Leg press
At least one paper behind this review states what this option was measured against. That is not a ranking, and this option carries no evidence profile of its own.
- squat / knee-dominantStrength · 12 papers put it here (10 stated, 2 inferred)
- hinge / hip-dominantStrength · 2 papers put it here (1 stated, 1 inferred)
Subjects were seated with a starting knee angle below 60°. They performed a dynamic action to full leg extension (knee angle 180°) after warm-up sets.
Neuromuscular Adaptations to Different Modes of Combined Strength and Endurance Training10 sets of 10 repetitions at 70% 1RM, 3 sec concentric contraction, 3 sec eccentric contraction, 90 sec rest between sets.
Muscle Strength and Metabolism in Master AthletesPerformed horizontally on a sliding seat with feet on an inclined flywheel box. Aim for a maximum of 90 degrees of knee flexion. Arms crossed over the chest. Stance width individually chosen with foot position adjusted to align flywheel strap with midfoot.
Comparison of Joint and Muscle Biomechanics in Maximal Flywheel Squat and Leg PressStarting position is supine with feet on a stationary footplate. Range of motion is from knees fully extended to approximately 100° of flexion and back to fully extended.
A Comparison of Tibiofemoral Joint Forces and Electromyographic Activit During Open and Closed Kinetic Chain Exercises- Traditional Resistance Exercise (TRE): Bilateral concentric and eccentric phases on a 45° leg press machine with a tempo of 2 s to lift, 1 s pause, and 2 s lowering. - Eccentric Only Resistance Exercise (ERE): Bilateral eccentric phase only; concentric phase performed by an assistant. - Eccentrically Biased Resistance Exercise (EBRE): Bilateral concentric phase, unilateral eccentric phase with a tempo of 2-1-2 seconds. - Starting position and range of motion: Standard leg press setup. - Tempo: 2-1-2 seconds for concentric and eccentric phases. - Technique cues: Warm-up and cool-down routines included; specific technique cues not detailed.
Comparing the effects of two distinct eccentric modalities to traditional resistance training in resistance trained, higher functioning older adultsPerformed on a machine, cadence of 15 reps/min (2s eccentric, 2s concentric) for low intensity; freely chosen cadence for high intensity.
Energy cost of isolated resistance exercises across low- to high-intensitiesPerformed in a specific device with weight plates. Feet positioned between hip-and shoulder-width apart, toes pointed slightly outward. 2 sets of 10-15 repetitions to momentary concentric failure. Tempo: 1/1/2/0. Rest: 2 minutes between sets, 3 minutes between exercises.
Addition of The Barbell Hip Thrust Elicits Greater Increases in Gluteus Maximus Muscle Thickness in Untrained Young WomenStarts from full hip flexion to near full knee extension. Performed with a tempo of 2 seconds concentric and 2 seconds eccentric. Rest interval of 3 minutes between sets.
Comparison of single- and multi-joint lower body resistance training upon strength increases in recreationally active males and females: a within-participant unilateral training study
Measured in sets × reps — 2 of 2 library steps using ex.strength.leg-press are prescribed in this unit.
- Frequency: Twice per week - Duration: Eight weeks - Tempo: 2-1-2 (concentric phase 2 seconds, pause 1 second, eccentric phase 2 seconds) - Load: ≥ 70% 1RM or 1ERM - Repetitions: 10 repetitions - Sets and rest between sets: Not explicitly detailed (referenced in Table 1a)
Comparing the effects of two distinct eccentric modalities to traditional resistance training in resistance trained, higher functioning older adults- Sessions: 3 sessions per participant - Loads: 20%, 35%, 50%, 65%, 80%1RM - Repetitions: 4-5 maximum effort contractions per load - Rest between contractions: 30 seconds - Rest between loads: ≥ 2 minutes - Sessions per week: Not explicitly mentioned, but sessions were spaced 3-7 days apart - Total programme length: Not explicitly mentioned, but involved four laboratory visits
Fast and ballistic contractions involve greater neuromuscular power production in older adults during resistance exercise
machine · beginner — from the exercise catalogue, which is where equipment is authored.
Requires strength to push the load but is generally easier in terms of technical skill compared to the squat. Still demands a certain level of strength to handle the loads used in the study.
Effect of 8 weeks of free-weight and machine-based strength training on strength and power performanceLower strength and technical skill required; suitable for beginners and those with injuries.
Leg Press vs. Smith Machine: Quadriceps Activation and Overall Perceived Effort ProfilesResistance training experience; familiarity with using a 45° plate-loaded leg press machine; strength and coordination to handle the load; ability to follow a structured exercise routine with warm-up and cool-down.
Comparing the effects of two distinct eccentric modalities to traditional resistance training in resistance trained, higher functioning older adultsEasy to perform; safe for non-trained population.
