Squats vs leg extensions
Discussion
Ok, cool. I only asked because I picked up a bench over the weekend that someone was throwing out and it has the extension bit; didn't know whether to take it off or keep it on. I'll stick with Bulgarian squats (no access to heavy barbell weights in a safe environment) and do leg extensions as well!
I notice I can feel it in the lower abs; I also don't feel any dodgy pain in the knee area.
I notice I can feel it in the lower abs; I also don't feel any dodgy pain in the knee area.
MacGee said:
my knee surgeon advises against the leg curls etc as too much torque on knee joints..so my avvice is dont use those machines. Some taller guys with dodgy backs avoid squats and so use the leg press instead.
... and yet the leg press is probably the most dangerous machine in the gym for lower back injuries. 
Pretty much all machines and exercises are safe IF used/performed properly.
... which explains my finger injury on the Smiths machine.
You know those dynos I was doing? (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hnaZQpeVaYY) My next challenge is with the bar lowered one setting. I can just about grab the top strut with one hand if I hold on to the bar with the other hand.
I'm more worried about dental bills.
You know those dynos I was doing? (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hnaZQpeVaYY) My next challenge is with the bar lowered one setting. I can just about grab the top strut with one hand if I hold on to the bar with the other hand.
I'm more worried about dental bills.didelydoo said:
Squats vs anything = squat wins 
Undeniably. Extensions however, are useful to 1. Warm up, 2. Different stresses, 3. Variation, 4. Warm down, 5. Just a change, and more.
Before my hernia repair I'd squatted very regularly and pretty much dismissed extensions as unworthy. Squats are still king but I now value extensions very highly - certainly above leg press. My views and experience changes with the wind though so will probably change my mind again next month.
LordGrover said:
Undeniably.
Extensions however, are useful to 1. Warm up, 2. Different stresses, 3. Variation, 4. Warm down, 5. Just a change, and more.
Before my hernia repair I'd squatted very regularly and pretty much dismissed extensions as unworthy. Squats are still king but I now value extensions very highly - certainly above leg press. My views and experience changes with the wind though so will probably change my mind again next month.
Try Sissy squats, they're great- very hard on the quads.Extensions however, are useful to 1. Warm up, 2. Different stresses, 3. Variation, 4. Warm down, 5. Just a change, and more.
Before my hernia repair I'd squatted very regularly and pretty much dismissed extensions as unworthy. Squats are still king but I now value extensions very highly - certainly above leg press. My views and experience changes with the wind though so will probably change my mind again next month.
MacGee said:
my knee surgeon advises against the leg curls etc as too much torque on knee joints..so my avvice is dont use those machines. Some taller guys with dodgy backs avoid squats and so use the leg press instead.
I'm tall and worried about my back so switched to split squats with great results - half the weight so back feels fine.My physio also advises against using leg curls (and the one that goes the other way) becase of the affect on the knee (I have a dodgy knee). I do use the leg curl as its the best way of targetting (my weak) hamstring.
No problems with the leg press as the food is planted. But squats are better with free weights.
No problems with the leg press as the food is planted. But squats are better with free weights.
LordGrover said:
you forgot one...
+ fecking difficult/impossible.
lol, yes but that's the point.+ fecking difficult/impossible.
Okay takes a little practise.
use a door handle, or a bar/broom handle to balance with.
I preferred using the stairs, lower arse onto the steps, then going deeper lower step.
I small set of folding steps can do the same thing.
Important thing is to train for strength first, so 3-5 reps per set, aiming for 30 or exhaustion, which ever comes first. You can always finish off the numbers using conventional two legged squats.
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