Leg Press vs Leg Curl
Which one fits your Leg workout plan?
Contents
Leg Press works multiple joints at once, Leg Curl isolates — difficulty 3 of 5 vs 1. See which fits your Leg day.
Compare the benefits of Leg Press and Leg Curl and pick the one that fits your Leg workout.
Leg Press vs Leg Curl: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Leg Curl more often — 39,861 sessions compared to 39,215 for Leg Press.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Leg Press and Leg Curl 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 Leg Curl Differ
| What differs | Leg Press | Leg Curl |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | quads, hamstrings, and glutes | hamstrings and calves |
| Machine type | plate-loaded | pin-loaded |
| Difficulty | 3 of 5 | 1 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 39,215 sessions | 39,861 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 Leg Curl
Leg Curl Muscles Worked: Leg
Form
- 1. Engage your hamstrings and glutes, and lift the ankle pads up to your hips.
- 2. Lower down only until your knees are fully extended against the weight resistance.
Coach's Tips
- 1. Please be careful not to fully extend your knees.
- 2. Please be careful not to lift your upper body.
For a full Leg Curl guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Leg Curl exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Leg, Leg Press or Leg Curl?
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 Leg Curl work the same muscles?
Not quite. Leg Press loads quads, hamstrings, and glutes, and Leg Curl loads hamstrings and calves.
What equipment do Leg Press and Leg Curl need?
Leg Press needs a machine, and Leg Curl needs a machine.
Which is easier to start with?
Leg Curl is the easier place to start. Move to Leg Press once your form holds up.
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