squats vs. leg presses

W

WOLVERINE1

0
i'm starting to get worried about getting a lower back injury from doing squats. from what I've seen, using a leg press will not put my back in danger, plus I can push WAY more weight on the leg press. So would it be alright if I got rid of squats, and replaced them with a leg press?
 
ive actually heard that the leg press is hard on the lower back as well. the squat releases a massive amount of T. i would doubt the leg press releases the same amount, since fewer muscles are involved.

here is an article comparing squats and leg presses
http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/shannon1.htm

i also would question how dangerous the squat is when done properly.
 
Not to mention, squats are not near as harsh on your knees as the leg press. They are both damaging when done incorrectly.
 
Squats are so important... I would avoid removing them from your routine... Perhaps look in great detail at the way you are performing them. If they are starting to irritate your lower back, you are most likely doing them incorrect.

Lower back pain can also come from dehydration... Are you drinking lots of water?

Are you stretching after your workouts? Are you warming-up properly? Stretch your lower back using an easy stretch for 30 seconds... Then, move into a deeper "developmental" stretch for 10-20 additional seconds.

Finally, it would be well worth the $50 it would cost to get a GOOD personal trainer to spend an hour with you perfecting your squat technique, lower back work, core muscle work, and legs. This will pay-off tenfold if the trainer helps alleviate your back pains.

I am currently training to become an NSPA CPT and know that a lot of the training we take involves working with clients that have lower back pain and trouble. I don't know about other organizations, but I imagine a personal trainer worth his salt will be able to help you leap past this issue and give you some strong advice for your legs and core to boot.

Just a thought,
Rip
 
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Squats do much more for you than leg presses do. They are not nearly the same thing. Why do you think it is that you can puch so much more on the leg press compared to squats? I wouldn't quit doing squats unless I had to. Why don't you describe your technique?
 
i did some squats today actually, and they rocked. & i never feel any back pain, but one time my friend said i lean forward too much, which CAN cause a back injury. oterhwise, my back feels great during squats. but here's what I'm worried about. I was doing about 185, 8-10 reps per set. NOW, I want to up the weight, lower the reps but I am really afraid of hurting myself. do yall know what I mean? Plus the squat rack isnt designed with the two parallel safety bars... :(
 
Have your buddy spot you. The proper technique would be from behind with his arms around your back and chest (under your arms). He makes fists and nearly touches them together on your chest. Then, he squats with you.

If you want to make more gains from them and not have to add weight, try doing HIT reps... That is, during the negative (going down) phase, move slowly taking 4 seconds to complete. Wait for .5 seconds at the bottom, and then slowly raise to a standing position. The contraction (standing phase) should take 3 seconds to complete. Do not lock your knees out straight. Wait .5 seconds at the top and repeat. Doing them this way should prove to be considerably harder and will take less weight. Also, you will get a better burn and muscle teardown.

With the HIT method, your buddy will have an easier time spotting you since the weight will be lower.

Cheers,
Rip
 
Wolverine, start with 6 reps. Start at the last weight you used and go with a 5-10 pound increment raise per set. You'll find where you're comfy at.
 
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