Leg Press vs Barbell/DB squats

skeo

Hello Everyone,
Just looking to pick a few brains, I know ideally that compound exercises are best for overall work out's, engaging core muscles etc etc. My question is about the leg press, I see some folks loading up the leg press with 400+ pounds of weight, and do range of motion, but can't squat 185 worth a bump.

So does being able to leg press 400+lbs aid in BB squats? I would think it's an isolation machine and really targets quads and perhaps glutes?

jwdieter

If you're doing squats, leg press isn't really worth doing. If you can't do squats, leg press is a fine exercise. If you're having trouble with squats and want to improve, more squat training and technique work is a better option than leg press imo.

JoRocka

If you're doing squats, leg press isn't really worth doing. If you can't do squats, leg press is a fine exercise. If you're having trouble with squats and want to improve, more squat training and technique work is a better option than leg press imo.

if you can't squat- how can you traditional leg press? (unless we are talking the L shaped one- where you are flat- and the bar comes directly toward you- much more like a squat- that's different)

it's much harder on your back and not really softer easier on your knees.

Although your second statement is true- more squats- more bar technique work- mobility exercises- all vastly superior to the leg press for improving squats.

I can press close to 700... My squat is crap- it's like barely 200. it's just not a translatable exercise.

skeo

If you're doing squats, leg press isn't really worth doing. If you can't do squats, leg press is a fine exercise. If you're having trouble with squats and want to improve, more squat training and technique work is a better option than leg press imo.

My thoughts exactly, if you can't squat at this time, practice makes perfect, so just hit the rack to check form with no weight or light weight; and continue to progress, rather than doing the leg press.
I'm not going to lie, I am impressed when I see folks pressing more than 300+ on the leg press, it LOOKS impressive and is tough, I can barely press 205, but can't BB squat more than 135.

Right now, I am limited to the seated leg press, per doctor's orders, but I was just people watching last night while resting, and noticed that some people only do the leg press, and press A LOT of weight, but never hit the squat rack, maybe it's their preference, I don't know, (females by the way, not males) but I was just wondering if there is some aid towards bettering your squat if you leg press.

eric_sg61

The leg press doesn't really carryover to the squat in terms of strength. I've seen plenty on 1000lb leg presses by people who barely squat 315. I like the leg press if I am training to failure, since training to failure on a squat is not the safest thing to do:sad: :laugh:

skeo

if you can't squat- how can you traditional leg press? (unless we are talking the L shaped one- where you are flat- and the bar comes directly toward you- much more like a squat- that's different)

it's much harder on your back and not really softer easier on your knees.

Although your second statement is true- more squats- more bar technique work- mobility exercises- all vastly superior to the leg press for improving squats.

I can press close to 700... My squat is crap- it's like barely 200. it's just not a translatable exercise.

It's the seated one, where your back is on the ground and the bar comes down towards you.

Danny_Boy13

If you're doing squats, leg press isn't really worth doing. If you can't do squats, leg press is a fine exercise. If you're having trouble with squats and want to improve, more squat training and technique work is a better option than leg press imo.

I couldn't agree with this more. Squats > Leg Press but Leg Press is a good alternative if one is uncomfortable to squat. This is not saying that the press takes the place of the squat but the press is used a lot for accessory work. IMO nothing will ever trump the squat for a leg builder... nothing.

SaintGiff

It's the seated one, where your back is on the ground and the bar comes down towards you.

I always refer to that one as the "lead sled". I agree that it does not translate at all to squats. I can bang out half a dozen reps at 700lbs+ on the sled and my squat is uniquely unimpressive. The sled, however, is great for calf raises. Where does everyone stand on hack squats?

eric_sg61

Where does everyone stand on hack squats?

I like them, depending on the machine and the foot placement they can be safely taken to failure.

JoRocka

The leg press doesn't really carryover to the squat in terms of strength. I've seen plenty on 1000lb leg presses by people who barely squat 315. I like the leg press if I am training to failure, since training to failure on a squat is not the safest thing to do:sad: :laugh:

I'd rather squat to failure than press to failure. No question.

I squat to failure all the time. It's called a power cage. Safety rails. no issue.

It's the seated one, where your back is on the ground and the bar comes down towards you.

we probably aren't talking the same thing. I know the typical down low one at most gyms- and you aren't making a 90* angle and your back isn't FLAT on the floor- your butt is kind of on the floor- your back is on like a rest thing.

