Leg presses killing my lower back

[jerky]

Does anyone have this same problem ? I can do everything just fine and when I hit the leg press it just kills my lower back to no end.

Any suggestions to work around this and or kill it off for good.

Thanks

JKY

 

[Zyglamail]

Its likely due to poor mobility. Leg presses are a bogus lift anyway. Your much better off doing squats, split sqauts etc.

 

[CML0915]

I have this problem too I think it's because of two factors.

My gym has the leg press where you sit on and press straight out in front if you.. This kills my back.

And also, I have a weak core (long story)

I know they are frowned upon but right now I need to use a belt for leg press until my core strength returns

Is any of this similar to your issue?

 

[CaliRobK]

I have herniated discs and as long as I don't bring my knees too far down and round my lower back I'm fine. I did this recently an paid dearly for it.

 

[jerky]

I wear a belt when I press I think ZYG might be correct its a Shit movement to begin with. I am no spring chicken at 47 and years of heavy squatting has taken its toll, however it might be back to the squat rack with lighter weight and more reps and maybe some leg extensions thrown in ? I just want to keep my thighs in solid shape.

Like I said thu that movement sucks and kills me anytime I throw 6 + plates on each side its Over.

Any suggestions would be great.

 

[stevesmi]

I wear a belt when I press I think ZYG might be correct its a Shit movement to begin with. I am no spring chicken at 47 and years of heavy squatting has taken its toll, however it might be back to the squat rack with lighter weight and more reps and maybe some leg extensions thrown in ? I just want to keep my thighs in solid shape.

Like I said thu that movement sucks and kills me anytime I throw 6 + plates on each side its Over.

Any suggestions would be great.

I bolded your problem

that's what happens when you wear a belt long term, you weaken your back.

which is why I tell guys to not wear belts.

 

[Zyglamail]

I wear a belt when I press I think ZYG might be correct its a Shit movement to begin with. I am no spring chicken at 47 and years of heavy squatting has taken its toll, however it might be back to the squat rack with lighter weight and more reps and maybe some leg extensions thrown in ? I just want to keep my thighs in solid shape.

Like I said thu that movement sucks and kills me anytime I throw 6 + plates on each side its Over.

Any suggestions would be great.

Properly done squats are much less likely to cause injury than a leg press machine. Leg extensions are a horrible exercise because of the sheering forces they expose the knee to.

As for age, im no spring chicken either, only a year or so behind you and I squat(front and back) and deadlift all the time(no belt, wraps etc).

Many people get hurt squatting because they go too heavy too fast and dont have proper form generally due to lack of proper mobility to stay in a safe position through the whole range of movement. You need to video yourself and watch your form and if there are any issues work on them with lighter weight and ample mobility work.

Split squats are also a killer movement, especially with rear foot elevated. You can use a bar across back for extra weight or just hang on to dumbells.

 

[MaxxReps]

I hate the leg press. I do light single leg presses if at all to keep the weight down off my back. Do heavy squats.

 

[CheckFire]

Leg presses will ruin your lower back. Replace with one leg squats or trap bar squats. Had 2 discectomys so I can't do regular squats, but I can squat with a trap bar. It lowers the center of gravity and builds the upper body somewhat. And yes, leg extensions will wear out your knee ligaments, but I warm up with them at low weight, high reps.

 

[jerky]

So for pure size and strength squats Only ?

 

[MaxxReps]

Smith machine lunges are a great compound exercise. If you are looking to isolate a bit more stiff leg deadlifts for hams and narrow squats for quads. If you are into machines the standard curl and extensions are ok but I feel heavy extensions are hard on the knees.

 

[stantonz71]

Why not front squats or zercher squats? I've been alternating these two with my heavy back squats. To be honest... I feel more with the lighter front and zercher squats than going heavy on my back squats.

 

[Quality Poster]

You can do squats as suggested and finish off with leg press if you like.

As for your lower back problem, go as low as you can without letting your butt comes off the bad or allowing your lower back to round.

P.S. our body mechanics are slightly different so if you feel uncomfortable doing leg press even though you're using the correct form then it's not worth it to risk it; drop it.

 

[Fishak]

Get some front squats...

Sent from my PC36100 using EliteFitness

 

[Brapbrap07]

......... make sure your butt stays on the seat..... make sure to use nothing but your heels on leg press..... move your feet as high as they can go on the plate to achieve a good fulcrum point. Congrats back problems averted

learn and apply

 

[Creepusmaximus]

One legged presses. Do hack squats cause you a problem??? Stick with one legged anything because that takes half the weight off of your back but your legs won't know the difference. Even squats just put one leg behind you up on a bench and squat like normal but you'll only be doing one leg at a time. Takes a little to get the balance down but it's better then having chronic back problems.

Get rid of the belt it's hurting you more than helping. Work on your core, planks whatever. Try a plank on your elbows, if you can't hold it very long that would be a major problem to work on. If you're shaking and falling apart at 10 seconds then you have a weak core for sure. Strong core = strong back.

 

[TrueLiberal]

Leg presses put your spine in a precarious position if you let your butt lift off the seat and let your lower back round. Hip belt squats are a great alternative to back squats if you can't tolerate loading your spine.