Strong Lifts question concerning Squats replacement

LP_Std

Hi,
My daughter and I started Strong Lifts 5x5 recently. We are enjoying it so far, but have run into a situation concerning our Tuesday night workout. The gym we go to only has one Squat Rack (they do have a couple of guided Smith machine style racks as well) and on Tuesday nights when we go, it is almost always taken. Is it acceptable to substitute a Leg Press machine on that night only? The other workouts during the week are at off times and we can usually access the rack without much delay.
If so, the weight used on a Leg press or Smith Style machine would not equate to what the app is telling us to use, so should that be accounted for?

sammyliftsandeats

Ask to work in or maybe replace it with a goblet squat. Of course, you can't go as heavy but I think a goblet squat is a better replacement than a leg press.

Mycophilia

Personally I'd go with hack squats in the smith machine.

xbowhunter

I did SL for a few months. Its a great program but I got bored to death with it...lol

I hate squats now...

StealthHealth

I'd make friends with the people who are in the rack by asking if you could work in.

Failing that you could do dumbbell squats, goblet squats, or (high rep) body weight/singlet leg/sissy squats?

Chieflrg

Dip belt squats will give you the closest thing to barbell squats. Stand on two platforms or benches. Excellent accessory and removes the compression of the spine from back squats. Only problem might be loading the chain for some. They are better than goblet because you can use more weight much like a true back squat.

*Also trap bar squats.

Cylphin60

My wife and daughter alternate using goblet squats, high rep bodyweight squats, dumbbell squats and a variety of lunges at times. they're all good workouts and the variety helps to keep boredom from setting in with 5x5s.

SonyaCele

leg press is not equivalent to back squat, and i wouldnt recommend squats on the smith machine. If you really wanna do legit squats Just learn to shove your way into the squat rack.

sgt1372

There really is NO satisfactory substitute for a true back squat. Anything else is inadequate.

That said, if you don't have access to the necessary equipment, any unsupported squat movement - - like goblet or dumb bell squats - - will have to do.

Smith machine assisted lifts and leg presses are NOT unsupported, limit your movements (range of motion) and the minimize amount of work that your body actually has to do.