are squats overrated?

24

Replies

  • King_Spicy
    King_Spicy Posts: 821 Member
    edited August 2016
    I like to add squats to my workout routine as I got used to them while doing Sl5x5, but I think they are hyped way too much in the social media. Most of the people that talk about squat power for their butt everyday have little to no butt. :lol:
  • selina884
    selina884 Posts: 826 Member
    King_Spicy wrote: »
    I like to add squats to my workout routine as I got used to them while doing Sl5x5, but I think they are hyped way too much in the social media. Most of the people that talk about squat power for their butt everyday have little to no butt. :lol:

    lol, yep there are far better and focused exercises for butt mass.
  • jakeycork
    jakeycork Posts: 26 Member
    I squat 3 times a week and love them. Major key for strength building. Not life changing though.

    You can build good legs without them.
    You can build a good butt without them.
    But with them, they help.
  • juliewatkin
    juliewatkin Posts: 764 Member
    Sued0nim wrote: »
    JoRocka wrote: »
    Self starting cars and heated seats are life changing.

    Finding the space to love yourself is life changing.

    Squats are a religion. But they aren't life changing.

    Why would I want a car that starts by itself ?

    That sounds wrong

    I'm totally on board with heated seats. January in Ontario means heated seats make my butt very happy.
  • llaurenmarie
    llaurenmarie Posts: 1,260 Member
    I have an undiagnosed knee weakness/pain that I'm avoiding and ..squats make that surface itself, so I limit them. I do miss squatting with weight but I really don't want to hurt myself. Other exercises have kept my (already abnormally muscular) legs shaped just fine. However, I have heard that they make butts magically appear. Hopefully that gets created in pill form or something.
  • LazSommer
    LazSommer Posts: 1,851 Member
    leg press is better
  • ndj1979
    ndj1979 Posts: 29,136 Member
    Packerjohn wrote: »
    AnvilHead wrote: »
    Depends on what your goals are.

    They're a solid compound movement, but unless you're a powerlifter they're not essential. I don't subscribe to the "bro" ethic that you have to squat no matter what.

    Would agree when talking about squats as exercise. However, IMO the mobility/flexibility to squat (even bodyweight) pain free is life changing.

    This is a good point. There are benefits to pushing out of our comfort zones. Squats have been a struggle for me from the beginning, and I'm currently on my 3rd complete reset where I've stripped the bar down to 135 and started all over again. The mobility and strength gains have definitely been worth the efforts.

    why did you re-set ...not happy with form, trying to get more depth, all the above?
  • This content has been removed.
  • cwolfman13
    cwolfman13 Posts: 41,865 Member
    No. They're a solid compound movement that are very effective at building strength, and they're one of the bigger tools in the toolbox. To ignore their benefits seems silly, but sure your goals may not involve them either.

    pretty much this...
  • mysticwryter
    mysticwryter Posts: 111 Member
    Squats have been beneficial for me. I'm getting a natural butt lift, my hips are stronger and smaller, also my lower back is stronger and able to support me when I start adding more weight.
  • ndj1979
    ndj1979 Posts: 29,136 Member
    LazSommer wrote: »
    leg press is better

    no...
  • sunnybeaches105
    sunnybeaches105 Posts: 2,831 Member
    ndj1979 wrote: »
    Packerjohn wrote: »
    AnvilHead wrote: »
    Depends on what your goals are.

    They're a solid compound movement, but unless you're a powerlifter they're not essential. I don't subscribe to the "bro" ethic that you have to squat no matter what.

    Would agree when talking about squats as exercise. However, IMO the mobility/flexibility to squat (even bodyweight) pain free is life changing.

    This is a good point. There are benefits to pushing out of our comfort zones. Squats have been a struggle for me from the beginning, and I'm currently on my 3rd complete reset where I've stripped the bar down to 135 and started all over again. The mobility and strength gains have definitely been worth the efforts.

    why did you re-set ...not happy with form, trying to get more depth, all the above?

    The first time was something I can't entirely explain, but my form went to hell. I went from bellow parallel squats to struggling to get parallel, and I couldn't figure out how to fix it. So I started over.

