Leg press/ heel elevated front squats

[Ben]

Hi Joe/Bryce,

Would the say that front squats are far more superior for leg growth than a 45 degree leg press?

I understand positioning, load etc… have a factor but if unable to hit the squats some times would the leg press be a good replacement?

Many thanks

Ben

[BryceBahm]

Well,

If you don’t have a choice but to do the leg press, I guess there is your answer.

However, any squat that gets your knee entirely flexed (bent) with load and control will always be the best for growth and many other great benefits.

The leg press works the majority of your legs in a middle of the road range. It’s a range where they are strong. Plenty of benefit there. However, getting your legs to an extreme where they are vulnerable and owning that range is a big part of training for Hyoertrophy.

[Joe]

Ben wrote:

Hi Joe/Bryce,

Would the say that front squats are far more superior for leg growth than a 45 degree leg press?

I understand positioning, load etc… have a factor but if unable to hit the squats some s would the leg press be a good replacement?

Many thanks

Ben

Need both. Not a one or the other. Doesn’t have to be squats that you train a fully flexed knee position. But unless you’re in capable of getting your knees into that position (or without extreme pain); it is a “must train” position

[Dario]

hi Joe, what would be an option to squats that gets the knee entirely flexed? at my gym we have a 45deg life fitness press, an horizontal technogym leg press, the smith machine, but no hack squat.

The horizontal press have a relatively upright seating position but potentially is a suitable choice.
Otherwise I need to rely on lunges and split squats, of course requiring more stability.

thanks.

[Joe]

Dario wrote:

hi Joe, what would be an option to squats that gets the knee entirely flexed? at my gym we have a 45deg life fitness press, an horizontal technogym leg press, the smith machine, but no hack squat.

The horizontal press have a relatively upright seating position but potentially is a suitable choice.
Otherwise I need to rely on lunges and split squats, of course requiring more stability.

thanks.

If you can get your feet low enough of the leg press, and your ankles are mobile enough. Maybe an option. Otherwise you can just do squat variations in the smith.

[Author]

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