Leg Press Buying Guide

Choosing the right leg press can make a big difference to how you train your lower body. Whether your focus is on strength, hypertrophy, unilateral balance or general athletic development, the leg press you choose should match your training goals, your space, and how your athletes like to load and move.

At BLK BOX, our leg press range is designed to cover different training needs, from versatile unilateral work to heavy duty strength environments. This guide breaks down the Bilateral Leg Press and the 45 Degree Leg Press, outlining the key features, benefits, and differences to help you choose the right machine for your facility.

Bilateral Leg Press

Best for
Unilateral training, balanced muscle development, rehabilitation settings, and facilities that want maximum versatility in one machine.

Overview
The Bilateral Leg Press allows athletes to train each leg independently or together using two separate cradles. This design makes it ideal for addressing strength imbalances, supporting single-leg work, and tailoring training to individual athlete needs.

Three seating positions at 35°, 40° and 45° allow users to adjust joint angles and comfort. Each footplate supports multiple placements, letting athletes shift emphasis between quads, glutes and hamstrings.

Training feel

The machine runs at a true weight percentage of around 65%, meaning athletes move a proportion of the loaded weight to deliver effective resistance while helping to limit unnecessary joint strain. Each footplate weighs 45kg, 90kg combined, but due to the sled angle this feels closer to 35kg per side in use.

Features

• Eight precision self-aligning linear ball bearings for smooth cradle travel

• High-density foam back and seat pads with durable vinyl leather cover

• Four zinc-plated loadable utility pegs with additional plate storage

• Maximum load capacity of 400kg

• Required space: 2550mm x 2200mm

45 Degree Leg Press

Best for
Heavy strength training, hypertrophy, commercial gyms, and high-performance environments where durability and maximal loading are priorities.

Overview
The 45 Degree Leg Press is a heavy duty machine built to handle serious weight and repeated use. Its fixed 45° angle provides a consistent, powerful pressing path that suits athletes focused on maximal strength and muscle development.

A large footplate allows for multiple foot positions, supporting standard presses, single-leg work and calf raises. Safety features such as a sprung lock system and adjustable stoppers provide confidence under heavy loads.

Training feel
The 45° angle delivers approximately 70% of the loaded weight in resistance. The carriage has a starting resistance of 45kg before plates are added, making this machine feel heavier and more demanding than adjustable or bilateral options.

Features

• Linear self-aligning bearings and 40mm solid chrome steel guide rods
  

• Sprung lock system and adjustable safety stoppers
  

• Large 750mm x 600mm footplate with grip tape or treaded option
  

• High-density foam pads with heavy-duty vinyl covering
  

• Two 590mm carriage weight pins
  

• Four storage pins included

FAQs

What is the main difference between the Bilateral and 45 Degree Leg Press?
The Bilateral Leg Press focuses on versatility and unilateral training with adjustable seating and independent cradles. The 45 Degree Leg Press is built for heavier loads with a fixed angle and higher true resistance.

What are the benefits of using the Bilateral Leg Press?
It allows for controlled, safe lower-body training, helping to increase leg strength, improve muscle balance, and reduce strain on the lower back compared to free-weight squats. Its adjustable seating and footplate positions enable customisation for different users and targeted muscle activation.

Which leg press is better for heavy lifting?
The 45 Degree Leg Press is better suited to heavy strength and hypertrophy training thanks to its higher resistance percentage and heavier starting carriage.

Can both machines be used for calf raises?
Yes. Both machines support calf raises, with the 45 Degree Leg Press offering a larger footplate for varied calf positioning.

How much space do I need?
The Bilateral Leg Press requires a footprint of 2550mm x 2200mm. The 45 Degree Leg Press requires a footprint of 1600mm x 1300m.