    The second time was due to an injury, and rather than trying to start back at a heavier weight I just started completely over. Not sure this qualifies as a reset but I counted it above.

    This time, I realized that I had stopped comfortably hitting parallel and decided to start over to see if I can ever get my squats set up good enough to compete. I'm not sure I will. I have kids and a job but it would be fun to try. So I've switched to a high bar squat and am relearning, because it's easier for me to get deeper with them. My deadlifts have suddenly started jumping as I've locked those in the last few months at the same time squats were screwed up. It's weird how none of this seems to be linear. Maybe I'll get it together when I grow up . . . lol
  • LazSommer
    LazSommer Posts: 1,851 Member
    edited August 2016
    ndj1979 wrote: »
    LazSommer wrote: »
    leg press is better

    no...

    It is. You can put on every plate in the gym so it's a much better workout and indicator of strength. If you're going to squat over leg press, at least make sure you use the Smith machine for better form.
  • sunnybeaches105
    sunnybeaches105 Posts: 2,831 Member
    LazSommer wrote: »
    leg press is better

    For what? They're both tools. One is much harder and engages the full posterior chain, and has excellent cross over to certain sports that require power. The other is a pure leg exercise that is great for hypertrophy.
  • LazSommer
    LazSommer Posts: 1,851 Member
    LazSommer wrote: »
    leg press is better

    For what? They're both tools. One is much harder and engages the full posterior chain, and has excellent cross over to certain sports that require power. The other is a pure leg exercise that is great for hypertrophy.

    You can lift more with a leg press and it has rails so obviously you can get stronger in a safer fashion.
  • ndj1979
    ndj1979 Posts: 29,136 Member
    ndj1979 wrote: »
    Packerjohn wrote: »
    AnvilHead wrote: »
    Depends on what your goals are.

    They're a solid compound movement, but unless you're a powerlifter they're not essential. I don't subscribe to the "bro" ethic that you have to squat no matter what.

    Would agree when talking about squats as exercise. However, IMO the mobility/flexibility to squat (even bodyweight) pain free is life changing.

    This is a good point. There are benefits to pushing out of our comfort zones. Squats have been a struggle for me from the beginning, and I'm currently on my 3rd complete reset where I've stripped the bar down to 135 and started all over again. The mobility and strength gains have definitely been worth the efforts.

    why did you re-set ...not happy with form, trying to get more depth, all the above?

    The first time was something I can't entirely explain, but my form went to hell. I went from bellow parallel squats to struggling to get parallel, and I couldn't figure out how to fix it. So I started over.

    The second time was due to an injury, and rather than trying to start back at a heavier weight I just started completely over. Not sure this qualifies as a reset but I counted it above.

    This time, I realized that I had stopped comfortably hitting parallel and decided to start over to see if I can ever get my squats set up good enough to compete. I'm not sure I will. I have kids and a job but it would be fun to try. So I've switched to a high bar squat and am relearning, because it's easier for me to get deeper with them. My deadlifts have suddenly started jumping as I've locked those in the last few months at the same time squats were screwed up. It's weird how none of this seems to be linear. Maybe I'll get it together when I grow up . . . lol

    interesting ...I did a re-set a few years back due to form ...but have not done one since...may be something to consider in the coming months...
  • cwolfman13
    cwolfman13 Posts: 41,865 Member
    LazSommer wrote: »
    ndj1979 wrote: »
    LazSommer wrote: »
    leg press is better

    no...

    It is. You can put on every plate in the gym so it's a much better workout and indicator of strength. If you're going to squat over leg press, at least make sure you use the Smith machine for better form.

    This is probably why power lifters are always boasting about how much they can leg press....

    The squat is a full body compound movement...the leg press just works the legs...they both have their place, but I can guarantee you that someone doing 300 Lbs on a leg press won't come close to that on a squat...but someone who can squat 300 Lbs will be able to press much more than that on a leg press.
  • TR0berts
    TR0berts Posts: 7,739 Member
    Did Breeze forget to log into his other account?
  • ndj1979
    ndj1979 Posts: 29,136 Member
    LazSommer wrote: »
    ndj1979 wrote: »
    LazSommer wrote: »
    leg press is better

    no...

