How to Perform a Safe Leg Press Osteoporosis Exercise

by Margaret Martin on January 15, 2011

in Osteoporosis Exercises

The leg press is a effective alternative to the squat. I would classify it as a weight training osteoporosis exercise. One of the challenges with the leg press for women is the design of the seat. Many women find themselves leaning forward when the apply the press. This is not good form and needs to be modified. The following video demonstrates how to modify the leg press so it is a safe exercise for osteoporosis.

I encourage you to incorporate the leg press into your weight training osteoporosis program. However, pay attention to how you execute the leg press and you will enjoy many years of safe bone building. To learn more about a comprehensive exercise program for osteoporosis, I encourage you to consider my MelioGuide Exercise for Better Bones program.

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  • r gibson

    What are the merits or drawbacks of the 45 degree leg press (v.s. the one shown in the video)?

  • http://www.melioguide.com Martin

    Hello,
    Great question. The merits are so minor I cannot think of any!
    The drawbacks of having the seat at a 45 degree angle are:
    It is difficult to get on and off the seat without “slouching” or coming into some forward bending of your upper back.
    Most seats do not have head support and therefore more stress is placed on the neck musculature – remember to keep your tongue to the roof of your mouth!
    Either way, the leg press, works your lower body but does not have the added benefit of getting your back muscles involved and stronger. It is also less “functional” in that it does not teach your body how to prepare for heavy lifts that you might encounter in your day to day activities i.e. lifting kitty litter bags etc.
    Be well,
    Margaret

  • http://www.melioguide.com Martin

    Sorry for being so slow in replying – missed it first time around.
    The drawbacks of the 45 degree leg press are that you are forced to curl as you get into and out of the seat (unnecessary forward bending of the spine). This is not an issue with a more horizontal seat. Also, some of the leg press units do not have a head support and for many this can place a lot of strain on the neck.

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