Exercise guide
Lever Angled Single Leg Press
- Intermediate
- Compound
- Rep-based
- Lower legs
- Upper legs
This unilateral compound movement targets the quadriceps, glutes, and hamstrings while correcting muscle imbalances and reducing lower back strain. By using one leg at a time, you increase stability requirements and ensure equal strength development across both limbs.
Reviewed by the Crucible Fit team · Updated June 2026
Muscles worked
Setup
- Sit firmly in the machine with your back and head pressed against the padded support.
- Place your working foot in the center of the footplate, aligned with your hip.
- Rest your non-working foot on the floor or the machine's designated footrest to stay out of the way.
- Grasp the side handles to stabilize your torso and pull your hips deep into the seat.
How to do it
- Push the platform slightly to disengage the safety levers and keep your knee slightly bent.
- Inhale and slowly lower the platform by bending your hip and knee until your thigh is near your chest, using a controlled 2-3 second tempo.
- Exhale and drive through your heel and midfoot to push the platform back up to the starting position.
- Complete the set on one leg before switching to the other side to ensure equal volume.
Form checklist
- Keep your lower back and glutes pressed firmly against the backrest throughout the entire range.
- Ensure your working knee tracks directly over your toes, avoiding any inward collapse.
- Keep your heel in constant contact with the footplate to maximize power and joint safety.
- Stop the extension just before your knee fully locks out to maintain constant tension.
Pro tips
- Focus on the mind-muscle connection by imagining you are pushing the platform away from your hips rather than just moving your foot.
- Pause for one second at the bottom of the rep to eliminate momentum and maximize muscle fiber recruitment.
Make it harder
- Implement a 4-second slow eccentric (lowering) phase to increase time under tension.
- Place your foot higher on the platform to increase hip flexion and glute/hamstring involvement.
Frequently asked
- What muscles does the lever angled single leg press work?
- The lever angled single leg press primarily targets the calves, glutes, hamstrings, and quadriceps, and also works the adductors and hip flexors as secondary muscles.
- What equipment do you need for the lever angled single leg press?
- The lever angled single leg press uses leverage machine.
- Is the lever angled single leg press good for beginners?
- The lever angled single leg press is rated intermediate. Build a base with simpler variations first, then progress to it with light load and strict form.
Related exercises
- 3 Point Standing HopsIntermediate · calves, glutes, hamstrings, and quadriceps
- 4 Cone Single Foot Lateral HopsIntermediate · calves, glutes, hamstrings, and quadriceps
- 4 Way Single Leg HopAdvanced · calves, glutes, hamstrings, and quadriceps
- Alternate Knee Cross Over Sit Against WallIntermediate · calves, glutes, hamstrings, and quadriceps