I have used the cybex machine like the one in the video, and really liked it, for the reasons already mentioned.
I also noticed, how much MORE weight I can use on this machine than a standard 45 deg leg press/sled
[quote]XanderBuilt wrote:
[quote]hlss09 wrote:
Also, does anybody have experience with front squatting with straps attached. I tie the straps onto the bar, and pull the bar up while coming out of the hole. I saw it in a video. I call them Strap-On-Front-Squats ™. lol. I like it better, as it allows me to focus more on my quads. [/quote]
Is this because of wrist mobility issues? i.e. not being able to do front squats with a clean grip? If so, front squats with straps are perfectly okay but I think there is a limitation on the maximum weight you can handle (palms holding on to straps), the BB cross grip feels better. Speaking from experience and assuming i understood your question correctl.y[/quote]
I am not sure that the straps limit loading at all, all the straps do is help you keep the elbows high which provides the shoulder shelf needed to hold the bar.
I have seen videos of the guys at Average Broz gym use some pretty big weights with the straps.
Yeah I can use more weight on the squat press. I’ve always used the squat press, haven’t used leg press in years. But just to try it, I used the leg press last leg day and absolutely hated it. It felt uncomfortable, and I noticed a lot of pressure on my hips. Like I mentioned though, I’m about 6’2 +/-
I’ve been researching the plans of different machines out there because I’ll be building a few for my home gym (just not as sexy lol).
For the squat press machine, it is designed for the resistance to get greater towards the end of the movement (load starts vertically, then pivots away from the ground towards horizontal - where the force of gravity is at it’s greatest) - thus stimulating the legs through a fuller range of motion. This isn’t possible with free weight squats (without chains/bands), or most other machines.
Also, because the foot plate pivots, it’s easier on your joints
[quote]Professor X wrote:
[quote]thoughts1053 wrote:
I don’t think it makes a difference. We have both of those machines in the videos at my gym and I think it just comes down to preference. I don’t like the Cybex machine (squat press). I prefer the leg press and feel like you can do different foot placements on it more comfortably.[/quote]
I’m the opposite. I saw great progress from that squat press machine in my gym. That was before I moved though and before I started using the squat machine where you stand in it…which I think it better than both overall.
Yes, it is about feel and there is no reason to be set on one more than another until you’ve tried both and found which one feels better and allows more weight.[/quote]
Are you referring to a squat machine like this:
Or do you mean the hack squat machine? Out of curiosity, have you used both of those machines? If so, which do you like better?
[quote]xjusticex2013x wrote:
[quote]Professor X wrote:
[quote]thoughts1053 wrote:
I don’t think it makes a difference. We have both of those machines in the videos at my gym and I think it just comes down to preference. I don’t like the Cybex machine (squat press). I prefer the leg press and feel like you can do different foot placements on it more comfortably.[/quote]
I’m the opposite. I saw great progress from that squat press machine in my gym. That was before I moved though and before I started using the squat machine where you stand in it…which I think it better than both overall.
Yes, it is about feel and there is no reason to be set on one more than another until you’ve tried both and found which one feels better and allows more weight.[/quote]
Are you referring to a squat machine like this:
Or do you mean the hack squat machine? Out of curiosity, have you used both of those machines? If so, which do you like better?
[/quote]
The one in that vid looks like the one I use. I love that machine.
I hate the hack squat machine. I feel too locked in place and stresses my knees more.
The best I’ve found for very heavy weight and overall feel is the one in the vid and that “squat press”.
I only have a regular leg press (no squat press) at my gym now.
the only problem with the squat press machines that I’ve seen: they only have enough room for about 12-14 plates per side. Now that’s a LOT of weight, obvi, but the leg presses I’ve seen have 2 bars to put plates on. You could probably fit like 30 plates on each side if you wanted to. I’m only at 7 plates per side, but in a few years I might run into a problem lol.
[quote]hlss09 wrote:
the only problem with the squat press machines that I’ve seen: they only have enough room for about 12-14 plates per side. Now that’s a LOT of weight, obvi, but the leg presses I’ve seen have 2 bars to put plates on. You could probably fit like 30 plates on each side if you wanted to. I’m only at 7 plates per side, but in a few years I might run into a problem lol. [/quote]
Trust me, I was maxing that machine out around the time my legs were first getting up to about 30". If that truly becomes an issue for you, you will likely have big legs by then and will just find an alternative…but let’s get serious here. In the average gym, MOST guys are NOT maxing out all leg equipment and have little to worry about in even coming close.
Oh yeah, for sure. I wasn’t saying I do! I’m just saying that in the future that could very well be an issue. But things change. I’m sure by the time my legs are 30 inches I’ll have a different routine. And yeah, I’ve never seen anybody stack out a machine in ANY gym I’ve ever been to.
In fact, I worked at the last gym I lifted at, and people would come and complain to me b/c people were making too much noise (Crossfit type stuff). LOL. I’d politely suggest that if they wanted a quiet environment, they should mosey on down to the starbucks across the street, but my heart of hearts wanted to reach across the desk and slap the shit out of them! Anyway…
The “squat press” is just one company’s particular leg press variation marketed under a different name. There is no conceptual difference between a leg press and “squat press.”
There is NOTHING wrong with the leg press or any other machine squat. Some people seem to think squats are the only way to be a “hardcore” bodybuilder, but I’ve wondered how guys who need really heavy weights can even stand to put that much on their backs regularly.
nothing wrong with machine except leg press can cause hernia and the hack squat is brutal on the knees.
HammerStrength leg press is similar to that “squat press”. I personally like the 45degree version btter, as I got used to it over the years, but I admit that the squat press (or HS leg press) mimicks the squat movement pattern better, without tilting the pelvis.
Even though squats are my favourite excersise, I love every leg movement, and always try to add variety with different types of leg presses, hack squats, front squats, curls etc. I believe that one should aim for variety, as those individuals who can get everything out of squats are rare.
But I dislike those, who don’t do squats, do some half assed sets of leg extensions, leg curls and seated calf raises and call that a day. No other excersise. That’s it. They love to tell stories about how much they’ve squatted/deadlifted/leg pressed before they injured their knees, back, ears…
But yeah hlss, you’re probably lucky to have a squat press. I hate the standard leg press; the ROM just feels fucked and it puts too much pressure on my back.
I always liked the sled back when I trained in a commercial gym, but the squat press is a good machine too.
I have this in my home gym - love it. It’s plate loaded, nicely balanced and has an angled and flat plate for all kinds of different foot placement. It also doubles as a standing calf raise - has that little bar across the bottom to do them. I can’t say enough good things about it - it’s awesome. : )
[photo]4906[/photo]
There’s a gym here I’m trying to join that has one of these machines. I tried it out once and I can say it’s awesome. It allows for all kinds of angles, front and back squats, plus also can dub as a hack squat.
I’m getting one of these bad boys for myself as soon as I get the space to start my own basement gym.
Haven’t read the thread but the Plate Liaded Squat Press is the best piece if equipment I have used for legs. It hydra feels really natural, and the reps are always much smoother than on any other leg press machine I’ve used.