Quote Originally Posted by Orda Khan
Most people do, which is why they do not reach their potential. The leg press machine appears to be a safer bet but it is a machine and therefore is set to work in a particular way. We are all different, our skeletal structures and leverages are unique, so whereas the press machine feels 'safe', it may not be suited to your leverages. In fact it could be potentially dangerous.

The Squat is THE exercise when it comes to both strength and muscle building. No exercise will match it. But with a huge barbell across our shoulders we fear not being able to complete the rep. I can offer two suggestions that will overcome this.

A sensible training partner to spot your exercises ( remember the Bench press is equally dangerous )

Perform your Squats in a Power Rack. Should you be unable to ascend from bottom position there is no danger because bars are set to your lowest point and these will take the weight of the barbell. You can walk away in complete safety. The Power Rack is invaluable if circumstances dictate that you train alone.
Above all free weights are far more beneficial than any machine because you must use muscles to stabilise the exercise and your body will move according to your leverages.

You have never trained unless you have tried the Twenty Rep Breathing Squat Routine

.........Orda

Thats about right. I have to add that machines are better for isolation exercises, such as one leg at a time, on your toes, etc... I usually squat about 80 kg and then get on the machine and do sets of 45kg each leg separately as when you squal you are always using one leg more than the other and want to level them up.