Single-Leg Press

The single-leg press trains one leg at a time, addressing muscle imbalances between sides. Use significantly less weight than the bilateral version.

Beginner 💪 Quads Compound Squat Unilateral
3
Sets
10–15
Reps
60–90 sec
Rest
Compound
Type
🏋️ Machine
Single-Leg Press — start and finish positionsSTARTFINISH
Machine
Quads Beginner Compound One side at a time
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Muscles Worked

Learn more in the Quads training guide →

Primary
Quads
Secondary
Glutes
Hamstrings
Highlighted muscles

How To Perform

  1. 1 Position one foot in the centre of the platform.
  2. 2 Lower the platform by bending the knee to 90 degrees.
  3. 3 Press back up to near-full extension.

Form Cues

  • ✓ Do not lock out the knee.
  • ✓ Keep the back flat against the pad throughout.

Common Mistakes

  • ✗ Lower back peeling off the pad.
  • ✗ Knee caving inward.
💡 Professor Splits Says:

Progressive overload is the engine of muscle growth. Track your weights and aim to add small increments weekly. For Single-Leg Press, this means gradually increasing load, volume (sets × reps), or decreasing rest periods over time.

Exercise Alternatives

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Where This Exercise Fits

FAQ

How many sets of Single-Leg Press should I do?▾
3 sets of 10–15 reps is a solid starting point. Adjust based on your training frequency and overall weekly volume for quads. Beginners should start with the lower end; advanced trainees can push toward the upper range.
What muscles does Single-Leg Press target?▾
Single-Leg Press primarily targets the Quads. Secondary muscles include Glutes, Hamstrings.
Is Single-Leg Press good for beginners?▾
Single-Leg Press is beginner-friendly. Focus on technique with lighter loads before adding weight.
How much rest between sets?▾
For Single-Leg Press, 60–90 sec of rest between sets is recommended. Compound exercises require more recovery — longer rests (2–3 min) allow better performance on the next set.