Leg Press vs. Squat: the Final Chapter

[Iron Gladiator]

It's a battle practically as old as bodybuilding, but the exercise efficiency guy settles the argument once and for all.

More...

[BendtheBar]

...

The Wrap Up

In conclusion, there's no reason to "hate" on the leg press or machine-training in general. Although the squat is likely superior to the leg press for total body hypertrophy, quad hypertrophy, and improved sport performance such as increased vertical jump and acceleration, that doesn't mean that the leg press – or many other fitness machines – have no merit.

Free weights reign superior, machines allow us to do things we can't do with free weights: Training muscles in various ranges of motion, providing for unique positions, isolating various joints and muscles, and/or providing constant tension throughout full ranges of motion. Rather than champion one over the other, find a way to perform both in your leg training routine.

A little variety never hurt anyone, did it?

[Trevor Lane]

He never points out how machine training increases estrogen and liklely makes you gay.
(just made that statistic up)

[BendtheBar]

Originally Posted by Trevor Lane

He never points out how machine training increases estrogen and liklely makes you gay.
(just made that statistic up)

Oops!

[big_swede]

Originally Posted by Trevor Lane

He never points out how machine training increases estrogen and liklely makes you gay.
(just made that statistic up)

[DocColossus]

Originally Posted by BendtheBar

Oops!

lol

[jslep]

aaaahhhhhhhhhhh.........hilarious!

[Marc]

Leg press, smith machine, AKA boat anchors, or most commonly used to hold the floor down. Little other known uses.

[BendtheBar]

Well, I will admit that if I had a leg press, I would squat and then probably leg press.

[IronManlet]

If I had to train at a gym where they didn't have a squat rack and only used leg presses, I would either do Steinborn squats or grab two little guys and use them as a human free-weight rack.