    It is. You can put on every plate in the gym so it's a much better workout and indicator of strength. If you're going to squat over leg press, at least make sure you use the Smith machine for better form.

    yea...this is not serious...
  • LazSommer
    LazSommer Posts: 1,851 Member
    cwolfman13 wrote: »
    LazSommer wrote: »
    ndj1979 wrote: »
    LazSommer wrote: »
    leg press is better

    no...

    It is. You can put on every plate in the gym so it's a much better workout and indicator of strength. If you're going to squat over leg press, at least make sure you use the Smith machine for better form.

    This is probably why power lifters are always boasting about how much they can leg press....

    The squat is a full body compound movement...the leg press just works the legs...they both have their place, but I can guarantee you that someone doing 300 Lbs on a leg press won't come close to that on a squat...but someone who can squat 300 Lbs will be able to press much more than that on a leg press.

    No powerlifters usually squat which is why they are generally weaker overall than the guys on the leg press doing 8 plates.
  • sunnybeaches105
    sunnybeaches105 Posts: 2,831 Member
    LazSommer wrote: »
    cwolfman13 wrote: »
    LazSommer wrote: »
    ndj1979 wrote: »
    LazSommer wrote: »
    leg press is better

    no...

    It is. You can put on every plate in the gym so it's a much better workout and indicator of strength. If you're going to squat over leg press, at least make sure you use the Smith machine for better form.

    This is probably why power lifters are always boasting about how much they can leg press....

    The squat is a full body compound movement...the leg press just works the legs...they both have their place, but I can guarantee you that someone doing 300 Lbs on a leg press won't come close to that on a squat...but someone who can squat 300 Lbs will be able to press much more than that on a leg press.

    No powerlifters usually squat which is why they are generally weaker overall than the guys on the leg press doing 8 plates.

    I can do over a 1000 pounds on a plate loaded leg press and my squat is crap right now. As I said, it's great for hypertrophy but you have got to be kidding with that bit above.
  • Joanna2012B
    Joanna2012B Posts: 1,448 Member
    Love Squats here too! I find them essential to my workout and have helped me in my cycling and running!
  • LazSommer
    LazSommer Posts: 1,851 Member
    LazSommer wrote: »
    cwolfman13 wrote: »
    LazSommer wrote: »
    ndj1979 wrote: »
    LazSommer wrote: »
    leg press is better

    no...

    It is. You can put on every plate in the gym so it's a much better workout and indicator of strength. If you're going to squat over leg press, at least make sure you use the Smith machine for better form.

    This is probably why power lifters are always boasting about how much they can leg press....

    The squat is a full body compound movement...the leg press just works the legs...they both have their place, but I can guarantee you that someone doing 300 Lbs on a leg press won't come close to that on a squat...but someone who can squat 300 Lbs will be able to press much more than that on a leg press.

    No powerlifters usually squat which is why they are generally weaker overall than the guys on the leg press doing 8 plates.

    I can do over a 1000 pounds on a plate loaded leg press and my squat is crap right now. As I said, it's great for hypertrophy but you have got to be kidding with that bit above.

    So you can clearly see that the leg press is better since you can move so much weight
  • sunnybeaches105
    sunnybeaches105 Posts: 2,831 Member
    LazSommer wrote: »
    LazSommer wrote: »
    cwolfman13 wrote: »
    LazSommer wrote: »
    ndj1979 wrote: »
    LazSommer wrote: »
    leg press is better

    no...

    It is. You can put on every plate in the gym so it's a much better workout and indicator of strength. If you're going to squat over leg press, at least make sure you use the Smith machine for better form.

    This is probably why power lifters are always boasting about how much they can leg press....

    The squat is a full body compound movement...the leg press just works the legs...they both have their place, but I can guarantee you that someone doing 300 Lbs on a leg press won't come close to that on a squat...but someone who can squat 300 Lbs will be able to press much more than that on a leg press.

    No powerlifters usually squat which is why they are generally weaker overall than the guys on the leg press doing 8 plates.

