Muscle Ventures Video Analysis

In this exercise analysis (Quicktime ipod compatible, 14MB; Google streaming flash video), Bud Gibson and I (Nancy Arnold) examine the Hammerstrength iso-lateral leg press.  This leg press happens to be the only leg press currently on the market that works each leg independently.  This feature makes it an ideal piece to concentrate on equalizing leg strength. 

In the photo at the left you can see Bud in the start position.  Notice that he is sitting upright (not slouching in the machine) and his knees are bent at 90 degrees. As Bud begins the move he keeps his feet flat and pushes through the heel of his foot.  As he pushes each leg out into extension he tries to move both legs simultaneously.  This is the challenge with this leg press.  It is very easy to allow the dominant leg to move faster than the non-dominant leg. 

The second photo shows Bud in the middle of the push phase of the exercise.  As you can see each foot has it's own platform on which to push from.  Although difficult to see in this photo (and in the video) Bud's legs are working independently. 

The next photo shows Bud at full extension of the move.  He continues to keep his feet flat on the platform.  While in the extended position he is concentrating on flexing the quads, glutes and hamstrings as much as possible to get the most out of the movement.  Be careful to not "lock out" or fully extend the knee in this position.  This may cause undue stress in the knee joint and could result in injury.  From here he brings the platform back to the original position and repeats for the alloted number of repetitions. 

The fourth photo simply shows the front of the machine and where to load the weights.  If you aren't familiar with the machine this may appear to be a place to store weights.

The final photo shows the seat adjustment.  Ideally you want al least a 90 degree bend in the knee.  This allows good range of motion and will ensure the movement is effective.  Any range smaller than 90 degrees will limit the benefits you receive from the exercise.  To  adjust this seat you must pull up on the seat with the handles provided and slide the seat forward or back (whichever is appropriate).  Make sure that once you adjust the seat that it is securely in place.  If not secure the seat could slide back as you are performing the exercise.

ADDITIONAL LINKS

• Specs provided  for the Hammer iso-lateral leg press
• How much can a person press?  Here is some additional information
• Is the squat superior to the leg press?