leg press question

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2008-01-26 1:56 PM

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Subject: leg press question

I went to the gym yesterday and did some leg presses on the machine where you are laying down and pressing up (not the sitting one).  Started with 90 lbs using both legs which was easy but I could feel the effect of my leg length descrepency as the left leg was doing more of the work.  So  I thought I would do one legged presses to work both legs equally.  I could barely do 10 reps with only 20 lbs !!!  What's with that? 

Why is it so much harder with one leg ?  

Should I continue to do the one legged presses to strengthen the legs equally?



Edited by cathyd 2008-01-26 2:25 PM

2008-01-26 5:58 PM
in reply to: #1177317

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2008-01-27 10:06 AM
in reply to: #1177317

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Subject: RE: leg press question

In one word... synergy. The sum of the parts is greater than the individual parts counted on their own.

Along with the weight you are also fighting your balance and the lack of symmetry that comes from single leg movements.  Consider this...how many squats can you do (with no weight)... 30? 40? 50 or more? Probably.  Then how many can you do standing on one leg?

I also agree that a healthy dose of single legs is likely better for you than all double leg. Especially in regards to how it translates to cycling.

bts

2008-01-28 12:39 PM
in reply to: #1177317

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Subject: RE: leg press question
How about squats or even lunges? The leg press machine takes the rest of your body out of the equation. While squating (lunging) your body has to balance & stabilize itself during the exercise. Just my own preference to use free weights.
2008-02-18 6:19 AM
in reply to: #1177317

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Subject: RE: leg press question
one leg presses are great, keep it going
2008-02-18 11:33 PM
in reply to: #1177317

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Subject: RE: leg press question
Not sure on the exact type of machine you were using but one quick thing to remember is that on some of those machines you have to take into account the weight of the actual machine its self. With some leg press machines where you are seated and pushing up, even if you don't have any weights on them there is still a very significant weight from just the machine.

So, suppose the machine weighs 45 pounds (a pretty common weight), you add the 90 you were doing with 2 legs and you were actually putting up 135. switch to one leg and add the machine and you were doing 65, that's pretty dang close to half... Obviously I have no idea if this applies or not because I don't know what machine you were on, and even if I did I wouldn't know how much to add for the weight of the machine, but just something to take into consideration.

edit: Either way I agree that doing 1 leg is good though.

Edited by ACGRAY22 2008-02-18 11:34 PM

2008-02-19 9:49 AM
in reply to: #1178182

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Subject: RE: leg press question
Brett - 2008-01-27 10:06 AM

In one word... synergy. The sum of the parts is greater than the individual parts counted on their own.

Along with the weight you are also fighting your balance and the lack of symmetry that comes from single leg movements.  Consider this...how many squats can you do (with no weight)... 30? 40? 50 or more? Probably.  Then how many can you do standing on one leg?

I also agree that a healthy dose of single legs is likely better for you than all double leg. Especially in regards to how it translates to cycling.

bts

X2

2008-02-24 8:12 AM
in reply to: #1220076

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Subject: RE: leg press question
MikeTheBear - 2008-02-19 10:49 AM

Brett - 2008-01-27 10:06 AM

In one word... synergy. The sum of the parts is greater than the individual parts counted on their own.

Along with the weight you are also fighting your balance and the lack of symmetry that comes from single leg movements.  Consider this...how many squats can you do (with no weight)... 30? 40? 50 or more? Probably.  Then how many can you do standing on one leg?

I also agree that a healthy dose of single legs is likely better for you than all double leg. Especially in regards to how it translates to cycling.

bts

X2



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You will be suprised at how quickly you will adapt and be able to increase your weight.
2008-02-28 8:11 AM
in reply to: #1177317

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Subject: RE: leg press question
Hi! I tried the single leg presses this morning -- WOW that's a change! Thanks for the advice, I'm glad I'm switching  it up
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