I've used one of those original style leg press machines years ago. Not the smoothest in the world but still functional. Sprayed a little WD40, or other forms of lubrications, for a better mental on mental action. You twist those side stops and the wood foot platform (the one I used was a wood platform) only goes down so far. There is a wedge shaped support for the back but we also placed folded up moving pads on top of it for better bracing of the back. Used it also for tricep (close hand positions) bench presses and some times inclines, not bad really. Can do tricep extensions to. Did seated military press on it for a different feel. Can only get so many plates on it so I did a lot of one legged presses. Can also do calf raises (reversed). Good Luck.