Please Scroll Down to See Forums Below muscledog95
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I feel a major burn and fatigue when I use the leg press machine. Would you guys consider the leg press machine a suitable compound excercise or alternative to the squat
Leg Press V.s Squat
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edgecrusher
New member
gotta go w/ Jguns on this one.
GenetiKing
New member
Only if you have legitimate physical reasons for not doing squats like a bad back or sorry knees.
The effects that squats have on growth hormone and the extent to which they utilize stabilizer muscles is just too good to pass them up in favor of leg presses. Squats challenge your entire body. Just do 'em.
The effects that squats have on growth hormone and the extent to which they utilize stabilizer muscles is just too good to pass them up in favor of leg presses. Squats challenge your entire body. Just do 'em.
bigpoppadrew
New member
Squats are killer, I love em!
Cackerot69
New member
Temporarily, sure.
blood_drinker
New member
ATF, might I add.
15yroldinNY
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Wizkid, lol, you havent even squatted yet in your entire life 
McBainXVII
New member
squats rule supreme
Y_lifter
New member
Personally I do both...
I would never think about leaving Squats out of my leg day unless you are a gimp as GKing stated.
I can definitly feel the squats working more in my Ass and lower back.
I use the Leg Press to bump up the weight to find my max because I can't load it up a lot more than with the squat.
The leg press machine at my gym is a Killer Cybex Plate loaded machine that really leans back so you are almost lying with your legs straight over your head.
I would never think about leaving Squats out of my leg day unless you are a gimp as GKing stated.
I can definitly feel the squats working more in my Ass and lower back.
I use the Leg Press to bump up the weight to find my max because I can't load it up a lot more than with the squat.
The leg press machine at my gym is a Killer Cybex Plate loaded machine that really leans back so you are almost lying with your legs straight over your head.
Squat! Eat! Rest! Repeat!
GenetiKing
New member
briy61 said:
ATF = Ass To the Floor
These are great for some but can be difficult for longer-legged people without the same leverage and biomechanical structure. Regardless, you should always be going at parallel at the very least.
B
buksoon
Guest
A tiny, trembling voice of dissent....
I'm only 106 lbs (also 5'2" and a chick) so I don't claim the tiniest fraction of these guys' expertise.
But, here' s my problem with squats as opposed to leg press:
1. The knee factor. You gotta treat the knees as priceless diamonds, because when they go, THEY GO! Ouch! No training for a long time!
Leg presses feel better on knees--especiall ATF, which seems almost dangerous to me.
2. Squats seem to involve more cardio. Maybe because the whole body is moving. (???) Anyway, that means my heart get "fatigued" almost before legs do. Leg presses are strictly quad and glutes. Otherwise you're lying down. Barely cardio at all.
What do you think?
I'm only 106 lbs (also 5'2" and a chick) so I don't claim the tiniest fraction of these guys' expertise.
But, here' s my problem with squats as opposed to leg press:
1. The knee factor. You gotta treat the knees as priceless diamonds, because when they go, THEY GO! Ouch! No training for a long time!
Leg presses feel better on knees--especiall ATF, which seems almost dangerous to me.
2. Squats seem to involve more cardio. Maybe because the whole body is moving. (???) Anyway, that means my heart get "fatigued" almost before legs do. Leg presses are strictly quad and glutes. Otherwise you're lying down. Barely cardio at all.
What do you think?
Phemomena
New member
Re: A tiny, trembling voice of dissent....
okay, let me start out by saying that squats, although primarily a leg exercise, are an all over mass builder, that means, that if done heavy and correctly, squats can make your chest bigger (in no way compared to bench or whatever, but muscle fibers in the entire body are activated during squats, especially the torso... IMHO if you want solid abs, SQUAT!!!)
leg presses are a decent leg exercise, but should, in no way be compared to squats...
okay, that being said
1) being female should have NOTHING to do with your decision to squat... most females are seeking that 'squatters butt' that you aint going to get from leg press...
