Squats and leg presses

[Yohimbe]

I've always done squats on leg day. Every leg day for the past 20 years now. However, I know a lot of guys that don't squat and have some massive legs. Even have a few friends that are competitors and rarely squat, but have some pretty huge legs.

Just curious who all here squats regularly? Or does anyone stick to something else like leg press? Do you think squats are a necessity for building big well-developed legs?

[dirtwarrior]

Re: Squats and leg presses

To get big legs the presses will work. Squats work the whole body as stabilizer.
I do presses because it is easier on my back.

[Dzone]

Re: Squats and leg presses

There was a time when the only leg exercise I did was squats. I competed a few times when all I did for legs was squats. My legs grew and I never lacked in the leg department. That might not be the best approach for everyone, but it worked for me at the time

[Yohimbe]

Re: Squats and leg presses

I've always done squats. But, more recently I can feel them taking a greater toll on my body. I guess it just got my mind thinking. I'll probably always do them, but maybe not every single leg day going forward.

[guns01]

Re: Squats and leg presses

i think that squats is all about how one's body mechanics are set up. dorian didnt squat at all and his legs were stupid. big ron squatted like a mad man and his legs were insane. same with platz demayo and others. i squat almost every week myself and i think it is a great tool but i have no issues with my body mechanics at all but i also do leg press and hacks also. got to nail them puppies from many angles i think. but can you build great legs with presses? absolutely

[whitetail]

Re: Squats and leg presses

My body mechanics suck..I am trying to fix it with posterior training to try and strengthen my hips, glutes etc..but I love a workout with deadlift and leg press variations!
When i squat a lot for months i inevitably get knee pain.


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[Yohimbe]

Re: Squats and leg presses

I'm the same way, I throw in a lot of leg presses and hacks too trying to blast them from every angle possible. My legs and calves are stubborn as hell. Last thing to grow and first thing to go if I slack off. I love squats and will probably always find myself under that bar on leg days. My body mechanics are crappy though and it's just frustrating as I get older because it seems like I can feel more of the toll they take.

[guns01]

Re: Squats and leg presses

I'm the same way, I throw in a lot of leg presses and hacks too trying to blast them from every angle possible. My legs and calves are stubborn as hell. Last thing to grow and first thing to go if I slack off. I love squats and will probably always find myself under that bar on leg days. My body mechanics are crappy though and it's just frustrating as I get older because it seems like I can feel more of the toll they take.

maybe change over to some front squats safety bar squats and or even some chambered bar squats man. all of those tend to keep your posture more upright or it will bury you in the lift. something that has helped me out a lot is banding them and reverse banding them. when you regular band them up you will automatically tighten up correctly and use a proper movement pattern. if not it will either pitch you forward or back. for the reverse banding i toss that in when my knees and or hips are feeling a little out of whack. keeps the weight the same at about the mid point to the top but takes a ton of the load off in the hole. all great things i have added in over the years

[Skeletor]

Re: Squats and leg presses

I do squats every week for my legs, but what has really made them grow and grow stronger are the front squats that I also do. I get a much better burn with front squats. Give them a try and see if the same works for you

[Yohimbe]

Re: Squats and leg presses

Thanks for the replies everyone. I'm going to switch to front squats every once in awhile and definitely try banding. I hadn't thought of that to help my movement pattern. Great ideas!!

[6p6]

Re: Squats and leg presses

I’ve been playing with tempo on the keg press and been walking away sore as fuck from light weights!


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[whitetail]

Re: Squats and leg presses

I’ve been playing with tempo on the keg press and been walking away sore as fuck from light weights!


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Been doing a lot of my lifting that way lately. Basically time under tension training..3 and 3 tempo never letting tension off. Great results but painful!

Also, for leg press try one leg forced negatives. Push weight up with both legs then let down with one..you can damn near cripple yourself doing this..many variations possible.


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[Yohimbe]

Re: Squats and leg presses

Hell yeah, great ideas! I'm adding those to my leg arsenal too lol. Hoping to come away from this thread with some massive wheels.

[Yohimbe]

Re: Squats and leg presses

Also, for leg press try one leg forced negatives. Push weight up with both legs then let down with one..you can damn near cripple yourself doing this..many variations possible.

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Man I know what you mean, I've been doing those and my legs are CRAZY sore every time. Good stuff!