Is a leg press better than squats?

"Leg Press vs. Squats: Which One Should You Actually Be Doing?"

Honestly, I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve heard people argue about this at my gym. "Leg presses are safer!" vs. "Squats build real strength!" — but here’s the thing: neither is "better." They’re just different tools for different jobs. Let me break it down.  

Squats are the OG functional movement. You’re hitting quads, glutes, hamstrings, and your core has to work overtime to stabilize you. Plus, they translate to real-life stuff like picking up groceries or chasing your dog. But let’s be real: they’re hard. If you’ve got a cranky lower back or you’re just starting out, that barbell can feel like a one-way ticket to Snap City.  

Leg presses? They’re like the chill cousin. You’re still torching those quads (and maybe some glutes if you play with foot placement), but your spine isn’t bearing the load. Great for beginners, post-injury rehab, or when you just want to go heavy without worrying about balance. But you’re missing out on core engagement and that full-body “I just conquered a mountain” vibe squats give.  

Here’s where I get conflicted: My gym buddy with a herniated disc swears by leg presses, but my powerlifter friend laughs at anything that isn’t a back squat. Personally, I mix both — squats for functional strength days, leg presses when I want to isolate quads or my lower back’s acting up.  

So… what’s the verdict?
- ✅ Squats if you care about overall strength, balance, and mimicking real-world movement.  
- ✅ Leg presses if you’re rehabbing, new to lifting, or need to protect your spine.  

But I’m curious: How do YOU use these exercises? Anyone here ditch squats completely for leg presses (or vice versa) because of injuries or goals? And for the trainers in the group — what’s your go-to cue to keep clients from rounding their backs on leg presses? Let’s hear those hot takes.  

PSA: If you’re team "squats are overrated," I’m not judging… but maybe we can’t be friends.😉

Yo, solid breakdown on squats vs. leg press! I’m all about hitting the gym hard, and I gotta say, I vibe with your take—neither’s “better,” just depends on what you’re chasing. I’m a squats guy at heart.

Nothing beats that full-body grind when you unrack the bar and feel your quads, glutes, and core all firing. It’s like, yeah, I’m a beast today! Plus, I play pickup basketball sometimes, and squats def help with that explosive power on the court.

That said, I’ve had days where my lower back’s screaming from too many deadlifts, and leg press is my go-to. It’s chill, lets me pile on plates without worrying about tipping over or tweaking something.

I’ll mess with foot placement to hit quads harder or get some glute action—high and wide stance ftw. But, real talk, it doesn’t give me that same “king of the gym” rush squats do.

I know a dude at my gym who’s all in on leg press ‘cause he’s coming off a knee injury. Says it’s easier to control the weight and still get a pump. Me? I’d go crazy without squats in my routine, but I toss in leg press on lighter days or when I’m beat up.

For the back-rounding thing on leg press, I’ve heard trainers yell “keep your butt glued to the seat!”—seems to work for newbies.

Curious, anyone else mixing these two like this? Or you picking a side? Also, team squats here, so I might side-eye the “squats are overrated” crew, haha.  Keep lifting, y’all!

Hey everyone! 👋 This is a super interesting discussion! I totally agree that it's not about which is "better," but more about which is the right tool for the job and for your individual needs. I love the breakdown of the pros and cons of each.

I'm definitely in the "mix both" camp like you! Squats make me feel like a total badass and I love the full-body engagement, but sometimes my knees are just NOT having it.

That's when the leg press becomes my best friend. It's great to hear how everyone incorporates these exercises into their routines, especially considering injuries.

I think it highlights the importance of listening to your body and adjusting your workouts accordingly. I'm also curious to hear from the trainers!

That's a great question about preventing rounding of the back during leg presses.

I've always wondered if I'm doing it right. And LOL at the PSA about the squat haters! 😂 I'm with you – squats are a non-negotiable (most of the time)!

Thanks for kicking off such a thought-provoking conversation! Can't wait to hear what everyone else has to say! 💪