Vertical leg press

Vertical leg press machine

Also called lying vertical leg press, upright leg press

Lie on your back and press a loaded sled straight up over the hips. The upright path loads the legs hard while the lower back and hips are pinned under the weight.

Lower back and hips flat on the pad
Control the descent to a deep but pain-free knee bend
Press without locking the knees hard

Movement

Pattern: Squat
Type: Compound, several joints move
Sides: Both sides together
Equipment: Leg press machine
Variation of: Machine leg press

Muscles worked

Main movers get full credit for a set, helpers half.

Lower body

QuadsMain
GlutesHelper
AdductorsHelper

Ratings

Scores 1-5 averaged over sources. Tap a rating for the claims behind it. Claims are our summaries of the linked sources, fact-checked by AI.

Muscle growth higher is better2.0
Below average; better options exist for every goal. 1 source.
By muscle: Quads 2.0 (1).
- 2/5 Very short quad range of motion makes it a poor piece of equipment next to a 45-degree leg press. Renaissance Periodization, The 5 Most Dangerous Machines in the Gym @ 15:48for quadsvideoExpert opinion2025checked by AI
Injury risk lower is better4.0
Elevated; common source of irritation or strain. 1 source.
- 4/5 Singled out as more injurious than it should be; advice is to skip it for a standard angled leg press. Renaissance Periodization, The 5 Most Dangerous Machines in the Gym @ 15:48videoExpert opinion2025checked by AI
Spinal load lower is better4.0
Heavy axial or shear load. 1 source.
- 4/5 Loads the spine heavily while the lower back rounds, and most lifters do not realise their back is involved. Renaissance Periodization, The 5 Most Dangerous Machines in the Gym @ 15:18videoExpert opinion2025checked by AI