Static lunges vs. single leg press

[AKirkland]

Just did my weekly dose of Leaner Legs yesterday and was wondering: What's the difference between static lunges and what I think are called the "single leg presses?" The only difference seems to be putting the back leg up on a low step. Is that supposed to help isolate all the work on the front leg? I don't have a low step, so I've been doing all of the sets like static lunges. Just curious to know what I'm missing.

Thanks,

Angela

 

[jillybean]

That's a good question! With static lunges, I always feel work in both legs, whereas with leg presses, I feel it only in the working leg. I use my Firm Fannie Lifter box (man, I hate that name!) to do Cathe's leg presses. It is 14" high and works great. You could buy some extra risers and make your step higher and use that for leg presses. I've done that before too. I am proud of you for doing that many sets of static lunges! Yikes!

 

[AKirkland]

Whoops! I think I goofed. I believe they call them "single leg squats," not leg presses. The exercise I'm talking about is like a static lunge, but the back (non-working) leg is up on a low step. I was just wondering what's the benefit of raising that back leg, and how is that different from a standard static lunge?

Angela

 

[Stargazer]

Hi Angela
I've wondered this myself.

I came to the conclusion that elevating the rear leg on the stool forces you to put all of your weight on the front leg, therefore working it more.

But I've also noticed that on the single leg squats the quad of leg I have back and on the stool really starts to burn. Now I've wondered if that is supposed to happen or if my form is "off" I really don't like this on LL because I always feel "wobbley" too.
-joy

 

[hounddogs]

Lunges can be for the front leg or both legs. When you center your weight you will feel them in the hamstring of the front leg and the quad/hip flexor of the back leg. If you want to work the front leg more, just lean forward over your front leg.
--Ann