Why the negativity towards leg presses

[snoack]

Gotta ask this question because I see it a lot.

Why so much negativity towards the leg press? They've been part of my leg split forever, and I think they balance against squats very well.

[-=FLEX=-]

Gotta ask this question because I see it a lot.

Why so much negativity towards the leg press? They've been part of my leg split forever, and I think they balance against squats very well.

Where do you see this?

I've always done leg press in addition to squats. I don't have an issue with it at all.

[dazlittle]

I've recently been using them for finishing off quads on my FST-7 Routine and I like them, Like you say I think they fit in well after squats.

[Iceman1800]

People use it as an excuse not to squat. People load up tons of weight on it, move it 4" and act like they did something and use it as an excuse not to squat . It is actually a good exercise if used like you do and it can have a place in a routine. I like to do them for 60 second sets to simulate the pain during truck pulls.

[ManWithCurls]

Because recently there has been this so called "squats movement" pushed by those on Starting Strength who follow the program blindly and do not question anything. Likewise, there is this macho attitude of squatting and the leg press being only for wusses (I do not agree with this). The whole "shut and squat" thing.

There are more factors and it is silly in my opinion. The leg press is a very valid exercise to build muscle and get strong. It nicely complements squats and can even fully replace the squat for those merely seeking leg mass or even having strong legs. It is great for those with back problems and can also be worked unilaterally (one leg only) which with the squat cannot be done. In fact, one leg presses are a great movement to build the squat up.

I personally don't use the leg press but I have used it in the past and gotten great results with it. Ignore the negativity and if it works for you, certainly keep it.

All the best.

[paqua17]

People load up tons of weight on it, move it 4" and act like they did something and use it as an excuse not to squat

^^ This

[Marius_Ursus]

I don't like any exercise that I have to recline for. That's why I hate bench press, too...I mean besides the fact that I suck at it.

[Meatpants]

Gotta ask this question because I see it a lot.

Why so much negativity towards the leg press? They've been part of my leg split forever, and I think they balance against squats very well.

Because everyones an expert on what someone isn't doing right. The talk of loading a leg press up, and moving it 4", is no different than the person who does knee bend squats. They are both just exercises done wrong in many cases. Both exercises have a benefit. I have found a tandem of leg press, followed by squats, to be a nice combination.

[OTH51]

I use them for high rep (20+) conditioning work using various foot placements. Holy out of breath Batman.

[OTH51]

I don't like any exercise that I have to recline for.

Mostly true.

[ljimd]

Because everyones an expert on what someone isn't doing right.

^^^^^^^^^Sums it up nicely.

[-=FLEX=-]

Because everyones an expert on what someone isn't doing right. The talk of loading a leg press up, and moving it 4", is no different than the person who does knee bend squats. They are both just exercises done wrong in many cases. Both exercises have a benefit.

Came back to post more or less this. ^^^

Everyone loves the good ole' bench press, and I see wankers doing half-reps every day, just like on EVERY OTHER EXERCISE.

So hating on an exercise because some (or even many) people do it incorrectly is quite silly.

[Marius_Ursus]

Mostly true.

Yeah, you're right. I do like weighted decline crunches.

I don't like any exercise that I have to recline for. That's why I hate bench press, too...I mean besides the fact that I suck at it.

Everyone loves the good ole' bench press

orly? o_O

[-=FLEX=-]

orly? o_O

OK, pardon me for using a blatant absolute.

But look at the number of entries in the bench press comp compared to the squat and deadlift comp.

Significantly more.

I think that speaks volumes, especially on a site where people are supposedly more dedicated than the average joe.

When I look around the gym, almost every male I see does bench press, yet few of them squat and deadlift.

So yes, pardon the absolutes, but in general, I'm correct, and you know it.

[Old_swole]

Because everyones an expert on what someone isn't doing right. The talk of loading a leg press up, and moving it 4", is no different than the person who does knee bend squats. They are both just exercises done wrong in many cases. Both exercises have a benefit. I have found a tandem of leg press, followed by squats, to be a nice combination.

