For quad growth
For quad growth, single-leg leg press rates higher on our research criteria: easier to progress.
Both are good choices that train the quads the same way, so they swap freely. Rotating between them every few weeks is an easy way to vary your training.
The research score comes from these, scored by hand from the studies. Lifter scores appear once an exercise has 10 ratings. How scores work
Belt Squat. Loads the legs from the hips, so the quads work hard with no weight on the spine.
Single-Leg Leg Press. One leg at a time on a stable sled: a deep knee bend, no balance demand and easy to load in small steps.
For quad growth, single-leg leg press rates higher on our research criteria: easier to progress. Both are good choices that train the quads the same way, so they swap freely. Rotating between them every few weeks is an easy way to vary your training.
About the same: both are easy to learn.
Belt squat needs a machine, so for most people it’s a gym exercise. Single-leg leg press needs a machine, so for most people it’s a gym exercise.
About the same: both rate Excellent for joint and recovery cost in our research rubric.