Leg Press vs Hip Extension Machine
Which one fits your Leg workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Leg Press more often — 39,215 sessions vs 524. Compare Leg form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Leg Press and Hip Extension Machine and pick the one that fits your Leg workout.
Leg Press vs Hip Extension 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 524 for Hip Extension Machine.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Leg Press and Hip Extension 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 Extension Machine Differ
| What differs | Leg Press | Hip Extension Machine |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | quads, hamstrings, and glutes | glutes and hamstrings |
| Machine type | plate-loaded | pin-loaded |
| One side at a time | No | Yes |
| Difficulty | 3 of 5 | 1 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 39,215 sessions | 524 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 Extension Machine
Hip Extension Machine Muscles Worked: Leg
Form
- 1. Please push your foot back.
- 2. Please slowly return to the starting position.
- 3. Please proceed one side at a time or alternately.
Coach's Tips
- Keep your chest up to avoid bending your waist and engage your core.
For a full Hip Extension Machine guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Hip Extension Machine exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Leg, Leg Press or Hip Extension Machine?
Planfit users log Leg Press more often — 39,215 sessions against 524 for Hip Extension Machine. Both train Leg, so pick the one that matches the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
Do Leg Press and Hip Extension Machine work the same muscles?
Not quite. Leg Press loads quads, hamstrings, and glutes, and Hip Extension Machine loads glutes and hamstrings.
What equipment do Leg Press and Hip Extension Machine need?
Leg Press needs a machine, and Hip Extension Machine needs a machine.
Which is easier to start with?
Hip Extension Machine is the easier place to start. Move to Leg Press once your form holds up.
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