    I can do over a 1000 pounds on a plate loaded leg press and my squat is crap right now. As I said, it's great for hypertrophy but you have got to be kidding with that bit above.

    So you can clearly see that the leg press is better since you can move so much weight

    By that logic why don't I just load up a push cart and push weight around? It must be making me stronger because I'm moving more weight, right?

    Okay, seriously, where's the camera?
  • LazSommer
    LazSommer Posts: 1,851 Member
    LazSommer wrote: »
    LazSommer wrote: »
    cwolfman13 wrote: »
    LazSommer wrote: »
    ndj1979 wrote: »
    LazSommer wrote: »
    leg press is better

    no...

    It is. You can put on every plate in the gym so it's a much better workout and indicator of strength. If you're going to squat over leg press, at least make sure you use the Smith machine for better form.

    This is probably why power lifters are always boasting about how much they can leg press....

    The squat is a full body compound movement...the leg press just works the legs...they both have their place, but I can guarantee you that someone doing 300 Lbs on a leg press won't come close to that on a squat...but someone who can squat 300 Lbs will be able to press much more than that on a leg press.

    No powerlifters usually squat which is why they are generally weaker overall than the guys on the leg press doing 8 plates.

    I can do over a 1000 pounds on a plate loaded leg press and my squat is crap right now. As I said, it's great for hypertrophy but you have got to be kidding with that bit above.

    So you can clearly see that the leg press is better since you can move so much weight

    By that logic why don't I just load up a push cart and push weight around? It must be making me stronger because I'm moving more weight, right?

    Okay, seriously, where's the camera?

    A push cart would be a great full body exercise.
  • sunnybeaches105
    sunnybeaches105 Posts: 2,831 Member
    LazSommer wrote: »
    LazSommer wrote: »
    LazSommer wrote: »
    cwolfman13 wrote: »
    LazSommer wrote: »
    ndj1979 wrote: »
    LazSommer wrote: »
    leg press is better

    no...

    It is. You can put on every plate in the gym so it's a much better workout and indicator of strength. If you're going to squat over leg press, at least make sure you use the Smith machine for better form.

    This is probably why power lifters are always boasting about how much they can leg press....

    The squat is a full body compound movement...the leg press just works the legs...they both have their place, but I can guarantee you that someone doing 300 Lbs on a leg press won't come close to that on a squat...but someone who can squat 300 Lbs will be able to press much more than that on a leg press.

    No powerlifters usually squat which is why they are generally weaker overall than the guys on the leg press doing 8 plates.

    I can do over a 1000 pounds on a plate loaded leg press and my squat is crap right now. As I said, it's great for hypertrophy but you have got to be kidding with that bit above.

    So you can clearly see that the leg press is better since you can move so much weight

    By that logic why don't I just load up a push cart and push weight around? It must be making me stronger because I'm moving more weight, right?

    Okay, seriously, where's the camera?

    A push cart would be a great full body exercise.

    I'm convinced
  • SonyaCele
    SonyaCele Posts: 2,841 Member
    LazSommer wrote: »
    leg press is better

    cupcakes are better , too. yummmm and they make my butt big and strong with little to no effort.
  • cwolfman13
    cwolfman13 Posts: 41,865 Member
    LazSommer wrote: »
    cwolfman13 wrote: »
    LazSommer wrote: »
    ndj1979 wrote: »
    LazSommer wrote: »
    leg press is better

    no...

    It is. You can put on every plate in the gym so it's a much better workout and indicator of strength. If you're going to squat over leg press, at least make sure you use the Smith machine for better form.

    This is probably why power lifters are always boasting about how much they can leg press....

    The squat is a full body compound movement...the leg press just works the legs...they both have their place, but I can guarantee you that someone doing 300 Lbs on a leg press won't come close to that on a squat...but someone who can squat 300 Lbs will be able to press much more than that on a leg press.

    No powerlifters usually squat which is why they are generally weaker overall than the guys on the leg press doing 8 plates.

    The guy doing the press isn't going to be able to squat what the guy squatting, squats...the guy squatting will generally easily be able to press more than the guy pressing...the guy squatting is going to be overall stronger and more powerful.
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