The leg press is one of the best leg exercises you can do because it works the quads, glutes and hamstrings hard, but it’s a move that requires a dedicated machine so most people have to go to a gym to do it. Those on a budget or who prefer exercising at home instead can include the resistance band leg press in their routine instead.
You won’t be able to press heavy loads like you can with the machine, but the advantage is you can do the resistance band leg press anywhere you can take your bands – basically anywhere, in other words. If you need some bands, check out our recommendations of the best resistance bands.
Resistance Band Leg Press Benefits
Like the machine move, the resistance band leg press works most of the muscles in your lower body, with the emphasis on the quads. As well as being a great addition to your resistance band workouts, it’s also a good way to warm up ahead of sports like running or football.
How To Do The Resistance Band Leg Press
Lie on your back with a resistance band looped around the soles of your feet. Pull the handles towards your waist to create some tension in the band. Bend your knees to bring your feet up towards your chest, moving your hands to keep some tension in the band so it doesn’t slip off your feet. Press the band away by straightening your legs again.
Resistance Band Leg Press Variations
Unilateral resistance band leg press
Working one leg at a time with the unilateral press presents more of a challenge, and it also helps you identify if one leg is stronger than the other so you can work on that imbalance. Working one leg at a time will also be useful if you’re using the move to warm up ahead of a run.
Lie on your back with the band looped around one foot, holding the handles of the band by your waist to create tension. Bring your knee towards your body, then straighten your leg to press the band away.
