Leg Press Help

[Grape Ape]

My gym uses the Cybex Squat press that is so famous in many of the 1/2 and 1/4 rep videos that get posted here.

I've always positioned my feet about midway up and lowered the weight until my thighs hit my chest, which I estimated to be about just below parallel if I compared it to a regular squat.

Not wanting to be a half repper, I experimented with the calves to the hamstring method I've seen mentioned here.  My knees are killing me, and now there's pain on the back of left knee as well.  This has happened both times I've tried it.

Does anyone have advice on the correct method?

[Sir William Idol]

make sure the seat is leaned all the way back and put your feet a little higher on the press. when you're talking about calves going to the hamstrings, are you talking about your achilles or the  top of the calve? if your lower calve is touching your hamstring near your glutes i would say thats too far. bending at the knee that much puts a lot of stress on the knee and can sprain ligaments.  so make sure there is space between your hamstring and calve.  also don't lock out at the top, keep a very slight bend and keep the weight moving up and down.  toes pointed outwards very slightly and about a foot of space between your feet. should be a good start. if your pain you have now is tendonitis (i dont think it is since its in the back of your knee, sounds more like a ligament) then it will take about 6 weeks to heal (assuming you let it rest) otherwise maybe the form change will help

[Grape Ape]

Thank you for the advice, bluto.

I was trying achilles to the hammy.   The top of the calf was what I was doing previously, so I guess I'm OK with the form.

[Bluto]

I think you meant Sir William Idol 

[Sir William Idol]

yeah seriously, wtf 

[Grape Ape]

This is just something noobs are prone to. 

My bad, Sir William.  Thank YOU for the help.

[Sir William Idol]

no prob, hope your knees feel better

[pobrecito]

I have experienced the same problem. The solution: train legs like Coleman. Squat ass to the grass and leg press with greater poundages but with a decreased range of motion on the leg press. This has worked wonderfully for me with no knee problems whatsoever.