Leg Press vs Hip Abduction Machine
Which one fits your Leg workout plan?
Contents
Leg Press works multiple joints at once, Hip Abduction Machine isolates — difficulty 3 of 5 vs 1. See which fits your Leg day.
Compare the benefits of Leg Press and Hip Abduction Machine and pick the one that fits your Leg workout.
Leg Press vs Hip Abduction Machine: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Leg Press more often — 39,215 sessions compared to 21,894 for Hip Abduction Machine.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Leg Press and Hip Abduction Machine differ in the muscles they work, the equipment they need, and how hard they are to learn — the comparison below covers each.
How Leg Press and Hip Abduction Machine Differ
| What differs | Leg Press | Hip Abduction Machine |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | quads, hamstrings, and glutes | glutes and outer thighs |
| Machine type | plate-loaded | pin-loaded |
| Difficulty | 3 of 5 | 1 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 39,215 sessions | 21,894 sessions |
How to Do Leg Press
Leg Press Muscles Worked: Leg
Form
- 1. Please bend from the hip to the knee while keeping your abdomen tight.
- 2. Please lower yourself until your thigh is perpendicular to your body.
- 3. While extending your hip, push only until your knee is slightly bent.
Coach's Tips
- 1. Please be careful not to fully extend your knees.
- 2. Please be careful not to let your knees spread apart.
For a full Leg Press guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Leg Press exercise guide.
How to Do Hip Abduction Machine
Hip Abduction Machine Muscles Worked: Leg
Form
- 1. Please push while tightening your outer glutes.
- 2. Please return to the starting position while resisting the weight.
Coach's Tips
- 1. Please be careful not to overextend your legs.
- 2. Please be careful not to let your knees touch.
For a full Hip Abduction Machine guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Hip Abduction Machine exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Leg, Leg Press or Hip Abduction Machine?
Neither is clearly ahead — Planfit users log both at a similar rate. They both train Leg, so the choice comes down to the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
Do Leg Press and Hip Abduction Machine work the same muscles?
Not quite. Leg Press loads quads, hamstrings, and glutes, and Hip Abduction Machine loads glutes and outer thighs.
What equipment do Leg Press and Hip Abduction Machine need?
Leg Press needs a machine, and Hip Abduction Machine needs a machine.
Which is easier to start with?
Hip Abduction Machine is the easier place to start. Move to Leg Press once your form holds up.
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