Those aren't so good.

There is one machine I know of that really hammers the glutes- and you can do with with a barbell- a smith machine or this thing. let me seeeeez

I can't post pictures at work- just google bar bell leg press- you'll see what I mean- it's totally different than a standard leg press in your average gym.

(totally different and totally bad *kitten*)

SaintGiff

That's my thinking as well. It's probably about the only way you can squat to failure without risking catastrophe.

skeo

Where does everyone stand on hack squats?

Ah, I didn't know the standing ones were called hack squats, I don't like those either, feels quite unnatural and I use a lot of time trying to get correct feet placement.

I personally would rather squat and build up from there.

SaintGiff

I also just recently started adding overhead squats into my mix. Two thoughts on those: First, holy crap what a humbling experience. I see those youtube videos of the crossfit girls banging out overhead squats with 225lbs and I'm thinking "eh, no big deal". Wrong. I had to start with an empty short bar ( 35lbs ) and have only now, six weeks later, worked up to doing 9 reps at 135lbs. Those things are BRUTAL when you go all the way down with them. Second: The fact that you take them all the way down really improves your form, power, and flexibility on regular squats. I wouldn't replace regular squats with them, but if you're looking to something to augment your squats, or if you're looking to improve your squats, they are definitely a way to go. Just leave your ego in your gym bag when you start doing them.

JoRocka

TRUE THAT

The thing about over head- it will reveal any weak link in your chain.

ANY link.

And I really like them- I try to get them in once or twice a month with my OHP- they are hard on my shoulders- but they are amazing for mobility and improving your squat. Like you have to work to get them right- I think it's a big help.

I started with the bar and doing "technique" and quickly realized 3 x 8 of the 45 wasn't just technique- it was frigging WORK. LMAO

I much prefer doing front squats as a regular add in- I do them once a week almost.

Throwing out random names for things to try as well if you are interested- I also wouldn't replace- but they are a good tool to know/have.
Zercher Squats
Jefferson Squats

eric_sg61

Safety rails. no issue.

Not yet

skeo

I also just recently started adding overhead squats into my mix. Two thoughts on those: First, holy crap what a humbling experience. I see those youtube videos of the crossfit girls banging out overhead squats with 225lbs and I'm thinking "eh, no big deal". Wrong. I had to start with an empty short bar ( 35lbs ) and have only now, six weeks later, worked up to doing 9 reps at 135lbs. Those things are BRUTAL when you go all the way down with them. Second: The fact that you take them all the way down really improves your form, power, and flexibility on regular squats. I wouldn't replace regular squats with them, but if you're looking to something to augment your squats, or if you're looking to improve your squats, they are definitely a way to go. Just leave your ego in your gym bag when you start doing them.

Humbling experience indeed, here I am thinking I'm a bad *kitten*, trying to over head squat 65lbs..haha, and fell straight on my *kitten*, so I dropped the weight to 55lbs..the 45lb bar and two 5lb plates..I feel ridiculous at times, but hey, gotta start somewhere.

SaintGiff

Oh they absolute reveal any weak link. In the last few weeks I've started doing Zotts presses on back day. The original intent was to strengthen the rear delts and help with the overhead squats. Now I just love them for the exercise that they are, though they have helped tremendously with the OH squats. I've also started doing my lunges overhead now, rather than across the back of my shoulders. I have to use less weight, but again a greater range of motion and I really feel them.

jwdieter

I see those youtube videos of the crossfit girls banging out overhead squats with 225lbs

Link? That's a crazy weight for a woman.

JoRocka

I see those youtube videos of the crossfit girls banging out overhead squats with 225lbs

Link? That's a crazy weight for a woman.

perhaps someone is counting 15/25 lb bumper plates as 45's... I'm am not a professional power lifter- but I have respectable enough lfits to make marks at a competitions- I can only OHS around 100 lbs and very poorly at that- my rep range is closer to 75 (granted I don't train for it.

225 true ATG over head squat is hell of a weight for a man.

"The "gold standard" is bodyweight for 15 reps. I've never met anyone who can do that, though I'm sure a good number of the top finishers at the .."

I can't click the link- but that's the first blurb. Granted it's from a cross fit forum so take with a grain of salt- my research abilities are limited.. but I would absolutely say someone miscounted bumper's for 45's.

