discussion 45 Degree Leg Press (540lbs)

[Mr. Gruntsworthy]

I somehow went super-saiyan in the gym yesterday on the leg press, and kept chucking weight on in successive sets to see how high I could get until I broke 5 reps. Turns out I maxed at 540lbs.

That's TWELVE 45lb plates.

The weight listed doesn't even include the weight of the machine itself.

Enjoy:

YouTube - 45 Degree Leg Press (540lbs)

 

[Perineum]

It's alright to be happy with your accomplishments but you shouldn't post this kind of video unless you're looking to get criticism.

First of all, your range of motion looks pretty limited. Second, leg press on any machine is nothing to get excited about, unless you're talking about doing that after 6 sets of proper full range squats....

 

[Mr. Gruntsworthy]

It's alright to be happy with your accomplishments but you shouldn't post this kind of video unless you're looking to get criticism.

First of all, your range of motion looks pretty limited. Second, leg press on any machine is nothing to get excited about, unless you're talking about doing that after 6 sets of proper full range squats....

Prior to the leg press, I had done 4 sets of squats @ 155lbs, and 4 sets of Dumbbell Lunges per leg @ 2 x 35lbs.

My phone is pretty crappy quality, so it's hard to tell; but i did 4 reps, and I always make sure my range of motion is to a 90 degree bend in my knees; nothing more, because that puts my kneecaps in danger if I do.

 

[ADay2Long]

If it's a personal best for you, congrats!

But like Perineum said I wouldn't post a video of it, leg press is a lot easier than squatting, and it can lead to bad form especially since you can use your back to help push yourself against the seat.

Give squatting a shot, you'll feel a lot more burn and satisfaction from it. Any machine that assists you is not the best choice as your body doesn't have to work to stabilize itself. Strong muscles with weak stabilizer is a dangerous combination.

 

[Perineum]

Prior to the leg press, I had done 4 sets of squats @ 155lbs, and 4 sets of Dumbbell Lunges per leg @ 2 x 35lbs.

My phone is pretty crappy quality, so it's hard to tell; but i did 4 reps, and I always make sure my range of motion is to a 90 degree bend in my knees; nothing more, because that puts my kneecaps in danger if I do.

Well it's certainly good it was 90 degree bend then...

If you had a video doing good, full, proper range squats I'd be more impressed, regardless of the weight you used.

It's always nice to see someone doing this properly rather than "cheating" themselves so they can convince themselves that they are stronger than they are.

... like bench press. It's either the 3 to 6 inch range movement or the guys that drop the bar on their chest while it's doing 100mph so they can "springboard" the damn thing up.

They convince themselves that they can do that weight, but it would never pass any competition press, ever.

 

[Mr. Gruntsworthy]

Well it's certainly good it was 90 degree bend then...

If you had a video doing good, full, proper range squats I'd be more impressed, regardless of the weight you used.

It's always nice to see someone doing this properly rather than "cheating" themselves so they can convince themselves that they are stronger than they are.

... like bench press. It's either the 3 to 6 inch range movement or the guys that drop the bar on their chest while it's doing 100mph so they can "springboard" the damn thing up.

They convince themselves that they can do that weight, but it would never pass any competition press, ever.

I HATE THOSE PEOPLE. They're everywhere in my gym. We call them the 'benchmonkeys.' Nah man, I always make sure I do it the proper way. Slow positive, slow negative, never cheating. (if you want to check out where I learn most of my stuff, give this site a checking out: www.scoobysworkshop.com)

What I might do is get my buddy to come into the gym with me, and borrow an HD camera from the Media office so I can get a proper video.

On the topic of squats, yeah, I follow the same principal. Only down to a 90 degree bend in the knees, back as straight as humanly possible without losing balance, knees kept behind toeline. Since I often work out without a spotter, I always have the cage safeties set to hip level. I know if i hit those, I'm squatting too deep and correct myself appropriately.

Also, all my strength seems to be in my legs and core. My upper body strength is atrocious--I can only bench 115 lbs, and can only do 5 pullups on a fresh go.

 

[Squeetard]

Then stop working your legs and core. From what little I saw on that vid, your calves and quads are pretty big. You need to build your bod equally all over. Concentrate on your weak areas 'till it's all good. Do you have puny arms? You should be able to bench press your body weight.

Edit, also it only takes 270lbs of force to move a 540lb object on a 45 degree slope, physics :thumb:

 

[Perineum]

Also, all my strength seems to be in my legs and core. My upper body strength is atrocious--I can only bench 115 lbs, and can only do 5 pullups on a fresh go.

That's completely normal.

If you're active in any way legs see brutal action all day long, same with the core. How often in the real world do you do a "bench press" like action?

Upper body strength will come, you just need time.... and effort

 

[schwartz]

Then stop working your legs and core. From what little I saw on that vid, your calves and quads are pretty big. You need to build your bod equally all over. Concentrate on your weak areas 'till it's all good. Do you have puny arms? You should be able to bench press your body weight.

Edit, also it only takes 270lbs of force to move a 540lb object on a 45 degree slope, physics :thumb:

Ya agreed, it is time to start using that muscle energy you have in the gym on the body parts that need it most. If you insist on heavy leg action, leave it for after the heavy upper body lifting has been done.

 

[Perineum]

this is typically why people work different body parts on separate days....