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Can't Squat? Don't want to Squat?

Goosey

.
For whatever reason.

What exercises can you do to cover, what the squat does for you?

Is the squat absolutely necessary?

I'm not only talking about the seasoned trainee that's paid their dues.

But also, does the tyro really need to squat?
 
I dont believe it is 100% necessary and for bodybuilding purposes the same results can be achieved using the 45 leg press and leg extensions
 
Good article on this topic I read the other day: Squat vs. Leg Press for Big Legs | BodyRecomposition - The Home of Lyle McDonald

For strength training for athletes, there is something that squat movements offer that leg presses can't - co-contraction of the quad and hamstring, which replicates real world functioning of the legs in running, jumping etc. I don't believe isolating the quads and hammies using separate exercises is the same thing. That said, deadlift variations offer similar options to squatting.

If you are solely concerned about quad development, I think leg press is probably superior to squatting. You can load it up as much as you want (compared to leg extensions where this becomes more difficult) and don't need to worry about torso, back and hip strength being the limited factor.
 
My opinion is you don't need to do squats, although for weightlifting and powerlifting it is an obvious specific exercise in terms of conditioning and skill.

There is not one exercise that is necessary to work any muscle with so many options - both free weights and machines.
 

That's a good short and sweet answer, I like.
 
I cant squat a decent weight thanks to my well known back operations.
I have substituted in lunges & step-ups. Im happy with my legs as they are. I get great DOMS from lunges, so i know they're working...
 
For me, barbell squatting is very much a full lower body exercise, which seems to really hit the glutes/hams. If I want to hit the quads properly I need single-leg leg press and leg extensions.
 
Drifter said:
[YOUTUBE]DFGfpxjGfSA[/YOUTUBE]
Click to expand...

He's a fucking tosser trying to act hardcore to impress his legion of internet dick suckers.

Squats are another exercise. A very good one but still just another exercise. Of course there are fucking alternatives and of course there are reasons why some people can't squat. Doesn't mean they are not doing anything about it and doesn't mean they are not working to get back to squatting.
 
taurus said:
I cant squat a decent weight thanks to my well known back operations.
I have substituted in lunges & step-ups. Im happy with my legs as they are. I get great DOMS from lunges, so i know they're working...
Click to expand...

Noticed you were doing step ups and this is something i have also being doing, however, i have been thinging about dropping them as i am unsure how effective they are.

I use the 40kg Dbs and use straps, but havent really find they are working and particular muscle in the leg more of a general wokrout, would you agree?
 
my view, stepups are real effective.

Coming back from my serious stress femur lateral condyle fracture, this has been main exercise for rehab. When I went back to squats and leg press, stepups alone vastly improved my strength, albeit I am still nowhere near my normal strength.

I now use stepups and lunges as main exercises while collarbone heals, then I will add squats once a week.

Higher the block for stepups, more glutes and hamstrings used.

Also, place foot on step and drive through front leg, thus trying to minimise rear leg push off.
 
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That's alot of weight!! I just do bodyweight. I use them more for general leg work, rather than anything specific. Trying to cover all bases without any decent squats to speak of.
 
40kg dumbells is heavy.

My thigh is parallel to floor on step, but I only can do 6 reps on 20kg dumbells at moment.

Prefer to do lighter weights 4x8 each leg (so 16reps) or more (1 minute rest).
 
Thanks guys i will continue to do them....
[MENTION=6618]spartacus[/MENTION]; i do the same with using the front foot to drive through instead of anything back foot at all.
 
Body weight squats FTW. Pretty mush any exercise will work if the tempo is right. It's all about time under tension.

My local gym runs a boot camp type class once a week that I go to.
Last night we did most of our workout to the 'bring sally up' song. I'd never heard of it until last night and now I hate it after performing the entire song once doing body weight squats and then push ups. I can't tell you the last workout I did that hammered me so hard.

Here's some examples for those brave enough to try. I double dare you
[YOUTUBE]fc2mZkyb2so[/YOUTUBE]

[YOUTUBE]41N6bKO-NVI[/YOUTUBE]

[YOUTUBE]VAEz6vg3a8E[/YOUTUBE]
 
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