How important is the leg press to your squat numbes?
JeffseekingV
Posts: 3,165 Member
I used to do the leg press but the Y doesn't have the inclined one. The one they have sucks. So while I do squats/deads/power cleans, I don't do leg press anymore. I have a hard time blasting my quads with squats. And my squats haven't really gone up like my deads have.
So is me not doing heavy leg presses hurting my squat numbers?
So is me not doing heavy leg presses hurting my squat numbers?
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I'd say your deads going up are more in line with your back and posterior chain getting worked (which leg presses don't work on).
Squats do just as much for your legs as leg presses do, and do a better job.
I stopped doing leg presses when I got my squat form down and I could squat heavy enough to get a workout.
Try varying your squats a little - I like to do paused squats myself. Take about 50% of your max, go ATG and hold it for 1-2 seconds. You can increase the weight after getting used to it, but believe me, you'll feel it.0 -
But I can usually really load up the sled. ie.. at least double my squat. 600lbs+. And I can do 1 legged stuff on the sled that I really can't do while squatting. I wanted to add some more squat-like moves and don't really know what options I have0
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Can you front squat?
Leg press is a decent mass builder but as far as strength carryover to the squat goes, I don't know to be honest.0 -
I can do them. I do them to help with my posture. As I tend to bend over too much on my squat. I helps be more upright. But I can't really load up as I can't front squat as much as I can normally squat.
I supposed I can go to a narrow stance with the normal squat0 -
Athletic and functional carryover from leg press is minimal. Loading up a leg press makes your ego feel good because everyone loves to hoard 45's. :-)
My advice is to find some strong man implements like tractor tires, pulling sleds, cars to push up hill and, to a lesser extent to the legs but amazing as building overall strength, try rack pulls and farmers walk. People mentioning variations in squat routines with pauses and front squats are also good.0 -
I have to admit that I like the Squat Press / Leg Press for reps as an accessory movement.
You can also do any of the following for reps:
- Front Squat
- Narrow stance squats (same as above)
- Lunges (I prefer to do them walking)
- Step-ups with a barbell or DB
- Bulgarian Split Squats0 -
Nice list. Thanks for the suggestions0
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I have to admit that I like the Squat Press / Leg Press for reps as an accessory movement.
You can also do any of the following for reps:
- Front Squat
- Narrow stance squats (same as above)
- Lunges (I prefer to do them walking)
- Step-ups with a barbell or DB
- Bulgarian Split Squats
good post.
You know what increases your squat the most...squatting
Only time I've used a leg press machine is to max out a hotel gym one.
High or low bar squat will also change the mechanics and targeted muscles. I much prefer a low bar squat and then do some assistance exercises that are more quad dominant.0 -
I have to admit that I like the Squat Press / Leg Press for reps as an accessory movement.
You can also do any of the following for reps:
- Front Squat
- Narrow stance squats (same as above)
- Lunges (I prefer to do them walking)
- Step-ups with a barbell or DB
- Bulgarian Split Squats
good post.
You know what increases your squat the most...squatting
Only time I've used a leg press machine is to max out a hotel gym one.
High or low bar squat will also change the mechanics and targeted muscles. I much prefer a low bar squat and then do some assistance exercises that are more quad dominant.
You know, I've found that I really really like doing the Narrow (Olympic) style squatting as an accessory movement following the main squat work and DL work.0
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