Leg Press – Home Gym Resource

The leg press machine is one of those things that people would like to have in their home gym but aren’t sure if they can fit it in. I found out for you how big they are so you can decide if you want one in your home gym. On average, a 45 degree leg press machine measures 83.6” x 47.5” x 53.9” (L x W x H). Upright leg press machines are a bit smaller at 77.1” x 42.1” x 62.7”. The smallest leg press machines are vertical. On average, vertical leg press machines measure 46.8” x 44” x 59.5”. There are some more things you should know before you buy one. Make sure the leg press you’ve got in mind fits in your home gym before you order it. I've got an eBook that shows you exactly how you can build a great home gym in a small space. Check it out. What are the dimensions of a leg press machine? Want to find the best compact leg press for a home gym? Click here to find it. Of course every machine is different.. There are a few different types of leg press machines. Vertical leg press45 degree leg pressUpright leg press For the best multi gyms with built in leg press, click here You can read more about the differences between those types below. For now we’ll just focus on the sizes and weights. I have divided the tables of these machines into the different categories. This makes it easier to compare machines from the same category. For home gyms that are short on space, I recommend a vertical leg press machine. Find the one that offers the best value for money here. (click) Here are the three tables that cover height, width, length, weight and load limit of the different types of leg press. Vertical leg press dimensions BrandModelLength (Inch)Width (Inch)Height (Inch)Weight (lbs)Load limit (lbs)Load type Body SolidPVLP56W46486092.9400Plates Titan FitnessVertical press483852.594400Plates Valor FitnessCC-1048.854.860131500Plates TDS PremierVertical press4947752801000Plates Yukon FitnessVLP-15442325091600Plates Average46.84459.5 45 degree leg press dimensions BrandModelLength (Inch)Width (Inch)Height (Inch)Weight (lbs)Load limit (lbs)Load type RogueIso leg press 359864477082475Plate CybexLeg press836454443?Plate HOISTHF-435783.2530.556.5392720Plates Body-SolidGLPH11008334563171000Plates Titan FitnessLeg press hack squat844053325875Plates FORCE USAMonster ultimate 459466604631000Plates TDSMini leg press603451280600Plates Average83.647.553.9 Upright leg press dimensions BrandModelLength (Inch)Width (Inch)Height (Inch)Weight (lbs)Load limit (lbs)Load type TuffStuffCLH300853355305800Plates TuffStuffPS-230854978367400Selectorized HoistHV Ride73.351.7254.41537210Selectorized CybexPrestige VRS994170945505Selectorized PowertecCompact sled484647198700Plates Body SolidSLP500G2723272393210Selectorized Average 77.142.162.7 What are the different types of leg press machines? Leg press machines come in different shapes, sizes and types. If you’re selecting a leg press machine for your (home) gym, you should know the difference. We can divide leg press machines into three different categories: Vertical leg press machines45 degree leg press machinesUpright leg press machines There are some big differences in size, weight, weight limits and the way you use them. Let’s take a look at what these types look like and the differences. Vertical leg press machines Vertical leg press machines are called that because the weight moves straight up and down while your back is parallel to the floor. They are the smallest category of leg press machines and that means they’re a very popular choice for home gyms. This type of machine is always plate loaded. The benefit of vertical leg press machines is that they are small, light and relatively cheap. The drawbacks are that the movement is slightly different and the load limit is lower than other types of leg press. You can find the vertical leg press machine I recommend for home gyms here. 45 degree leg press machines The 45 degree leg press puts your torso at a 45 degree angle to the floor. Your legs are at an upward angle, pushing away the weight. Many people prefer the movement pattern of this type of machine. This type of machine is quite large and pricey, making it less popular for home gyms. This type of machine can be plate loaded or selectorized (weight stack with cable). Some machines of this type can double as hack squat machine. Upright leg press machines The upright leg press is very similar to the 45 degree leg press except you’re sitting upright and your torso isn’t angled backwards. There are two variations of this machine; You push away the foot plateThe feet stay in the same place while the seat moves on a sled. This type of machine is most often selectorized but there are some plate loaded versions available. Do I need a leg press machine in my home gym? No, it’s not necessary. If you’ve got a power rack, barbells and dumbbells, you’ve got enough other options to train your legs. You can build great legs with squats, dead lifts, lunges and variations on those exercises. There can be other reasons for wanting a leg press in your home gym though. Back problemsBack problems are a legitimate reason to start looking at other options than squats and deadlifts. I personally have some back issues and I can’t squat heavy but leg presses are no problem.You just like itSometimes you just have a preference for something. If you like leg pressing and you can fit one in your home gym, go for it!SafetyEven though you might not have any injuries at the moment, you might in the future. The leg press is a bit more “fool proof” than deadlifts and squats. If you’ve got the space and want one, it’s a great machine to have. It’s probably one of the more useful pieces of equipment next to a power rack. But it still only does one thing. If you’re dealing with a small space and have to choose one over the other, the power rack is way more useful. Should you have a leg press in your home gym? Which type of leg press is best for a home gym? Since most home gyms don’t have a whole lot of space available, a vertical leg press makes the most sense. Vertical leg press machines take up the least amount of space and are the cheapest. The load limit is a bit lower than some of the commercial grade leg press machines. For most people the load limitations of a vertical leg press won’t be a problem. The 400 to 500 pound load limit of this type of machine is plenty for most of the people that have a home gym. If you’ve got a really big leg press and a large home gym, you can consider getting a 45 degree leg press machine. This type of machine can be loaded with the highest weight. They’re also heavy and quite expensive. The load limit of the floor might also be a concern. Read more about gym equipment and floor loads here. Don't forget to check out my eBook! Related questions What’s the difference between a leg press and hack squat? With a hack squat the weight rests on your shoulders while the feet stay in place. That means the whole body from feet to shoulders is loaded. The leg press only loads the legs since the weight is transferred through the hips, leaving your torso and shoulders unloaded. Does a leg press machine need free space around it? A leg press machine just needs enough space to move freely through the full range of motion and to get on and off it. More than that isn’t necessary but it’s nice not to be too close to other people while performing the exercise. How much weight can a leg press machine handle? There are big differences between the types of machines. Vertical leg press machines can generally handle 400 pounds. 45 degree leg press machines can handle anywhere from 600 to 2500 pounds. Horizontal leg press machines are usually selectorized where the weight stack ranges from 200 to 500 pounds.