Why are squats considered #1? Anyone can solve this mystery?

[GRIMMER]

To calculste the actual amount of weight that you are using in a leg press you take the amount of wieght and multiply it by the sin of the angle. 45(sin)800 times the force of gravity 9.8 meters per second times the hight it is moved maybe 1.5 feet convert all of that into feet and there you go or something like that. Squats are superior period. the entire weight is transfered through your entire body because the weight is on the shoulders bringing your entire posterior chanin of muscles involved includin shoulders the entire back, hips,legs , abs ect.witha leg press you only use legs. Its a pretty simple concept if you think about it. Get out of the leg press and start squatting

 

[NateDogg]

I believe that it is argued, and actually it was argued pretty recently on this board in a poll, that both squats and convential deadlifts are the top two "If you were only going to do one exercise this should be it" exercises. Beyond that it is personal preference IMHO. I would argue in support of conventional deadlifts.

NateDogg

 

[ZZuluZ]

Alex, it's not all about the weight moved.

Squats are superior because you're moving the body through space, and this, as we all know, for evolutionary reasons, releases more GH, and thus makes you stronger.

Squats are also an open chain movement, which again for evolutionary reasons make you strong as opposed to sitting down and pushing the leg press.

Squats also work almost every muscle in your body including the stabilizer muscles.

Squats also work your posterior chain.

-Zulu

 

[Blood&Iron]

I was going to skip responding to this thread, but because there seems to be some unanimity of opinion, I guess I'll weigh in. I don't personally accord the squat the mythic status that many do. Yes, it's a great lift. I like squatting. But a well-designed leg press(And as I've written numerous times, these are rare.) can produce phenomenal leg development as well. Provided you bust your ass on whatever movement you choose, I don't think you'll see significant differences. Same goes for the deadlift. The one advantage the squat or deadlift has is that it forces one to train muscles that are otherwise neglected, e.g. the low back. And certainly if you're powerlifting you've got to practice the skills specific to your sport which means deadlifting and squatting. But for the bodybuilder, the leg press is fine.

 

[The mann]

squats are a total body ass whoopin'....................

 

[obpower]

Deadlifts put more stess on the nervous system because of the deviation of your spinal column from your center of gravity. That is also why sumo deadlifts are easier on the cns than traditional. Squats put more stress on the working muscles because there is more time under tension than the deadlift due to the differences in the eccentric part of the movement and to the length of the movement. Also, the placement of the bar accounts for differences in stability demands between the deadlift and the squat. The leg press is deceiving because alot of people think they are lifting more than they really are. Besides, most leg press machines wipe out the stability factor all togehter. On the note of stability. Ever do high volume squat work standing on a stability ball? For those that have....compare the differences to regular squats in terms of recovery.

 

[bignate73]

Deadlifts put more stess on the nervous system because of the deviation of your spinal column from your center of gravity. That is also why sumo deadlifts are easier on the cns than traditional. Squats put more stress on the working muscles because there is more time under tension than the deadlift due to the differences in the eccentric part of the movement and to the length of the movement. Also, the placement of the bar accounts for differences in stability demands between the deadlift and the squat. The leg press is deceiving because alot of people think they are lifting more than they really are. Besides, most leg press machines wipe out the stability factor all togehter. On the note of stability. Ever do high volume squat work standing on a stability ball? For those that have....compare the differences to regular squats in terms of recovery.

OH HELL YEAH!
yes, yes, yes, yes, yes....and yes. thank you.

 

[CrystalChick]

How do you increase weight I am finding i am stuck at a particular weight what could be my problem

Thanks CC

 

[USMC_Devildog]

The Best Compound Movement

The squat works all of the major body parts in some way. Mainly strengthens your thighs and back. Abdominals play an important role as well, stablizers. I noticed that good squatters are also pretty good bench pressers.

 

[mattcanning99]

the main reason is the ability of squats to result in added release of HGH