What does generating force with the trailing leg in leg press typically result in?

Generating force with the trailing leg during a leg press often results in reduced effectiveness of the exercise. The primary focus of the leg press is to target the muscles of the legs, particularly the quadriceps, hamstrings, and glutes, by using both legs simultaneously. When emphasis is placed on one leg in a trailing position, it may compromise the overall stability and alignment during the exercise.

This shift in focus can lead to an inefficient movement pattern, as the trailing leg may not contribute optimally to the force generation needed for the movement. In addition, utilizing a trailing leg may prevent the lifter from engaging the primary muscle groups fully, ultimately decreasing the load and intensity that should ideally be directed towards the working leg. Thus, when one leg takes a secondary role, the benefits of muscle engagement and strength development may be diminished, leading to an overall reduction in the effectiveness of the leg press as an exercise for lower body strength.