Today my wife & I were working out, and she says, “I think I would like for us to get a Leg Press machine.” BOING! If my wife actually REQUESTS for me to go get equipment, I’m going for it!
I checked the web, and they are SO costly. Do any of you have suggestions about Leg Press equipment that impresses or disappoints you? Anyplace to buy it cheaper?
Any plans available to build one with the arc welder?
We bought a Powerline Vertical Leg Press back in July from Jesup Gym in Jesup, Iowa for $197.00 (I had to drive up and pick it up for that price. It was cheaper than having it shipped). It works pretty well for my wife. However, it doesn’t work so hot for me as I’d like to add more weight and am not comfortable doing so (according to the owner of Jesup Gym, it is only rated for 500-lbs). So…I bought a Yukon Vertical Leg Press from Big Fitness via ebay. Got it (with shipping) for the same amount that they charged on their online website. It will handle more weight than the straight vertical leg press. It just came in today, so I’ll spend tomorrow putting it together. And today was leg day. Oh well…I’ll have to wait until next week to try it out :-).
I don’t know where you’re located in Missouri, but if you’d be interested in a slightly used vertical leg press, PM me.
Kevin
squatting is better for you…
I agree, Major Dan, that squats are better for you. As I work out at home, I do have a power rack for squats, bench, and incline work. I use the Max OT program and start out with squats on leg day. The program calls for leg presses following squats, so I want to have a machine that doesn’t take up too much room in my basement and allows me to follow the program as designed. My wife also likes to use the leg press, however, I’m getting her to try squats as the primary leg workout in her program then use the leg press as an accessory exercise.
I agree Major Dan. My personal preference is in a variety of squats. I recognize how free squats with a bar strengthens stabilizing muscles, etc. However, my wife needs some help. She feels like she could do a lot more work with her legs if the bar didn’t hurt her shoulders & hands, etc. so much. (She has been a real trooper in overcoming her fears & now enjoys these exercises. She used to be afraid of the bar.) She also remembers using a Leg Press in college and really liked the feel of it.
Likewise, I have to admit that I would appreciate freedom to push harder on the legs without fear of dropping the bar or tipping over. This might sound goofy, but I’m in my home basement with my wife as a spotter.
Sure Squats are better, no question. However, variety is the spice of life and to training longevity as well.
I have no idea where you can purchase an inexpensive Leg Press machine. I would however be more concerned with buying one that will last a long time. You will be happier and safer!
If the money is not there right now, take what you do have throw it in a drawer and drop $10 or $20 into the drawer whenever there is extra money. This might not be the answer that you want to hear, but I have never been satisfied in the long run purchasing cheap equipment and had to learn the hard way.
Good luck,
Zeb
Your right. It is best to save for a while and then buy quality. Look, who can really afford to buy a replacement in a few years OR pay medical bills for an injury?
I also agree that Variety IS awesome. Do you guys think that a Leg Press is worth the cash?
[quote]FamilyMan wrote:
Your right. It is best to save for a while and then buy quality. Look, who can really afford to buy a replacement in a few years OR pay medical bills for an injury?
I also agree that Variety IS awesome. Do you guys think that a Leg Press is worth the cash?[/quote]
FamilyMan:
As long as you asked, if I were on a limited budget and wanted a piece of equipment for my home gym, the Leg Press machine would not even make the top ten.
If I already had an Olympic Weight Set, My top ten might look something like this (off the top of my head):
Other than that you can always use extra plates. Don’t get me wrong I own a Leg Press Machine. It does offer some variety. However, I rarely use it. when it comes time to work legs I always think, If I am going to spend let’s say twenty minutes working legs I can either use the Leg Press machine or I can get a far superior work out in the same time by doing Squats. It’s all about economy of motion, but that’s another topic. (Maybe just having there makes me feel better as I don’t think I actually have to squat if I don’t want to).
What ever you decide good luck!
Zeb
Thanks for your input. I really appreciate the food for thought.