Squats vs. Leg press

[spcterry]

If I substitute leg presses for squats am I losing anything? I find that squats put a lot of pressure on my knees and makes them hurt but leg presses don't as much. I just wanted to check and see if I was going to be taking away from my workout seriously by switching.

[Flying_Fox]

If squatting hurts your knees, your not squatting right or there's something wrong with them. Learn how to squat and go see a doctor.

To answer your question: leg press is not a substitute for squat.

[maresf16]

Or wrap your knees. If you substitute leg press for squats, you will lose a lot. Squatting gives you an overall development and density that simply isn't attainable through machines. Good ol' freeweights.

[ColdHardMetal]

Or wrap your knees. If you substitute leg press for squats, you will lose a lot. Squatting gives you an overall development and density that simply isn't attainable through machines. Good ol' freeweights.

I was just about to post this same question (thank you search function) and I was afraid/expected that would be the answer.

What about squats using DBs instead of BB? I don't think I need to worry about not being able to grip the weight I can squat at this point so not having the bar across my trap should be okay.

Is there any real difference in the motion or the work that is getting done with one method over the other?

[Fresch]

Squat and leg press are quite different exercises for two reasons:
1. leg press is open-kinetic chain (body fixed, leg able to move) while squat is a closed kinetic chain (leg is fixed). The muscle action is not quite the same.
2. squat incorporates a greater use of the stabiliser muscles, so is a more complete exercise in terms of muscle stimulation.

However, dependent on your needs and situation, if squat is not an option, leg press is a good replacement, just not a 100% replacement.

[KnjazVovk]

Do both; squatting is not only the best compound exercise, but it's one of the few exercises that builds mental strength as well. It's intimidating to go under heavy weight every time, but knowing that fear and breaking past it is the x-factor that makes you stronger and bigger. And you can't quite experience that with leg presses - but leg presses are certainly a good supplement exercise.

As for the knee problems, they shouldn't be hurting your knees. Practice your form with less weight and be sure to go all the way down. The more you go down, the less pressure is forced upon your knees.

[JTwood]

If I substitute leg presses for squats am I losing anything? I find that squats put a lot of pressure on my knees and makes them hurt but leg presses don't as much. I just wanted to check and see if I was going to be taking away from my workout seriously by switching.

you should have squatted in the first place.