Systematic review of intra-abdominal and intrathoracic pressures initiated by the Valsalva manoeuvre during high-intensity resistance exercises
Performed with deeper knee-flexion angle, potentially easier in terms of balance but harder due to range of motion.
Comparison of Joint and Muscle Biomechanics in Maximal Flywheel Squat and Leg Press- TRE: Bilateral concentric and eccentric phases with a tempo of 2-1-2. - EBRE: Bilateral concentric phase, unilateral eccentric phase with a tempo of 2-1-2. - ERE: Bilateral eccentric phase only, with concentric phase assisted by an assistant. - Progression: Increasing load by 20 kg on the leg press or to the next available increment when participants were two or more SOF for two consecutive sessions.
Comparing the effects of two distinct eccentric modalities to traditional resistance training in resistance trained, higher functioning older adultsVarying ROM (e.g., full ROM vs. fixed 90 degrees knee flexion) for progression. Affects muscle activation and can be used for progression or regression.
The impact of resistance training on gluteus maximus hypertrophy: a systematic review and meta-analysisThe progression or regression in this study is based on the type of contraction: conventional (CONV), fast non-ballistic (FAST-NB), and fast ballistic (FAST-B). The FAST-B contractions are considered more challenging due to the requirement to move as fast as possible and project the load, resulting in higher power, force, and velocity compared to FAST-NB and CONV.
Fast and ballistic contractions involve greater neuromuscular power production in older adults during resistance exercise
The study reports that one participant withdrew due to knee soreness, but it was unrelated to the study protocols. The training protocol with 70% 1ERM (or 1RM) for 10 repetitions is considered safe. No specific contraindications or cautions are mentioned.
Comparing the effects of two distinct eccentric modalities to traditional resistance training in resistance trained, higher functioning older adults- Contraindications: Recent lower extremity musculoskeletal injuries, major surgery, musculoskeletal or neuromuscular diseases, high blood pressure (> 150/90 mmHg), cognitive impairments (mini-mental state exam score < 23), and taking more than 15 seconds to complete the sit-to-stand test. - Safety concerns: Managing projected loads during FAST-B contractions requires safe equipment design to avoid injury. - Caution: Until safer equipment is available, older adults should perform FAST-NB rather than FAST-B contractions.
Fast and ballistic contractions involve greater neuromuscular power production in older adults during resistance exercise
Facility or specialist (selectorised machine)
Effect of 8 weeks of free-weight and machine-based strength training on strength and power performanceFacility or specialist (leg press machine)
A Comparison of Tibiofemoral Joint Forces and Electromyographic Activit During Open and Closed Kinetic Chain ExercisesMinimal or home (leg press machine or equivalent)
Systematic review of intra-abdominal and intrathoracic pressures initiated by the Valsalva manoeuvre during high-intensity resistance exercisesFacility or specialist (leg press dynamometer) - Gym or facility
Fast and ballistic contractions involve greater neuromuscular power production in older adults during resistance exercise
- Barbell back squat — a paper measured this option against it“The free barbell back squat is compared against the leg extension” · D. Clark, M. Lambert, A. Hunter (2012) · 10.1519/JSC.0b013e31822d533d
- Front squat — a paper measured this option against it
- Smith machine exercise — a paper measured this option against it
- Deadlift — a paper measured this option against it“Multi-joint lower-body exercises (Romanian deadlift” · R. Juřík, P. Šťastný, D. Kolinger et al. (2025) · 10.1186/s13102-025-01161-y
- Romanian deadlift — a paper measured this option against it“Multi-joint lower-body exercises (Romanian deadlift” · R. Juřík, P. Šťastný, D. Kolinger et al. (2025) · 10.1186/s13102-025-01161-y
- Bench press — a paper measured this option against it“and bench press in terms of IAP” · D. Blažek, P. Šťastný, A. Maszczyk, M. Krawczyk, Patryk Matykiewicz, M. Petr (2019) · 10.5114/biolsport.2019.88759
- Hip thrust — a paper measured this option against it“plus barbell hip thrust” · Witalo Kassiano, Gabriel Kunevaliki, Bruna Costa et al. (2024) · 10.47206/ijsc.v4i1.284
- Calf raise — a paper measured this option against it“calf raise exercises” · P. Gentil, D. Souza, Murillo V. B. Santana et al. (2020) · 10.3390/ijerph17249487
- Push-up — a paper measured this option against it“Progressive calisthenic push-up training” · Christopher J Kotarsky, B. Christensen, Jason Miller, K. Hackney (2017) · 10.1519/JSC.0000000000002345
A paper measuring one option against another does not make the two interchangeable, and it does not say which to choose. These are listed as what the papers did, and nothing here proposes a substitution.