The Claim

In untrained adults, performing multi-joint leg presses (70% 1RM, 5 sets of 10 reps, 2 sessions per week for 12 weeks) is associated with significant increases in gluteus maximus volume (+15.4%) and adductor magnus volume (+6.2%), while single-joint knee extensions do not produce significant hypertrophy in these muscles.

Source: Hypertrophic Effects of Single- versus Multi-Joint Exercise: A Direct Comparison Between Knee Extension and Leg Press.

What the research says

Supports is higher

Support is ahead, but a single strong opposing study can change this.

Supports
44score
Challenges
0score

These are independent scores, not a percentage. Higher-grade studies count more, so a single strong opposing study can outweigh several weaker ones.

Correlation
1 study reviewed
In plain English

If you're new to working out, doing leg presses twice a week for 12 weeks can noticeably grow your butt and inner thigh muscles, but doing just knee extensions won’t help those muscles much.

See the scientific wording

Multi-joint leg presses (70% 1RM, 5 sets of 10 reps, 2 sessions/week for 12 weeks) are associated with significant increases in the volume of the gluteus maximus (+15.4%) and adductor magnus (+6.2%) in untrained adults, whereas single-joint knee extensions do not produce significant hypertrophy in these muscles.

What the research says

1 study
  1. Study: Hypertrophic Effects of Single- versus Multi-Joint Exercise: A Direct Comparison Between Knee Extension and Leg Press.

    The study found that leg presses made the glutes and inner thigh muscles bigger, but knee extensions didn’t — just like the claim says.

Score breakdown, mechanism chain, raw evidence, ideal studies needed & 1 supporting studies

Fit Body Science verdict — we translate health claims into clear verdicts backed by peer-reviewed research.

Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making health decisions.