We’ve all seen those guys who can do 7, 8, 9, even 10 plates on each side of the leg press machine but, is that doing any good? Can those guys who can leg press super heavy total weight on the leg press machine squat worth a lick?

It’s a lot easier to slide 600 pounds up and down on a leveled, stationary machine than it is to put it on your back and squat it so the obvious mechanical advantage of the leg press machine will allow lifters to far exceed any maximum weight that can be lifted of the squat rack. Weight lifted at a 45 degree angle on a leg press machine feels about 30% lighter than the weight sliding on it.

For the best results from leg exercises, stick to free weights whenever possible.