Upper Legs Exercise · Sled Machine

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Sled 45в° Leg Press (back Pov)

This is the same 45-degree sled press, filmed from behind to show the knee tracking and foot position that's easy to miss from the side. Watching how the knees move relative to the toes here is worth more than watching the weight stack — caving knees under heavy load is the most common technical breakdown on this machine. Foot placement still does most of the work in shifting emphasis between quads and glutes.

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Category

Upper Legs

Equipment

Sled Machine

Target

Glutes

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Exercise reference published by PlanWorkouts; see our editorial standards.

How to Do the Sled 45в° Leg Press (back Pov)

1. Set the seat of the sled machine so your knees form a 45-degree angle.
2. Sit on the machine with your back against the backrest and feet shoulder-width apart on the footplate.
3. Hold the side handles of the seat for stability.
4. Extend your legs to push the footplate away, keeping your heels in contact with it.
5. Hold briefly once your legs are fully extended.
6. Bend your knees to slowly and carefully lower the footplate back toward you.
7. Repeat for your desired repetitions, keeping constant tension on the working muscle throughout.

Technique & Form Tips

Execute the movement by bending hips and knees while maintaining balance over the midfoot. The specific torso angle and stance are determined by the chosen variation, focusing on controlled descent and ascent throughout the range of motion.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Knee collapse: Keep the knees aligned with the feet to maintain stable tracking.
• Losing torso control: Match the torso position to the variation instead of suddenly dropping the chest or changing balance.
• Losing foot support: Keep the demonstrated foot contact during the lowering and rising phases. Jumping variations have a separate takeoff and landing.

How to Breathe During This Exercise

Breathe in a steady, controlled rhythm throughout the effort.

Comfort and Control

Choose a load and range you can control. Stop if the movement causes pain. If discomfort persists, stop and ask a qualified professional about an appropriate exercise and range.

General guidance: Mayo Clinic on weight-training technique. Follow the specific movement steps above for this variation.

Muscles Worked

The Sled 45в° Leg Press (back Pov) mainly targets your Glutes, with your Quadriceps helping support the movement, along with your Hamstrings, Calves.

More Upper Legs Exercises

All Fours Squad Stretch Body Weight · Quads Arms Apart Circular Toe Touch (male) Body Weight · Glutes Assisted Lying Glutes Stretch Assisted · Glutes Assisted Lying Gluteus And Piriformis Stretch Assisted · Glutes Assisted Prone Hamstring Assisted · Hamstrings Assisted Prone Lying Quads Stretch Assisted · Quads

More Glutes Exercises

Band Bent-Over Hip Extension Band · Glutes Band Hip Lift Band · Glutes Band Lying Hip Internal Rotation Band · Glutes Band Pull Through Band · Glutes Band Seated Hip Internal Rotation Band · Glutes Band Squat Band · Glutes

Equipment Alternatives

Don't have sled machine? These target the same glutes with different equipment.

Bodyweight Drop Jump Squat Body Weight · Glutes Band Squat Band · Glutes Barbell Clean-Grip Front Squat Barbell · Glutes Dumbbell Bench Squat Dumbbell · Glutes

FAQ

What muscles does the Sled 45в° Leg Press (back Pov) work?

The Sled 45в° Leg Press (back Pov) mainly works your glutes. It also helps strengthen your quadriceps and hamstrings, calves. Using good, smooth form makes sure you work the right muscles and avoid unnecessary strain on your joints.

What equipment do I need for the Sled 45в° Leg Press (back Pov)?

You do the Sled 45в° Leg Press (back Pov) with a sled machine. Make sure your equipment is set up safely before starting. If you work out at home or have limited gear, check out our alternative exercises below.

What form mistake should I watch for on the Sled 45в° Leg Press (back Pov)?

One mistake to watch for is knee collapse: Keep the knees aligned with the feet to maintain stable tracking.. Use a comfortable range and a controlled return; reduce the load if you cannot maintain the demonstrated setup.

How many sets and reps should I perform on the Sled 45в° Leg Press (back Pov)?

To build muscle size, aim for 3 to 4 sets of 8 to 12 reps with 90 to 120 seconds of rest. To build pure strength, focus on 4 to 5 sets of 3 to 6 heavier reps with 2 to 3 minutes of rest.

What's a good alternative to the Sled 45в° Leg Press (back Pov)?

The Bodyweight Drop Jump Squat trains your glutes with body weight and a similar movement pattern. Review its form guide before substituting it, since setup and range of motion can differ.