|   discrepancy in squat versus leg press | GlazedHam
Dec 31, 2003 9:57 AM | | A few people have posted their maximum squat and leg press wights. I have not noticed a huge difference between the mass moved. I am experience just the opposite. I weigh about 165. I can do six reps with 225lbs on the Squat with outstanding form. I can do six reps with 700lbs on the Leg Press. Anyone else experiencing something similar.
It may be that the squat involves more muscles, such as the lower back, that just can't handle the weight. |
| re: discrepancy in squat versus leg press | mids76
Dec 31, 2003 2:39 PM | | That is not an uncommon event. And you are right, the squat beng a free weight exercise requires all of those core stabalizer muscles to be involved. Leg presses are on tracks and don't require your muscles to work as efficiently together to move the same amount of weight. Any good powerlifter who competes in the squat does a ton of core work. without it they could never move the massive amounts of weight that they do, especially without injury. |
| Few factors... | DIRT BOY
Jan 1, 2004 2:04 PM | | 1. The squat requires you to use your lower back, core muscles and balance. Also wether you squat body builder style or power-lifter way can also make a difference.
2. Leg press supports your body, no balance. Also depending on the style of machine, leverage can come into play.
My best lifts involved a 505 lb squat and a 950-1100 lb leg press depending on the machine, back in the days when i was body building and power-lifting.
DIRT BOY |
| One more I'll add.. | free-agent
Jan 3, 2004 9:10 AM | | is the psychological aspect. We, as weight lifters, are told about the dangers of squats (rightfully so). I know that I am far more nervous to go big on the free-squat than I am on the leg press machine, which is why I switch to the Smith squat when the I enter the heavier lifting phase only. That and I don't have a big sweaty guy standing behind me to spot if I need it. I think all gyms should have a full time spotter on duty for people if they need it. All I have is usually some high school girl behind the counter that I wouldn't let spot me on the ab machine! |
| angle of machine too | Enzoid
Jan 2, 2004 8:37 AM | | The angle affects this in addition to the reasons you mentioned. I believe that on a machine with a 45 degree incline you are actually pushing about 70 percent of the weight you loaded. So that 700 lbs is about 490, but as you mention you don't have to balance it. Clearly this is not as big an effect as not having to use your back and stomach to balance the weight.
Also try using a smith machine versus free bar to notice a difference too. I notice an increase when I switch to smith machine because there is less balance (core muscles) involved. |
| re: discrepancy in squat versus leg press | Fauz
Jan 3, 2004 7:04 PM | | Has anyone else noticed this: Squats of any type leave me sore-often for several days. But if I ride while sore from squats it seems to have very little detrimental affect on my crank turning power. That makes me wonder just how valuable squats are for cycling.Are they really working the muscles that do the pedaling? And to further add to my doubt, a hard ride in the mountains might leave my legs sore, but not in the way that squats do. The soreness is more in my quads from pedaling and squats seem to stress the hamstrings and glutes. I've lifted weights year round for decades, but honestly I've given up the squats. If done improperly, there is risk to the knees and back, and I don't want to take that risk. Any body else feel this way or have similar soreness/riding experiences? |
| The theory of specificy --NM | GlazedHam
Jan 5, 2004 10:05 AM | | nm |
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