TL;DR

The leg press is the single most popular machine in any commercial gym — and for good reason. It lets you load the legs heavy with minimal lower back stress. VERVE's Makoto series includes both plate-loaded and pin-loaded leg press options, plus a hack squat and V squat for complementary leg training. All are commercial-grade machines with aluminium alloy shield frames and powder-coated finishes.

Plate-Loaded vs Pin-Loaded Leg Press

Understanding the difference helps you pick the right machine for your setup.

Plate-Loaded Leg Press

You load Olympic weight plates onto horns on the sled. The resistance is the weight of the plates plus the sled itself. Advantages:

• No maximum resistance — load as many plates as the machine and your legs can handle
• Incremental loading — add 1.25kg change plates for precise progression
• Simpler mechanism — fewer moving parts, less to maintain
• Lower machine cost — no weight stack to manufacture

Pin-Loaded (Seated) Leg Press

A built-in weight stack with a pin selector. Move the pin to change weight. Advantages:

• Faster weight changes — move a pin instead of loading/unloading plates
• Better for commercial gyms — no plates left on the machine, no member arguments about re-racking
• Consistent resistance curve — the cable-and-cam system can be engineered for optimal resistance through the range of motion
• Cleaner floor — no loose plates required near the machine

Best Leg Press Machines in Australia for 2026

1. VERVE Makoto Plate Loaded Leg Press — Best Overall

Key specs:

• Series: Makoto (commercial grade)
• Construction: Aluminium alloy shield frame, powder-coated
• Dimensions: 2230mm x 1660mm x 1470mm
• Net weight: 220kg
• Upholstery: Black (in stock) or Brown (made-to-order, 8-16 week lead time)
• Features: Professional-grade stable feet, cup/phone holder, separable structure for transport

At 220kg, this is a serious machine. The weight alone tells you the frame is overbuilt — which is exactly what you want from a leg press that will have 300-400kg of plates loaded onto it. The separable structure makes delivery and positioning manageable despite the size.

Check current pricing at vervefitness.com.au.

Note: Plate storage horns on Makoto machines are designed for tri-grip style plates 20kg and below.

2. VERVE Makoto Pin Loaded Seated Leg Press — Best for Commercial Gyms

Key specs:

• Series: Makoto (commercial grade)
• Type: Pin-loaded with built-in weight stack
• Construction: Aluminium alloy shield frame, powder-coated
• Upholstery: Black (in stock) or Brown (made-to-order)
• Features: Professional-grade stable feet, cup/phone holder, separable structure

The pin-loaded version is the smarter choice for commercial environments. Members change weight in two seconds, there are no plates to re-rack, and the machine footprint stays clean. The Makoto build quality is identical to the plate-loaded version.

Complementary Leg Machines

A leg press on its own covers compound pushing. Round out your leg training with these Makoto machines:

VERVE Makoto Plate Loaded Hack Squat

• Dimensions: 2020mm x 1660mm (depth to verify)
• Targets quads more aggressively than a leg press due to the upright torso angle
• Plate-loaded for unlimited resistance scaling

VERVE V Squat / Hack Squat

• Dual-function: V squat (front-facing) and hack squat (rear-facing) in one machine
• Plate-loaded
• Allows two distinct movement patterns without needing two machines

VERVE Commercial Hack Squat

• 45-degree angle commercial hack squat
• Built for high-traffic gym environments

VERVE Makoto Pin Loaded Leg Extension / Leg Curl

• Dual function: leg extension and leg curl in one machine
• 123kg weight stack
• Dimensions: 1460mm x 1224mm x 1596mm, 160kg

Leg Press Foot Placement Guide

The leg press is not just a "push" machine. Foot placement changes muscle emphasis dramatically:

• High and wide — emphasises glutes and hamstrings, reduces knee stress
• Low and narrow — emphasises quads, increases knee angle (use cautiously if you have knee issues)
• Shoulder width, middle of platform — balanced quad, glute, and hamstring activation (start here)
• Single leg — identifies and corrects strength imbalances between legs
• Toes only (calf press) — turns the leg press into a calf raise machine

Leg Press Safety

The leg press is safe when used correctly. Key rules:

• Never lock your knees — hyperextension under load can cause serious injury. Stop just short of full extension.
• Keep your lower back flat on the pad — if your hips tuck under at the bottom of the rep (butt wink), you have gone too deep for your flexibility. Reduce range of motion.
• Use the safety catches — set them so the sled catches before reaching your maximum depth. This prevents you from getting pinned under the weight.
• Load progressively — the leg press feels easier than free-weight squats because it removes balance demands. Do not let ego loading outpace your actual strength.

Leg Press Warranty

All Makoto series machines carry the following warranty for both home and commercial use:

• Rack welding, adjustable dish, weight stacks: 5 years
• Bearings, pulleys, guide rods: 1 year
• Belts, linear bearings, bushes, pull pins: 1 year
• Steel wire rope, end caps, sliding sleeves, pads, foam, accessories: 6 months

Why Buy from VERVE?

Australian-owned, Gold Coast-based since 2017. Over 16,000 commercial fitouts completed. 4.9 stars on Trustpilot with 3,000+ reviews. Same-day dispatch on in-stock orders before 12pm AEST. Finance available through Afterpay, ZIP, and Humm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a leg press a good substitute for squats?

It is a complement, not a substitute. Squats develop balance, core stability, and coordination that the leg press does not. However, if you cannot squat due to back injuries or mobility limitations, the leg press is the best alternative for building leg strength under heavy load with minimal spinal compression.

How much weight should I load on a leg press?

Most people can leg press 1.5-2.5x what they can squat because the machine removes balance and core demands. Start with bodyweight on the sled, master the movement pattern and depth, then add weight progressively.

Plate-loaded or pin-loaded for a home gym?

Plate-loaded is typically better for home gyms — you already have plates for your barbell, so you are not paying for a separate weight stack. Pin-loaded is better for commercial gyms where speed of weight changes and a clean floor matter more.

What is the difference between a leg press and a hack squat?

A leg press has you seated at an angle pushing a sled along a track. A hack squat has you standing on a platform with shoulders against pads, squatting on an angled track. Hack squats place more emphasis on the quads due to the upright torso position. Both are plate-loaded, both are low-back friendly. Ideally, use both.

Do Makoto machines come in colours other than black?

Yes. Brown upholstery is available as a made-to-order option with an 8-16 week lead time. Black upholstery is in stock for immediate dispatch.