If you're a gym novice, leg presses may be the way to go when it comes to working your quads. Leg presses are done on a leg press machine, which requires the user to set their desired weight on the machine, then sit down on the seat, which is typically on the ground and angled towards the ceiling (via Byrdie). The user then places their feet on the platform, and straightens their legs to press the platform out and perform the exercise. Ryan Lasure, CEO of Kuna Fit, told Byrdie that there are many benefits to leg presses, particularly for beginners in the gym.

For one, using a machine means more consistency of movement than using free weights, so the user can really nail down the motion of the exercise. Second, the machine stabilizes the user and takes a load off the spine, making it far easier on the back.