^^^this^^^ I think the ROM police need to take a break..if i were in some kind of lifting comp and my opponents wern't lifting in the agreed rom I would be pissed. but just some random person at the gym doing what he/she wants to do and having fun....well who cares. when I was a kid we built tree forts and pounded the nails with rocks...was that the right way? no, but it suited our needs at that time and we had fun. As far a leg presses go it's just another tool to use...just like the smith machine.

[Marius_Ursus]

OK, pardon me for using a blatant absolute.

But look at the number of entries in the bench press comp compared to the squat and deadlift comp.

Significantly more.

I think that speaks volumes, especially on a site where people are supposedly more dedicated than the average joe.

When I look around the gym, almost every male I see does bench press, yet few of them squat and deadlift.

So yes, pardon the absolutes, but in general, I'm correct, and you know it.

I do know it. For teh lulz seeing as how I posted just a couple spaces higher that I hate bench...

lolzorz? o_o

[jjrep]

My issue has been with squats...I always thought if the day comes that i add legs to my routine..I will stay away from squats my reasons were..I have week ass chiken legs, bad knees and sciatica that on bad days I just about barley walk..Boy I could not have been more wrong. I've been doing squats for about a month now and it seems as though building those muscles along with the supporting muscles is beneficial..I have not felt any sciatica since my first day of squats and my knees are doing just fine..granted compared to you guys I'm using baby weight and doubt I'll ever have powerful squats..but the point for me is I am building muscle I never had and it's seems to be improving my health..Now I can't picture not doing squats. a little off subject but I had to share that.

[snoack]

OK, pardon me for using a blatant absolute.

But look at the number of entries in the bench press comp compared to the squat and deadlift comp.

Significantly more.

I think that speaks volumes, especially on a site where people are supposedly more dedicated than the average joe.

When I look around the gym, almost every male I see does bench press, yet few of them squat and deadlift.

So yes, pardon the absolutes, but in general, I'm correct, and you know it.

I see the same thing all the time. At my gym, I could probably count the number of guys that squat on one hand. Sad thing is that I'm there at a wide range of times. Anywhere from the 10AM-3PM time frame for myself, 5PM-7PM to train my son, weekends as well. Guys just don't squat, which is sad again because the best way to get big is heavy squats...IMO. I feel it all over my body.

[ironwill2008]

Why so much negativity towards the leg press? They've been part of my leg split forever, and I think they balance against squats very well.

Consider the source of the 'negativity;' on this site, it's mostly from non-bodybuilders and skinny kids wanting to appear "hardcore" by talking down about a machine exercise.

Any bodybuilder who has any semblance of quad development will very likely have used or be using leg Presses at some point.

It's the same deal with any exercise or piece of gym equipment--use the right tool for the specific job.

[Marius_Ursus]

Consider the source of the 'negativity;' on this site, it's mostly from non-bodybuilders and skinny kids wanting to appear "hardcore" by talking down about a machine exercise.

Any bodybuilder who has any semblance of quad development will very likely have used or be using leg Presses at some point. it's the same deal with any exercise or piece of gym equipment--use the right tool for the specific job.

It's a little too easy (and lazy) to believe the propaganda. You get over-the-top coaches on T-Nation and a couple of strength coaches with big attitudes and bigger mouths slandering something, all their rabid followers will slander it, too, regardless how useful it is. Believe it or not, there are a number of powerlifters I know personally who use the leg press as an auxiliary exercise. It's usually new-comers to the sport (or even just the "weightlifting" lifestyle who have read one book on the topic (if that much)) who are the most vocal in their negativity.

Guys who's been at this a while generally take a "whatever works for you" approach, regardless of the sport involved.

