows the line of force.

Muscles at work

FrontBack

Quadriceps: Extends the knee
Gluteus maximus: Extends the hip

A longer bar means more emphasis on that muscle.

Movement notes

In the middle position, watch the knee and hip extend together as the sled moves away.

A lower foot position may put more emphasis on the quadriceps. In this model, a flatter push shifts the emphasis towards the glutes.

A lower foot position may put more emphasis on the quadriceps. In this model, a steeper push shifts the emphasis towards the quadriceps.

In the middle position, watch the knee and hip extend together as the sled moves away. In this model, a flatter push shifts the emphasis towards the glutes.

In the middle position, watch the knee and hip extend together as the sled moves away. In this model, a steeper push shifts the emphasis towards the quadriceps.

A higher foot position may increase the contribution of the gluteus maximus. In this model, a flatter push shifts the emphasis towards the glutes.

A higher foot position may increase the contribution of the gluteus maximus. In this model, a steeper push shifts the emphasis towards the quadriceps.

These highlights follow knee bend. Select the primary muscles to compare the effect of push direction.

How to read the diagram

Colour illustrates the emphasis for the current pose and foot placement. Actual effort also depends on the resistance, machine and person.

Research on foot placement Research on muscle activity

Try it with a coach at Fit Lab