NSV Leg Press

I love squatting and currently have a rotator cuff injury but I find that I can do front squats (especially on smith machine). I go lighter than most but I go all the way down and I've done this for decades. The exercise changes entirely when you add some real depth to the range of motion. I'm hoping to add some regular squats once my rotator cuff heals enough to allow for it.

Leg presses don't work all those great stabilizers but are a good way to add leg mass and strength fairly quickly. They're also a blessing when you have some lower back pain. I perform them similarly as I do squats in that I bring my knees all the way back to my shoulders, even if I don't completely lock out to keep that tension in there. This requires less weight but has given me some formidable results. It also requires a slighter wider stance and you have to inhale through the rib cage and not allow your waist to expand which would shorten the range of motion since your legs will keep hitting your waist before you get the weight down. Form before ego.