Completely swapping squats for leg pressing in the different programs?

Training Q&A [Moderated]
1

Hi everyone,

Due to a major excision in my sacral region because of a pilonidal cyst a few years back, I have a recurring issue with the skin in the area opening up to a slight wound, and I suspect that the stress that a full depth squat position puts on the area is contributing to it. Long term I can likely return to squatting, but at this point I’m looking at ways to avoid doing them, maybe by using the leg press instead?

This is somewhat inspired by Jordans answer in some Q&A where he concluded that they are fairly interchangeable, with an argument maybe being made for the balance aspect of the squat making it somewhat preferable. However, I would still appreciate input if the change should be accompanied with some other accessory work because of the (minor) differences between them? How would you recommend handling the different squat variations that are prescribed?

Also, can rep and RPE recommendations from the programs be transferable 1-to-1?

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If you think the primary issue is the full-depth squat and would like to keep some sort of squatting in the program, you could use something like a pin squat set at- or just-above parallel, if there’s a point where you feel comfortable with the ROM. Otherwise, yes, substituting leg pressing is reasonable and I don’t think there are any special accessories that would be needed for leg training (assuming you’re also deadlifting).

You can use the same rep/RPE schemes.

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