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This is an age old debate with many people taking sides on either side of the camp - often citing well known professional bodybuilders with big legs as the reason that they are right.

Well with 20 years of training, and personal friendships with many National and International bodybuilding champions I have my own views.

First before we even go into it we need to address the initial question - which is better? Better for what exactly? What is your definition of big legs?

Some people think Iron Men (Australian Surf Lifesavers) have big legs, others would only consider Tom Platz as having big legs. So at this point I will ignore this and concentrate on what gets bigger legs over a time period, ie what will give you better muscle gains.

Next thing we need to consider is the exercise. OK a squat is a squat is a squat as long as it is free standing, but Leg Presses are a completely different kettle of fish.

Leg Press machines come in a variety of shapes and sizes, as well as functionality. Some are absolute shite, some are very smooth and let you pack on several tons - great for your ego. Some actually work your legs nicely.

For the rest of this article I will compare Free Standing Squats from an Olympic Rack, compared to an old style Leg Press with the seat on the ground and the support bars running up at a 45 degree angle - these have always been the best in my opinion.

In my experience for yours and years I just did leg presses as I did not like squats (they were too hard), my legs were OK, especially considering my height.

But then I started training with some New Zealand Powerlifters. That changed everything. Leg Press? You can do that girls exercise after you squat. So squat I did.

Over the next year my legs went from OK, to “they’re big, even on your height”.

Years of Leg Press vs 1 year of correct Squatting. There is your answer.

Most of those who say Leg Press are better are often scared to squat. They are scared people will look at the little weights on their back rather than the massive poundages leg presses allow, they are scared their lower backs are not strong enough, they are scared they will fail and the weight will fall.

Even today I start my Leg workout with light ass to the grass squats then move to leg press for a couple more sets followed by hamstrings supersetted with calves.

Put squats as your central exercise for the next 6 months and see the muscle gains your legs make.

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