2) if you find squats uncomfortable on your knees, use a wider stance, making sure that your toes are always pointed forward. ATF (that's a cute term) squats, when done correctly are completely safe on your knees...
if you have a pre-existing knee condition then please disregard what i've said, but if your knees are fine and squats bother them, your form is probably the problem, not the squats... (if you are a powerlifter and/or squatting more than 2 or 3 times a week you may develop knee problems, probably due to repetitive use more than anything...)
3) squat motions, when first done are tiring to the entire body.. this is because as stated above, squats are an allover exercise... and a tricky motion to get down... its not so much that they're 'cardio-like' it's just that they're a hell of a lot more difficult than leg presses (and if you aint feeling at least a bit of the same effect from the leg press, you're probably not going heavy enough )
once you get the knack of them and your body adapts to the motion (your stabalizers strengthen to handle the load etc) it won't seem so difficult... if you do them once a week, it'll probably take 6-8 weeks to get through a good squat set w/o feeling like you've done 20 min of HIT cardio... but the end result is definately worth it!!!!!
so with all that said and done, do you have to squat, no... all you have to do is eat, crap, breathe and die... if you want a kick ass legs and a strong midsection, you may want to get crackin on those squats....
but that's just my 2 cents
phem
buksoon said:
okay, let me start out by saying that squats, although primarily a leg exercise, are an all over mass builder, that means, that if done heavy and correctly, squats can make your chest bigger (in no way compared to bench or whatever, but muscle fibers in the entire body are activated during squats, especially the torso... IMHO if you want solid abs, SQUAT!!!)
leg presses are a decent leg exercise, but should, in no way be compared to squats...
okay, that being said
1) being female should have NOTHING to do with your decision to squat... most females are seeking that 'squatters butt' that you aint going to get from leg press...
2) if you find squats uncomfortable on your knees, use a wider stance, making sure that your toes are always pointed forward. ATF (that's a cute term) squats, when done correctly are completely safe on your knees...
if you have a pre-existing knee condition then please disregard what i've said, but if your knees are fine and squats bother them, your form is probably the problem, not the squats... (if you are a powerlifter and/or squatting more than 2 or 3 times a week you may develop knee problems, probably due to repetitive use more than anything...)
3) squat motions, when first done are tiring to the entire body.. this is because as stated above, squats are an allover exercise... and a tricky motion to get down... its not so much that they're 'cardio-like' it's just that they're a hell of a lot more difficult than leg presses (and if you aint feeling at least a bit of the same effect from the leg press, you're probably not going heavy enough
)once you get the knack of them and your body adapts to the motion (your stabalizers strengthen to handle the load etc) it won't seem so difficult... if you do them once a week, it'll probably take 6-8 weeks to get through a good squat set w/o feeling like you've done 20 min of HIT cardio... but the end result is definately worth it!!!!!
so with all that said and done, do you have to squat, no... all you have to do is eat, crap, breathe and die... if you want a kick ass legs and a strong midsection, you may want to get crackin on those squats....
but that's just my 2 cents
phem
GenetiKing
New member
Phemomena is dead on. Also, squats will release more Growth Hormone than any other exercise you can do in the gym.
Interestingly enough, I've found that heavy squats have helped me mentally as much as anything. I discovered that once I had the ability to fight back the pain involved in total-failure squats, I could handle just about any gym pain. In other words, heavy squatting has expanded my pain threshold which makes thrashing smaller, less-painful musclegroups like arms or delts seem much less physically taxing.
Interestingly enough, I've found that heavy squats have helped me mentally as much as anything. I discovered that once I had the ability to fight back the pain involved in total-failure squats, I could handle just about any gym pain. In other words, heavy squatting has expanded my pain threshold which makes thrashing smaller, less-painful musclegroups like arms or delts seem much less physically taxing.
the Prince
New member
You should utilize both exercises in your training routine for overall leg development.
Imnotdutch
butler monkey
It isnt really the height that causes the problems. Its the ratio of the length of your legs to your torso. For example my legs are pretty long. If I try to use a shoulder width stance or closer, I can lean forward all of the way and still end up with the weight pushing down behind my heels.....which means falling on my ass. So I go wider which allows me to at least stay on my feet!!
The other extreme is the short legged person who hardly has to lean to keep the weight above their heels.
