the eternal debate...

[heretostay13]

Barbell vs. Hacks

Actually, I'm not debating the value of either. Currently my leg workouts have been like this:

Leg Extensions 15, 12, 10, 8
Hacks: 20, 15, 12, 10, 8
Leg Press: 20, 15, 15, 12, 10
Barbell Squats: 12, 12, 10

For the longest time I pushed heavy weight for 6's and 8's, even heavy weight (500lbs-545lbs) on barbell squats for 8's-10's but felt a lot of my strength was coming from my hips, etc. without a ton of quad development. I feel like this routine stimulates my quads more and even feel in the short time (a month) that this is working well, but that little voice in the back of my head says "big quads = big squats" and by the time I get to barbell squats I'm squeezing out only 365 for my reps. I still push heavy weight on the hacks (5-6 plates each side on my 10's and 8's), leg press, etc. but still have doubts. So, is it stimulation that all that counts, is it something else, or is it just dependent on the individual? Just wanting to get your guys opinions.

[Stormspirit]

my glutes get too big

[heretostay13]

Not asking what's better, if you even read the post. Was just wondering if the direct quad stimulation from hacks is sufficient enough in the beginning to replace barbell squats, in other people's view...even though I'm doing barbell squats still, but instead of at the beginning placing them at the end of the workout.

[heretostay13]

my glutes get too big

From barbell squats? I felt this way too to be honest. Kind of had a bubble starting to developing after some time, which I guess happens to some of us...another reason I'm deviating away from barbell squats first.