[DubfromGA]

My issue has been with squats...I always thought if the day comes that i add legs to my routine..I will stay away from squats my reasons were..I have week ass chiken legs, bad knees and sciatica that on bad days I just about barley walk..Boy I could not have been more wrong. I've been doing squats for about a month now and it seems as though building those muscles along with the supporting muscles is beneficial..I have not felt any sciatica since my first day of squats and my knees are doing just fine..granted compared to you guys I'm using baby weight and doubt I'll ever have powerful squats..but the point for me is I am building muscle I never had and it's seems to be improving my health..Now I can't picture not doing squats. a little off subject but I had to share that.

Right in line with what I was thinking, too. I'll rep you when I recharge!!!

My arthritic knees and trick ankle had me starting my leg training last. I avoided it for too long. My fears were unfounded, though. Strengthening these muscles has absolutely reduced my joint pain here. It's amazing.

That being said, my heaviest portion was leg presses. Still is, however, I've added squats to the mix, too. I don't have the ROM now that I ultimately will and it may piss off the gym police, but I couldn't care less. It's all about growth and development. I'll grow back into proper squats in time.

Until then I'll leg press on.

[iiradman]

That infamous leg day...

Ass 2thaflo squats, followed by deep leg press (40 degrees, instead of recommended 90 degrees).
What i've found is that for me, deep leg press works the legs, while 90 degree leg press incorporated a lot more ass muscle. i switch between the two. Leg days wouldn't be complete without either squats OR leg press. Happy lifting.

[chodan9]

I think some of the negativity is people doing leg press en lieu of squats. Both are beneficial and have a place in a workout routine.
I do think some folks think that the leg press is inherently safer than squats while in fact this is not the case, the leg press requires just as much focus on form and knowing your limits and can put a lot of pressure on the lower back if done incorrectly

[RMBros]

Leg Press is completely legit, it's just that it's often misused.

Ego lifts are annoying when you have to see them or hear about them - especially when you know they're done with bad form.

And there's always this: http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2006/...n1662789.shtml

It's a link to an article about Pat Robertson's (700 Club - your grandparents watch it) 2000lbs leg press.

[Brackneyc]

I don't do them for one simple reason...I do not have a leg press machine in my house. Otherwise, I would. Not having one has however forced me to use squats as my main leg movement. I'm ok with that too.

[gigahertz123]

Gotta ask this question because I see it a lot.

Why so much negativity towards the leg press? They've been part of my leg split forever, and I think they balance against squats very well.

I think it's because leg press is something of a vanity exercise. Sure it may have a part to play in a complete fitness routine, but a squat works more muscle groups and is more difficult. I can leg press near 1000 pounds these days, but my squat is obviously WAY below that. It makes you think you're stronger than you really are, and if your goal is strength and health the squat is superior in just about every way.

[OTH51]

It's a little too easy (and lazy) to believe the propaganda. You get over-the-top coaches on T-Nation and a couple of strength coaches with big attitudes and bigger mouths slandering something, all their rabid followers will slander it, too, regardless how useful it is. Believe it or not, there are a number of powerlifters I know personally who use the leg press as an auxiliary exercise. It's usually new-comers to the sport (or even just the "weightlifting" lifestyle who have read one book on the topic (if that much)) who are the most vocal in their negativity.

Guys who's been at this a while generally take a "whatever works for you" approach, regardless of the sport involved.

I have become addicted to the good girl/bad girl machine machine also. It has worked wonders for my sore hips (squatting wide is hell on the hips). I'm sure this has even more negative press than the leg press.

My favorite prehab/rehab exercise

[Meatpants]

I have become addicted to the good girl/bad girl machine machine also. It has worked wonders for my sore hips (squatting wide is hell on the hips). I'm sure this has even more negative press than the leg press.

My favorite prehab/rehab exercise

The vaginator.

Actually another great, and often over looked machine.

[RMBros]

The vaginator.

Actually another great, and often over looked machine.

Don't forget to kegel on the squeeze!!!

[Meatpants]

Don't forget to kegel on the squeeze!!!

Lulz. I was serious. Both abductor, and adductor, will not produce much in the way of visual results, but will help strengthen in muscles, and help with stabilization. If you're going to do shows, these will visually improve some poses as well.

No sphincter crunches.