SENTENCING
■ Proponents of functional
strength should not dismiss
fixed-plane exercises like
the leg press out of hand.
This study shows that these
exercises not only contribute
but also may be important for
developing functional balance.FLEXONLINE.COM.AU|FLEX 29CHRIS LUND
OPENING ARGUMENTS
DefenseThebarbellsquatis
an exercise that has achieved
iconic status in all weight-training
circles. Squats deserve such
astatusduetotheinherent
difficulty of balancing heavy
weight on your back, descending
down into the crushing depths
ofa“fullsquat”andthen
ascending triumphantly having
overcome both the fear and
pain of being crushed. This
free-weight manoeuvre is
unstable and is therefore
inherently better than the leg
press for improving balance.
ProsecutionIt is true that
balanceisrequiredtocontrol
afreeweightrestingonyour
shouldersasyoudropandcome
up; nevertheless, the act of
pressing with the legs is not
all that different mechanicallyspeaking compared with the
leg press. Aside from the “skill”
required for squatting, absolute
strength and even balance may
just as likely be achieved using
the leg press.EVIDENCE
■ The compound pressing
movement of the squat and
leg press are equivalent at the
hip and knee, differing only
in range of motion.
■ Recent research published in
The Journal of Sports Medicine
and Physical Fitness compared
the effects of squats, leg press
and a combination for increasing
dynamic balance (ie, balance
during movement). Results
demonstrated that the leg press
had the greatest impact on
improving balance, whether done
alone or combined with squats.BY BRYAN HAYCOCKVERDICT
Contrary to popular belief,
strength-training exercises,
such as the leg press, performed
on fixed-plane machines are
able to enhance dynamic
balance, perhaps to an even
greater extent than free-weight
exercises such as squats.WHICHISBETTERFOR
FUNCTIONAL BALANCE:
SQUATS OR LEG PRESSES?ALL ABOUT
FUNCTION
ON TRIAL LIFT