Leg Press VS. Squat...

DIVINITUS · 11-18-2005, 12:41 AM

Why do lots of people do both in their leg routine? I always thought of the squat as a more complete type of "leg press". Can someone explain a bit the benefits of doing both? Currently my leg day consists of squats, lunges and calf raises. Should I incorporate the leg press?

The13ig13adWolf · 11-18-2005, 05:12 AM

do you train legs once a week? you could always swap out the lunges for leg presses and add a ham dominant movement. full squats are superior and not interchangeable. just because other people are incorporating both doen't mean you should. tons of people use heinous form too

...

The Monkey Man · 11-18-2005, 06:47 AM

I used to use the leg press because I split front and rear legs...

So leg press on Quad dominant WO day...

Plus I would use it to isolate quads for THKNS

**CowPimp** · 11-18-2005, 10:02 AM

The benefit to using machines is you can often generate more force with the target musculature. The more your body has to do to maintain balance, the more force is dissipated from the prime movers to the stabilizers.

From a functional or athletic standpoint, the squat is king hands down. In terms of hypertrophy, it is debatable. I think including both is a reasonable proposition; just don't neglect some lower body movements that focus more on movement around the hip joint in exchange.

slider · 11-18-2005, 01:16 PM

on my leg/arm days I do both, the press is nice cuz you can really whale on the wieght and the lung is good cuz it promotes symitry and core strength. Start out the with press next do a hammy articulation(ie standing leg curl) and then do lunges. You'll be feeling it every where and it makes for a great superset

The13ig13adWolf · 11-18-2005, 05:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CowPimp

The benefit to using machines is you can often generate more force with the target musculature. The more your body has to do to maintain balance, the more force is dissipated from the prime movers to the stabilizers.

From a functional or athletic standpoint, the squat is king hands down. In terms of hypertrophy, it is debatable. I think including both is a reasonable proposition; just don't neglect some lower body movements that focus more on movement around the hip joint in exchange.

the reason you can generate more force is because it's on a fixed plane therefore taking your stabilizer muscles out of the equation entirely. that's not a good thing. leg press is good for isolation and that's all.

"the squat is king" = i agree (full squat that is

).

eastbaylifter · 11-18-2005, 05:53 PM

Probably related to what the others said, but some people go conservative on the weight when doing free-weight squats, but they can go all-out on the leg press. I think it's more a psychological rush to load up 20 plates than it is actual benefit.

**CowPimp** · 11-18-2005, 08:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The13ig13adWolf

the reason you can generate more force is because it's on a fixed plane therefore taking your stabilizer muscles out of the equation entirely. that's not a good thing. leg press is good for isolation and that's all.

I use hardly any machines and share your sentiment. However, my concern is not purely mass. I lift for maximum strength, relative strength, and strength endurance; mass is merely a byproduct for me and serves as a mean to my ends. The lifts I care about are all freeweight movements. Using machines frequently doesn't make all that much sense for me.

However, when it comes to bodybuilding, training for function is not a necessity. All you need to do is overload the muscles in question and cause a response from your endocrine system. Supplementing your training with movements like the leg press could be beneficial. I still typically suggest that people base their routines around freeweight movements. My point is merely that machine movements can have their place in a bodybuilder's routine.

Quote:

"the squat is king" = i agree (full squat that is

).

Damned straight.

JordanMang · 11-18-2005, 09:01 PM

Supplement both into your workout. Your muslces like a change in routine. But, nothing beats below parallel deep squats.

The13ig13adWolf · 11-19-2005, 12:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CowPimp

My point is merely that machine movements can have their place in a bodybuilder's routine.

i concur

.

The Monkey Man · 11-19-2005, 12:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The13ig13adWolf

i concur

.

redman12 · 11-19-2005, 12:55 AM

Full Squat will ALWAYS be king

-ALWAYS

TJ Cline · 11-19-2005, 01:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The13ig13adWolf

the reason you can generate more force is because it's on a fixed plane therefore taking your stabilizer muscles out of the equation entirely. that's not a good thing. leg press is good for isolation and that's all.

"the squat is king" = i agree (full squat that is

).

I disagree 100%
The leg press is as good for mass as the squat.....if you are just training for Bodybuilding then either one is great.

Obviously doing both from time to time is best.

garethhe · 11-19-2005, 04:30 AM

I'm one of those previously-mentioned guys that does both squats and leg presses. I agree that the squat is king; that's why I do it first before any other lift. Towards the middle of my workout, my arms will tire and need a rest. Rather than spend five minutes picking my nose (which is generally frowned upon in my gym for some odd reason), I'll do a couple sets on the leg press, then get back to work on upper-body stuff.

Is there a different leg-only exercise I could substitute for the leg press?

The13ig13adWolf · 11-19-2005, 09:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Monkey Man

that means i agree...

The13ig13adWolf · 11-19-2005, 09:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ForemanRules

I disagree 100%
The leg press is as good for mass as the squat.....if you are just training for Bodybuilding then either one is great.

Obviously doing both from time to time is best.

what are you disagreeing with? i didn't mention anything about mass.

TJ Cline · 11-19-2005, 09:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The13ig13adWolf

what are you disagreeing with? i didn't mention anything about mass.

This

Quote:

Originally Posted by The13ig13adWolf

the reason you can generate more force is because it's on a fixed plane therefore taking your stabilizer muscles out of the equation entirely. that's not a good thing. leg press is good for isolation and that's all.

"the squat is king" = i agree (full squat that is

).

Isolation movements are not the best thing for building mass.....I don't see the leg press as a true isolation movement for quads....................I do see thigh extensions as an isolation movement.

Love to see somebody build huge legs only doing thigh extensions.