The other extreme is the short legged person who hardly has to lean to keep the weight above their heels.
Big_Brick said:
GenetiKing
New member
Imnotdutch said:
Exactly.
My leg day
I use both. First heavy squats, gotta do it. To many times I see people finding reasons and excuses not to do them but they are a necessity. As for the knee thing. I have been cut on twice and shouldve had a third operation on my right knee but opted not to. The injury didnt occur while in the gym but squatting has actually helped with the strengthening of the muscles that help hold the knee together thus taking the burden of of my destroyed ligaments. Now I am not a big fan of ATF squats simply for this, yes if done correctly they arent really any more dangerous than leg press or squatting normally, but it is all a matter of people doing them correctly. Most people cant squat to 90 degrees correctly yet alone that deep. I go one in below 90, that is a legitimate powerlifting squat and get great gains out of it.
After I blast my legs with squats I go to the leg press and go heavy there also.
I believe you should use both but if your only gonna do one its gotta be squats.
I use both. First heavy squats, gotta do it. To many times I see people finding reasons and excuses not to do them but they are a necessity. As for the knee thing. I have been cut on twice and shouldve had a third operation on my right knee but opted not to. The injury didnt occur while in the gym but squatting has actually helped with the strengthening of the muscles that help hold the knee together thus taking the burden of of my destroyed ligaments. Now I am not a big fan of ATF squats simply for this, yes if done correctly they arent really any more dangerous than leg press or squatting normally, but it is all a matter of people doing them correctly. Most people cant squat to 90 degrees correctly yet alone that deep. I go one in below 90, that is a legitimate powerlifting squat and get great gains out of it.
After I blast my legs with squats I go to the leg press and go heavy there also.
I believe you should use both but if your only gonna do one its gotta be squats.
LiftHardOrDontLiftAtAll
New member
I usually incorporate both in my training. But right now my knee has been giving me trouble so I use primarily leg presses. But for overall development, gotta go with squats.
I don't know why people say squats give you a bad back and all this shit. My knees were hurting a little when I first began them and now I even do a powerlifting squat form and I have no knee trouble. Never any lowr back trouble either. If you are letting your back fall down or losing the arch in your back then I can see why.
Imnotdutch
butler monkey
What always suprises me is that the ladies here seem to love squatting......and some of the guys just make excuses not to do em.
Theres something special about women that squat......gotta love em
Theres something special about women that squat......gotta love em
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Phemomena
New member
Imnotdutch said:What always suprises me is that the ladies here seem to love squatting......and some of the guys just make excuses not to do em.
Theres something special about women that squat......gotta love em
hehe i love squats so much that i do 'em twice a week... okay, its not love, but its got to be the closest thing...(i hate 'em and love to hate 'em, but i love what they've done for me so squattin i will go)
Leg extensions
Leg press
Hack squats
This is the perfect quad routine if you dont want to squat.
The benefits of doing heavy squats do not outway the negatives. Back strain, knee strain and a big ass.
If you want a big ass and a bad back then squat your life away. They are also a major cause of hernia's.
This is my quad routine and my quads look pretty damn fine.
If you dont want to squat, dont squat. There are alternatives. Alot of pro bodybuilders dont squat because after years of doing them heavy something had to give.
Leg press
Hack squats
This is the perfect quad routine if you dont want to squat.
The benefits of doing heavy squats do not outway the negatives. Back strain, knee strain and a big ass.
If you want a big ass and a bad back then squat your life away. They are also a major cause of hernia's.
This is my quad routine and my quads look pretty damn fine.
If you dont want to squat, dont squat. There are alternatives. Alot of pro bodybuilders dont squat because after years of doing them heavy something had to give.
Imnotdutch
butler monkey
I cant hope to top Brickgirls post but:
I think u just quoted some of the biggest myths associated with squatting.....
1)Getting a big ass is genetic......you cant help that one.
2)Bad backs come from poor form. Use good form and get a strong core and your back will be just fine.
3)Knee strain??? Again that comes from bad form. Your either letting your knees ride too far forward or bouncing at the bottom. Any exercise can be bad for you if you do it wrongly.
