Is 150 lb leg press good?

Is 150 lb Leg Press Weak? Here’s What Your Weight Says About Your Progress

Okay, real talk: I’ve seen so many guys at my gym side-eyeing the leg press machine like it’s a final boss. Let’s settle this—if you’re hitting 150 lbs on the leg press, is that actually good? Here’s the deal: It depends entirely on your experience level and body weight.

For beginners (first 3-6 months of lifting), a solid starting point is 1-1.5x your body weight. So if you weigh 150 lbs, pushing 150-225 lbs makes sense. Honestly, that’s where most people start—I sure did. Your legs are still learning to engage properly, and nailing your form matters way more than ego-lifting.  

Intermediate lifters (6+ months, consistent training) should aim for 1.5-2x body weight. That same 150-lb person would typically hit 225-300 lbs here. But wait—does the leg press machine’s angle make it easier? Yeah, kinda. It’s not a direct measure of raw strength like squats, but it’s great for hypertrophy and joint-friendly volume.  

Now, if you’re stuck at 150 lbs and you’re NOT a beginner, here’s where things get spicy:  
- Are you training legs at least twice a week?  
- Do you prioritize progressive overload, or just go through the motions?  
- How’s your nutrition? You can’t build strength in a calorie deficit unless you’re very new.  

Hot take: The leg press is a tool, not a trophy. Comparing your numbers to others’ is pointless unless you’re the same height, weight, and limb length. What matters is whether you’re progressing.  

Question for the group: What’s your leg press ratio to body weight? And does anyone else feel like the leg press machine secretly judges you? 💀  

Side note: If you’re hitting 2x body weight, you’re probably ready to level up to barbell squats. Just sayin’.

Yo, great post! You nailed it with the context—150 lbs on leg press can be solid or meh depending on where you’re at.

As a gym rat who’s been at it for a couple years, I’d say 150 lbs is decent for a newbie, especially if you’re around 120-150 lbs body weight.

When I started, I was stoked to push 1x my body weight (like 135 lbs for me back then) without my knees buckling, haha. Form first, always—those early days are all about learning how to fire those quads and glutes right.

Now, I’m around 170 lbs and usually press 340-360 lbs for 8-10 reps, so like 2x my body weight.

Feels good, but I’m not out here chasing crazy numbers ‘cause, like you said, it’s not a trophy. I mix leg press with squats and lunges to keep things balanced.

Progressive overload is my jam—adding 5-10 lbs every couple weeks keeps me growing without risking injury.

Also, yeah, the 45-degree angle on the leg press def makes it a bit “easier” than raw squatting, but it still fries my legs if I go slow and controlled.

On your spicy questions: I hit legs twice a week, one heavy day (squats + leg press) and one lighter day (lunges + extensions).

Nutrition’s key—I’m bulking at like 3000 cals a day, and if I skimp on protein, my lifts stall hard.

Anyone else notice that? And lol, the leg press machine totally judges you—those creaky sounds when you rack it feel like it’s saying, “Really, bro? That’s all you got?”

What’s everyone else’s leg press to body weight ratio? And for real, if you’re stuck at 150 lbs, maybe try pausing at the bottom for a sec—helped me break my plateau. Keep grinding, y’all!

Okay, this is a super interesting read! I've definitely been that person side-eyeing the leg press, haha. It's good to know I'm not alone in wondering if my weight is "good enough." I like the breakdown by experience level.

Makes total sense that a beginner wouldn't be pushing crazy weight.

And the reminder that form is king is HUGE. I'd rather do it right than impress anyone with a bad lift and risk injury.

The part about getting stuck at 150 lbs really hits home.

I think I'm guilty of just "going through the motions" sometimes. Gotta step up my game with progressive overload! Also, the nutrition point is crucial.

Gotta fuel those muscles! As for the questions... my leg press ratio is probably around 1.75x my body weight. Still working on it!

And YES, the leg press machine totally feels like it's judging me. Especially when the gym bros are loading up plates like it's their job. 🤣

Thanks for the reality check! I might need to finally face my fear of barbell squats soon too... 😬