The13ig13adWolf · 11-19-2005, 10:52 AM

do we agree that the full squat is a superior exercise?

BigDyl · 11-19-2005, 01:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The13ig13adWolf

do we agree that the full squat is a superior exercise?

I have a superior exersize I think I could show you...

TJ Cline · 11-19-2005, 01:46 PM

Stu · 11-19-2005, 01:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigDyl

I have a superior exersize I think I could show you...

i've always wondered what it must feel like to be shameless

Squaggleboggin · 11-19-2005, 01:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The13ig13adWolf

do we agree that the full squat is a superior exercise?

I would agree that free weights are superior to machines in nearly all aspects related to training I would consider worthy of my time.

luke69duke69 · 11-19-2005, 01:51 PM

Man, I've been missing out. I thought most of the smart ass comments were in anabolic zone.

The13ig13adWolf · 11-19-2005, 02:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigDyl

I have a superior exersize I think I could show you...

i think that would be the other way around sparky...

The13ig13adWolf · 11-19-2005, 02:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stu

i've always wondered what it must feel like to be shameless

**Dale Mabry** · 11-19-2005, 02:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigDyl

I have a superior exersize I think I could show you...

I believe yours to be an exercise in futility, young EMO ninja.

BigDyl · 11-19-2005, 03:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The13ig13adWolf

i think that would be the other way around sparky...

11-18-2005, 12:41 AM	#1
DIVINITUS <> <> Join Date: May 2003 Location: Homebase somewhere in MA Posts: 59	Leg Press VS. Squat... Why do lots of people do both in their leg routine? I always thought of the squat as a more complete type of "leg press". Can someone explain a bit the benefits of doing both? Currently my leg day consists of squats, lunges and calf raises. Should I incorporate the leg press?

11-18-2005, 05:12 AM	#2
The13ig13adWolf IM Ball Buster Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: I win... Posts: 1,367	do you train legs once a week? you could always swap out the lunges for leg presses and add a ham dominant movement. full squats are superior and not interchangeable. just because other people are incorporating both doen't mean you should. tons of people use heinous form too ...
	Some people get lost in thought because it's such unfamiliar territory. -G. Behn

11-18-2005, 06:47 AM	#3
The Monkey Man Magical Apelikemenace Elite Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: New Delhi, India Posts: 13,791 Photos: 35	I used to use the leg press because I split front and rear legs... So leg press on Quad dominant WO day... Plus I would use it to isolate quads for THKNS
	Have Problems?... Chances are its due to overpopulation Save The Oceans, Save the Planet, Save Your Family, Save Yourself!

11-18-2005, 10:02 AM	#4
CowPimp Fueled by Testosterone Moderator Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Silver Spring, MD Posts: 15,428	The benefit to using machines is you can often generate more force with the target musculature. The more your body has to do to maintain balance, the more force is dissipated from the prime movers to the stabilizers. From a functional or athletic standpoint, the squat is king hands down. In terms of hypertrophy, it is debatable. I think including both is a reasonable proposition; just don't neglect some lower body movements that focus more on movement around the hip joint in exchange.
	The only time it's bad to feel the burn is when you're peeing... CowPimp Picks Up Heavy Shit MySpace YouTube Videos

11-18-2005, 01:16 PM	#5
slider CRAPTASTIC!!! Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: idaho Posts: 88 Photos: 1	on my leg/arm days I do both, the press is nice cuz you can really whale on the wieght and the lung is good cuz it promotes symitry and core strength. Start out the with press next do a hammy articulation(ie standing leg curl) and then do lunges. You'll be feeling it every where and it makes for a great superset
	Today I was inline at the grocery store and saw a magzine that said it had 44 shortcuts for getting big!!!! Holey moly my life has changed no more *hardwork and dedication* for me ther are shortcuts!!!!!!! http://stuorgs.uidaho.edu/~dhbike/pics/TRIKE.bmp

11-18-2005, 05:53 PM	#7
eastbaylifter Registered User Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 73	Probably related to what the others said, but some people go conservative on the weight when doing free-weight squats, but they can go all-out on the leg press. I think it's more a psychological rush to load up 20 plates than it is actual benefit.

11-18-2005, 09:01 PM	#9
JordanMang Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 862	Supplement both into your workout. Your muslces like a change in routine. But, nothing beats below parallel deep squats.
JordanMang Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 862

11-19-2005, 12:55 AM	#12
redman12 GET-R-DONE Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: HELL Posts: 164	Full Squat will ALWAYS be king -ALWAYS

11-19-2005, 04:30 AM	#14
garethhe Registered User Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Florida Posts: 280	I'm one of those previously-mentioned guys that does both squats and leg presses. I agree that the squat is king; that's why I do it first before any other lift. Towards the middle of my workout, my arms will tire and need a rest. Rather than spend five minutes picking my nose (which is generally frowned upon in my gym for some odd reason), I'll do a couple sets on the leg press, then get back to work on upper-body stuff. Is there a different leg-only exercise I could substitute for the leg press?

11-19-2005, 10:52 AM	#18
The13ig13adWolf IM Ball Buster Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: I win... Posts: 1,367	do we agree that the full squat is a superior exercise?
	Some people get lost in thought because it's such unfamiliar territory. -G. Behn

11-19-2005, 01:46 PM	#20
TJ Cline Member Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 12,544	Yes
TJ Cline Member Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 12,544

11-19-2005, 01:51 PM	#23
luke69duke69 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2004 Posts: 478	Man, I've been missing out. I thought most of the smart ass comments were in anabolic zone.
	"I may not be the best looking guy in the bar, but I'm the only one talking to you" - J King

11-19-2005, 03:37 PM	#28
BigDyl Elite Kiki Elite Member Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Securityland Posts: 15,736 Photos: