Smith Machine Leg Press
Smith Machine Leg Press is an intermediate compound machine exercise that mainly works your quads, with help from your calves, glutes and hamstrings.


How to do the smith machine leg press
- Position a Smith machine bar a couple feet off of the ground. Ensure that it is resting on the safeties. After loading the bar to an appropriate weight, lie underneath the bar. Place the middle of your feet on the bar, tucking your knees to your chest. This will be your starting position.
- Begin the movement by driving through your feet to move the bar upward, extending the hips and knees. Do not lock out your knees.
- At the top of the motion, pause briefly before returning to the starting position.
Muscles worked
Sets and reps
For strength, do 3-5 sets of 5-8 reps with 2-3 minutes of rest. For muscle growth, 3-4 sets of 8-12 reps with 90 seconds of rest. Add a little weight when you hit the top of the range on every set.
Track your smith machine leg press with GymPlan AI
Log every set in seconds, see your progress on charts, and ask the AI coach to build a plan around your goals and equipment. 7 days free, no card needed.
Start your free trialSmith Machine Leg Press alternatives
Exercises that train the same main muscle, including options with other equipment.
SquatBarbell · Beginner
Goblet SquatDumbbell · Beginner
Leg PressMachine · Beginner
Bodyweight SquatBodyweight · Beginner
Cable DeadliftsCable · Beginner
Weighted SquatOther · IntermediateFAQ
What muscles does the smith machine leg press work?
It mainly works your quads; your calves, glutes and hamstrings assist.
How many sets and reps of smith machine leg press should I do?
For strength, do 3-5 sets of 5-8 reps with 2-3 minutes of rest. For muscle growth, 3-4 sets of 8-12 reps with 90 seconds of rest. Add a little weight when you hit the top of the range on every set.
Is the smith machine leg press good for beginners?
It suits lifters with some experience. Beginners can start with a lighter weight or one of the alternatives below.