_John_

the leg press is a great exercise for volume training on your legs.

It has its purpose, and Rippetoe can KMA on that one...

_John_

I see those youtube videos of the crossfit girls banging out overhead squats with 225lbs

Link? That's a crazy weight for a woman.

perhaps someone is counting 15/25 lb bumper plates as 45's... I'm am not a professional power lifter- but I have respectable enough lfits to make marks at a competitions- I can only OHS around 100 lbs and very poorly at that- my rep range is closer to 75 (granted I don't train for it.

225 true ATG over head squat is hell of a weight for a man.

"The "gold standard" is bodyweight for 15 reps. I've never met anyone who can do that, though I'm sure a good number of the top finishers at the .."

I can't click the link- but that's the first blurb. Granted it's from a cross fit forum so take with a grain of salt- my research abilities are limited.. but I would absolutely say someone miscounted bumper's for 45's.

I would bet the 225 "looking" OHS are done with plates that are maybe 10-15 pounds each. Crossfitters are notorious for making lifts look cool with those plastic bumper plates.

Riemersma4

If your body can handle it, Squats and Deadlifts are the best. I like leg extensions to work to muscle failure and isolation.

Best!

JoRocka

I would bet the 225 "looking" OHS are done with plates that are maybe 10-15 pounds each. Crossfitters are notorious for making lifts look cool with those plastic bumper plates.

I occasionally get annoyed watching youtube with women who don't look like they are stronger than me lifting what appears to be crazy weight- then I realize I shouldn't be counting bumper plates as 45's and then I stop being angry... and then just angry I don't have cool bumper plates to look bad *kitten*. <le sigh>

and then I go lift my stupid 45's and don't bounce them and call it a day.

skullshank

the leg press is a great exercise for volume training on your legs.

It has its purpose, and Rippetoe can KMA on that one...

i enjoy doing both and lways do on wednesdays. my squat is quite unimpressive (at 225) and my press isnt all that killer either (at ~600), but i feel that adding the press at heavier weights will somehow help out my squat.

whether this is true or not, i have no idea, but i like pushing up the heavier weight that the press allows me to.

jwdieter

I would bet the 225 "looking" OHS are done with plates that are maybe 10-15 pounds each. Crossfitters are notorious for making lifts look cool with those plastic bumper plates.

I occasionally get annoyed watching youtube with women who don't look like they are stronger than me lifting what appears to be crazy weight- then I realize I shouldn't be counting bumper plates as 45's and then I stop being angry... and then just angry I don't have cool bumper plates to look bad *kitten*. <le sigh>

and then I go lift my stupid 45's and don't bounce them and call it a day.

Then there was that 295 bench from a 132# woman agc linked yesterday. Does not compute, but there it is. I'm willing to believe, but I'd like to see it.

JoRocka

I would bet the 225 "looking" OHS are done with plates that are maybe 10-15 pounds each. Crossfitters are notorious for making lifts look cool with those plastic bumper plates.

I occasionally get annoyed watching youtube with women who don't look like they are stronger than me lifting what appears to be crazy weight- then I realize I shouldn't be counting bumper plates as 45's and then I stop being angry... and then just angry I don't have cool bumper plates to look bad *kitten*. <le sigh>

and then I go lift my stupid 45's and don't bounce them and call it a day.

Then there was that 295 bench from a 132# woman agc linked yesterday. Does not compute, but there it is. I'm willing to believe, but I'd like to see it.

indubitably.

I think it's possible- but visuals are definitely nice. I didn't see the 295- that's impressive. I'd be happy to push upper 200's. Gotta break 2 first. Then it's all down hill =p

tyrsnbdr

The leg press doesn't really carryover to the squat in terms of strength. I've seen plenty on 1000lb leg presses by people who barely squat 315.

Came in to say that this is me.

SaintGiff

indubitably.

I think it's possible- but visuals are definitely nice. I didn't see the 295- that's impressive. I'd be happy to push upper 200's. Gotta break 2 first. Then it's all down hill =p

After looking at your profile picture I'm not ashamed to admit that I felt a slight bit of joy / relief that you aren't benching more than me.

cingle87

Ive got both in my leg day split currently and love doing them both, my squat is 95kg x 5 x 5, while i can knock out 3x10 145kg leg press.