Go over to the womens forum and ask them how many of them squat.....and how many have bad backs. Alot squat.....I havent heard any talking about bad backs. Thats because they dont get their egos involved and lift with good form. Us men could learn alot from them.
I think u just quoted some of the biggest myths associated with squatting.....
1)Getting a big ass is genetic......you cant help that one.
2)Bad backs come from poor form. Use good form and get a strong core and your back will be just fine.
3)Knee strain??? Again that comes from bad form. Your either letting your knees ride too far forward or bouncing at the bottom. Any exercise can be bad for you if you do it wrongly.
Go over to the womens forum and ask them how many of them squat.....and how many have bad backs. Alot squat.....I havent heard any talking about bad backs. Thats because they dont get their egos involved and lift with good form. Us men could learn alot from them.
Wyllis said:
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strengthmonster
New member
Nothing much more to add that hasn't been said already. Squats are the king of excercises.
muscledog95
New member
Free weight squats
Ive transferred over to free weight squats finally. I love it
Ive transferred over to free weight squats finally. I love it
diamonddiceclay
New member
if you do enough reps of leg press, you'll get plenty of benefit and the burning usually comes with it-i get it on the outside of left knee
babyfaced monster
New member
minion said:
Nuff said, this was my very first routine. Some old geezer (50yr old powerlifter) told me to perform this twice a week when he knew i was first starting out. Took me to an ectomorph to a near mesomorph in a year.
nikolai_bolkov
New member
Re: A tiny, trembling voice of dissent....
1. Knees won't be a problem if you got the right form.
2. If you get fatigued from doing 2,3 sets @ 10 reps of squats, you need to work on you endurance. If you're able to run 1 mile on a track, your able to do squats.
buksoon said:
1. Knees won't be a problem if you got the right form.
2. If you get fatigued from doing 2,3 sets @ 10 reps of squats, you need to work on you endurance. If you're able to run 1 mile on a track, your able to do squats.
nikolai_bolkov
New member
babyfaced monster said:
This is awesome. My current routine (for at least 1 yr) will only include:
Squats
Deadlifts/SL deadlifts
Bench
Pull-ups/Chin-ups
Bent-over barbell rows
Dips
Weighted crunches.
That's it. I want to see how far I can get with the hardest exercises in the gym.
You will get FAR Nicholai, keep adding the weight and you will get far.
I definately agree with Imnotdutch. There are plenty of exercises that if done improperly can cause serious injury. Take the ever so popular benchpress. There are plenty of chest, elbow, wrist, and shoulder injuries and yet it's still the most popular. I'm not saying don't bench, I'm saying bench properly. Same goes for squatting. Squat correctly or you'll pay for it.
buffal2001
New member
nikolai_bolkov said:
Yeah.. i was thinkin of doin a routine with the basics like Bench,dips,curls,BB rows,squats, cleans, military press,SLdeads etc.........just wonderin how are u structuring your routine?????
nikolai_bolkov
New member
My routine looks like this:
Mon: Squats, SL Deads, Weighted crunches
Wed: Bench, Standing Barbell Shoulder presses, Dips, Barbell curls, weighted crunches
Fri: Regular Deads, Pullups, Bent over barbell rows, weighted crunches
I will have to see if I need to cut down on the ab work, as it may be too much.
All other days are rest days.
Damn, last time I did squats/SL deads, I slept 12 hours that night! (9pm to 9am)
Mon: Squats, SL Deads, Weighted crunches
Wed: Bench, Standing Barbell Shoulder presses, Dips, Barbell curls, weighted crunches
Fri: Regular Deads, Pullups, Bent over barbell rows, weighted crunches
I will have to see if I need to cut down on the ab work, as it may be too much.
All other days are rest days.
Damn, last time I did squats/SL deads, I slept 12 hours that night! (9pm to 9am)
mikelong23
New member
There is no way to replace any exercise, especially one of importance such as squats. it builds your overall body, somthing leg presses can't do. it does not hurt to rotate it though occasionally if you get burned out with squats dont do them and instead do some leg presses and hack squats.
