Squats

[RobDude]

When I do squats with a long bar (I don't know what you'd call it - the same bar you use to bench) I feel like the world's biggest wuss. I struggle with 115, and I weight 155-160 depending on the day

But when I go to the leg press machine thing, I do my full sets with 275 - and I know that's still nothing special - it's a lot better than 115.

Does this happen to a lot of people? I'm guessing I can't do the barbell squat because of a lack of secondary muscle development or something, and on the machine I don't have to worry about that - or at least that's my best guess.

Anyway, my quesiton is - what should I do?

Right now I switch between the two on leg days. So one day I use the barbell another day I use the machine - but I feel it more the next day on the machine. Will they eventually even up - or is it maybe just that my form is horriably wrong.

So, yeah, help me out

 

[Detroit Muscle]

RobDude,

Don't worry about it too much. Almost everyone can lift more on the legpress than they can squatting.

I would guess your lower back and confidence are the main variables holdin you down. Keep workin at it. Make sure you focus on your form and don't worry about the weight until you feel confident with your form. It will improve don't get frustrated.


DM

 

[dswithers]

Remember when you are squating you are also lifting most of your body weight as well, so add about 75% of your body weight to the weight on the bar (155*.75+115=230) and it comes out near the same. I can only squat around 250 for reps but I can do 1100 on the leg press (at a body weigth of around 200lbs.), so it gets even further apart as you get stronger. I think the difference has to do with balance and motivation as much as anything. Like you I alternate squats and leg presses every other leg workout.