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Other articles in this series looked at a number of exercises, mainly from the
perspective of developing a comprehensive muscle building program. Sometimes we
take things for granted, especially when it comes to performing the basic
exercises that constitute the core of most bodybuilders' training regimes.
It is useful, therefore, to describe in detail the processes involved in
actually doing these exercises. This will help beginners to start out using the
correct techniques before moving on to potentially more dangerous heavy
weights. If it also helps more experienced lifters to redress some of the
little faults that have almost imperceptibly crept in over the years, all the
better.
In this article we'll take a close look at the leg press.
MUSCLES TARGETED: vastus lateralis, vastus intermedius, vastus medialis, rectus
femoris
STARTING POSITION
Lie on leg press machine with buttocks supported on seat and back pressed
against the back rest pad.Place feet flat on the platform, shoulder width
apart. Angle toes slightly outwards.
Grip handles and unlock weight in readiness for performance of the leg press.
EXERCISE TECHNIQUE
Slowly bend legs, allowing knees to move towards the chest.When the knees have
reached a point just beyond 90 degrees, slowly straighten the legs until you
return to the starting position.Do not lock your knees at the highest point of
the movement.Repeat this movement until you reach your target number of
repetitions
OTHER EXERCISES WORTH CONSIDERING
Other exercises that tackle these muscles include the Squat, Hack Squats, Smith
Machine Squats and Seated Leg Extensions.
Richard
Mitchell is the creator of the bodybuildingadvisor.com website that
provides guidance and information to athletes at all levels of
bodybuilding experience. Go to Bodybuilding
Exercises to learn more about the issues covered in this
article.
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