Q: There is a leg press machine in my gym but I have been leery about using it until I got all of the particulars on what to do and what not to do. Your recommendations, please. - T.T., Dickson, TN

A: My favorite leg workout is the squat, which I call the king of all exercises because it incorporates most of the body's muscles. However, the leg press machine seems to have surpassed the squat in popularity, probably because it doesn't require a coach or spotter. Here are some pointers to remember while using the leg press machine:

When you sit in the machine, make sure your feet are in full contact with the foot plate and your lower back is resting comfortably against the backrest. Grip the safety handles and straighten your legs so you're now supporting the weights.

Make sure that your heels do not come off the platform or you may overstress your knees. Slowly bend your knees to lower your thighs towards your chest. Do not go so far that your hips lift off the seat or your knees touch your chest. Press the weight out so your knees are straight but not fully extended or hyperextended. (I like to push with my heels, not the balls of my feet.) When you've completed your set, gently lower the weight all the way down.

Source:fitlinxx.com