Is it normal to do 210lbs on the leg press?

[mutedaisy]

Is it normal to do 210lbs on the leg press for a 125 pound girl or should I be doing more?

stream1.gifsoup.com/.../...-855lbs-leg-press-o.gif

[Anonymous]

It's a machine, so you have a bit of assistance when it comes to pressing the weight. You can usually lift more on a machine than you can doing free weights. This also depends on if you're counting the weight of the sled in that? Most people don't count the sled's weight on the leg press machine because 1) Sleds may weigh different than others, 2) Since it's a machine-assisted push it only makes sense to count the weight you stacked on anyway.

Also, your legs are one of the strongest areas of your body. I read somewhere (couldn't source it right now) that your legs are roughly 4x stronger than your arms are. This makes sense because your legs carry your whole body across level ground, inclines, and declines. They have to support your weight standing still, in motion, as well as provide balance to your body.

And lastly, if you're doing them exactly like that guy is in the gif you posted, you're cheating yourself. He's barely going halfway down before calling it quits and pushing it back up. Just like I'd tell people who do squats (which you should probably be doing for more benefit over the leg press machine), if you are REALLY struggling to maintain proper form and go ATG, drop some of the weight off and do deeper squats. It's much more beneficial that way.

[mutedaisy]

No, I do mine deeper lol leg press gifs are hard to find. So if I'm comfortable with this, how much would you say to go? Also, its weird to think about, but if you're legs were as stong as your arms it would be traumatic! Lol

[Opinion Owner]

It really just depends on how you structure your workouts. I will either stack enough weight to just manage 12 reps per set, with about #8 or 9 being the one when I'm really having to dig down for that power to finish. Or I'll do drop sets with weight to get me to 12, 8, 6, and 4 reps.

So depending on how your workouts are set up, I'd guess that enough weight to make 12 reps a challenge would be good for you. That is, if you're trying to build muscle and strength?

[Tokana]

When you leg press that weight you're not actually pushing that weight since it's on an angle. But seriously doe you need to squat.

[mutedaisy]

Why?

[Tokana]

1. Free weights > Machines

Free weights are better than machines since they utilize more stabilization muscles, so if you're squatting its best you use a barbell rather than the smith machine

2, Squats are King

Squats allow for an amazing compound effect by utilizing a whole range of different muscles. Quads, Glutes, Hamstring, Calves, Back,

3. A Huge Testosterone Booster

Squats are known for there ability to boost testosterone 24 to 48 hours after a workout. Testosterone is a valuable hormone that helps build muscle mass and increases sex drive.

Now there are now benefits to squatting that can be google rather easily, but here is a link for you:

fitness.mercola.com/.../...-the-perfect-squat.aspx

[Tokana]

thanks for MHO, even though it was forced. lol

[mutedaisy]

It wasn't forced you gave some really good information. I've just decided to give squats a chance. Naturally I have fairly muscular legs and have been running track since grade school. Now that I am out of school my legs don't get quite as much of a work out. Plus, I noticed my back is kind of weak, man... ._.

[Tokana]

How have squats been doing for you?

[mutedaisy]

So far okay. I think they will really make a difference once I get back to going to the gym regularly.

[Tokana]

don't forget nutrition as well its very important.

[mutedaisy]

I won't ^^

[BertMacklinFBI]

that's not bad:D how much weight does it put down with no plates added?

[mutedaisy]

Let me get back to you on that :o

[BertMacklinFBI]

hahaa no problem:D

[thecompguy]

Everyone's going to be a little bit different, but I've had a few coaches who told me as a real general "rule of thumb", you should be able to do 2x your body weight on a leg press machine. (The idea being, it's considered reasonable/normal to at least have enough leg strength so you could stand up using only one leg. That would mean one leg being strong enough to push your body weight, so 2x that with both legs.) But as someone else said too, the leg presses are done on an incline so it makes them a little easier than the weight on them would indicate.

[Anonymous]

Leg press is fairly easy. But for your weight and for a girl, that is fairly average to above average.

[mutedaisy]

So I should amp up the weight? I thought I could do unusually long reps.

[Opinion Owner]

If you're letting the weight go down all the way, using the correct form in order to not damage your knees, then go ahead. If it's easy, yes go for more weight, especially if you are doing unusually long reps of the current weight that you are doing.

[Joshua2332]

You shouldn't be worrying about this. Just remember you probably look better than 95% of the US population if you got to the gym and know what you're doing.

[mutedaisy]

I've never cared about looking better. What's important to me is pushing forward ;) which is why I think I'll ask a trainer to help me with increasing the weight a good pace.

[Athleticbroo]

can't count assisted machines. How much you squat?

[mutedaisy]

I don't squat. The bar hurts my back to much ^^

[Athleticbroo]

Haha thats cute... Start liftin brah