400LB leg press

[morningstar]

For the first time in 23 years, I worked out at a gym yesterday and was able to use a leg press. The last time I used one was when I was 15 years old and I was able to press 400lbs at that time, but only once. This time I did about 100 presses going higher and higher with the weight, finishing off with 24 400lb leg presses. I think I could have gone to a higher weight, but that was the whole stack. I'm not even sore today - but maybe tomorrow. Unfortunately, I didn't know how to use most of the rest of the equipment, so I just did a few other things so that I wouldn't hurt myself with incorrect form or improper use of the equipment. There were no staff around or guides to show me- it was in a hotel and the cardio equipment was broken.

 

[morningstar]

oh, a quick question - does anyone know exactly which muscles are the primary focus for leg presses?

 

[kathryn]

oh, a quick question - does anyone know exactly which muscles are the primary focus for leg presses?

Pretty much the same as with the squat : glutes, quads and some hamstring (you can vary the emphasis a bit depending on foot placement--farther forward hits glutes and hams a bit more).

Impressive weights you are pressing there! Especially for reps.

 

[morningstar]

thank you!

I wasn't sure of the exact place to put my feet, so I put them pretty much dead centre. I have a knee injury, and wanted to avoid aggravating it. You know, it's a funny thing, but I actually prefer my free weights - something about how I lift them makes me feel like I am doing all the work instead of some machine. I have more of a sense of accomplishment, even if gym equipment feels a little safer (or it would, if I knew how to use it correctly!)