Squats or Leg Press?

Euro_Hunter · 22 May 2006 at 18:28

I am going to buy myself either a leg press machine or Hack Squat machine not quite sure which yet.

Anyone got any thoughts or suggestions to help me make my mind up?

The squat machine is nearly twice the price of the leg press plus I will need to buy about 100kg of olympic weights to use with it.

I have about £500 to spend but I am tempted by a pair of these dumbells that I would be able to afford if I got the leg press:

red11 · 22 May 2006 at 18:37

Is there any reason why you want a squat machine over a squat rack? Since squats work out more than just your legs, I'd choose that over the leg press. But I'd get a squat rack and then buy whatever weights you want from the rest of your budget.

Euro_Hunter · 22 May 2006 at 18:42

Tony Soprano said:
Is there any reason why you want a squat machine over a squat rack? Since squats work out more than just your legs, I'd choose that over the leg press. But I'd get a squat rack and then buy whatever weights you want from the rest of your budget.

I have a bench that has a squat rack but to be honest I don't feel safe trying heavy squats as I train alone. So safety is the main reason, then maybe I will be able to squat or press to failure.

Space is another factor otherwise I would probably get a smith machine or similar.

red11 · 22 May 2006 at 18:46

Euro_Hunter said:
I have a bench that has a squat rack but to be honest I don't feel safe trying heavy squats as I train alone. So safety is the main reason, then maybe I will be able to squat or press to failure.

Space is another factor otherwise I would probably get a smith machine or similar.

I hear you

I have to improvise at home since I don't have a squat rack at all, and like you I train alone so I'm always careful that something serious doesn't happen. It affects how much weight I'm happy to lift over my head onto my shoulders to start the squats.

Euro_Hunter · 22 May 2006 at 22:23

Tony Soprano said:
I hear you I have to improvise at home since I don't have a squat rack at all, and like you I train alone so I'm always careful that something serious doesn't happen. It affects how much weight I'm happy to lift over my head onto my shoulders to start the squats.

I used to squat by lifting the weight overhead trouble is when you've just done a 20 rep set even with relatively light weight theres not much energy left for lifting the bar back :eek:

Clipsey · 22 May 2006 at 22:27

Out of those two think I'd prefer the leg press.
The squat maching (only from the pic) doesnt look to be all that - i.e seems like it might control the movement a bit too much hence not working as much as the other machine.
Could be wrong though :rolleyes:

oddjob62 · 22 May 2006 at 22:28

Euro_Hunter said:
I have a bench that has a squat rack but to be honest I don't feel safe trying heavy squats as I train alone. So safety is the main reason, then maybe I will be able to squat or press to failure.

Space is another factor otherwise I would probably get a smith machine or similar.

The machines you have listed don't take up that much less room than a proper power rack.

http://www.gymratz.co.uk/weight-training-gym-equipment/cat44_1.htm

And a power rack is far more versatile.

Gavstar · 23 May 2006 at 13:48

I'd go for a power cage, an olympic bar and some weights. Great for squatting and you can whack a bench under it and use it for benching etc making it very space efficient.

Euro_Hunter · 23 May 2006 at 17:33

Not really got the space for a power cage.

I have a std size bench and freeweights & a Gold's multigym which I use for pulldowns, rowing & tricep pushdowns in my spare bedroom & computer desk so thats full.

Only got a small amount of space available in the garage and thats with some serious clearing out

Desmo · 24 May 2006 at 10:29

My old man has got the hack squat machine and I quite like it. He mainly got it as he trains on his own a lot so it's good for safety reasons. Yes, it will impede your movement to a certain degree but is still good nonetheless. I'd choose it over the leg press as it will work more muscles at the same time.

Alchemy · 24 May 2006 at 10:54

Maybe I've been living in a cave all my life, but I have never seen a machine like that in my life, what a monster.

Euro_Hunter · 29 May 2006 at 00:31

I have now decided against the squat machine/leg press idea & I am going to dump my current bench/multi gym for a power rack like the one below and a incline/decline bench but still using my std 12 weights just need a 7ft bar.

oddjob62 · 29 May 2006 at 00:40

Good choice mate.

Morba · 29 May 2006 at 02:11

how about a smith machine, decent squats with safety :]

oddjob62 · 29 May 2006 at 02:28

Morba said:
how about a smith machine, decent squats with safety :]

I'll ignore that comment.

Gavstar · 29 May 2006 at 02:28

Its not exactly nice squatting in a Smith machine, pretty uncomfortable especially when lifting a decent load. Not to mention the potential back/knee issues due to the unnatural movement it forces you into.

With pins set at the right height a power cage is safe.

theleg · 29 May 2006 at 04:03

Good choice on the power rack...

Am i the only one whos more than a little terrified at that leg press machine? Directly above you? and it doesnt exactly look like the sturdiest of machines..

red11 · 29 May 2006 at 12:23

Balddog said:
Good choice on the power rack...

Am i the only one whos more than a little terrified at that leg press machine? Directly above you? and it doesnt exactly look like the sturdiest of machines..

I was thinking the same thing, your skull would get crushed by that if it decided to break.

oddjob62 · 29 May 2006 at 13:07

Balddog said:
Good choice on the power rack...

Am i the only one whos more than a little terrified at that leg press machine? Directly above you? and it doesnt exactly look like the sturdiest of machines..

You could always do it with freeweights....

shez · 29 May 2006 at 13:28

lol thats quality