Subject: Leg press and squats - why both? Hey there - I'm not new to lifting weights, I've been doing it at home with my free weights for years. I've just started using the weights at the gym instead, since I don't have to clean them up when I'm done and there are some options I just don't have at home. I'm doing one of the Winter Maintenance training plans from here and there is strength training included in the program. The leg work consists of: squats, hamstring curls, extensions and leg press. I don't do extensions because they're bad for your knees, so I've replaced those with lunges, but I do all the others.
I'm just a bit confused... since I've been doing all my workouts with squats over the years, no leg press, I don't really understand why both are included in the routine. It was my impression that they're pretty much the same exercise, except the press just takes the risk factor for hurting your back out of it. Wouldn't I be better served ditching the press and doing something like dead-lifts or an explosive move? I really need to build some power in my little legs. |