Leg Press (45° Sled) vs Barbell Cyclist Squat Strength Standards

Leg Press vs Barbell Cyclist Squat Strength Standards

The paired standards below show what the 45-degree leg press and barbell cyclist squat each require at the same strength level. They are separate exercise targets rather than a prescribed difference between your lifts.

Select the appropriate sex table and nearest bodyweight, then choose a strength-level column. Values are ordered Leg Press / Barbell Cyclist Squat in pounds with kilograms underneath. The calculator above handles exact bodyweight and set inputs.

Men’s Leg Press vs Barbell Cyclist Squat Standards

How to read the table: Find the closest bodyweight, then use the labeled exercise row. Every strength-level entry shows one target with pounds first and kilograms beneath it.

Women’s Leg Press vs Barbell Cyclist Squat Standards

How to read the table: Find the closest bodyweight, then use the labeled exercise row. Every strength-level entry shows one target with pounds first and kilograms beneath it.

How Your Leg Press vs Barbell Cyclist Squat Result Is Calculated

The comparison starts by estimating each max separately. It then rates both lifts against their own standards before identifying the lower result.

1. Estimate a one-rep max from each set

When the set contains one rep, the entered load is the estimate. For 2–12 reps, the calculator keeps the less aggressive of the two formula results.

• Epley: weight × (1 + reps ÷ 30)
• Brzycki: weight × 36 ÷ (37 − reps)

Use recent Leg Press and Barbell Cyclist Squat sets with consistent technique and full intended range of motion. Difficult lower-rep sets generally make the estimated max less dependent on extrapolation.

2. Find the 45-degree leg press strength level

For 45-degree leg press, the individual exercise thresholds start from reference bodyweights of 190 lb for men and 150 lb for women. Exact-bodyweight targets use reference target × (user bodyweight ÷ reference bodyweight) to the two-thirds power.

This adjustment expects larger lifters to move more weight, but it does not increase the target pound for pound with bodyweight.

3. Find the barbell cyclist squat strength level

The standards use the sex-specific thresholds from the individual Barbell Cyclist Squat tool. Targets begin at 190 lb for men and 150 lb for women, then adjust to exact bodyweight with reference target × (user bodyweight ÷ reference bodyweight) to the two-thirds power.

Two-thirds scaling raises the target as bodyweight rises while limiting the size advantage that a direct one-to-one adjustment would create.

4. Compare the two results

The lift with the lower Beginner-to-Elite rating is the priority. If both ratings match, the calculator requires a 10-point difference in next-level progress before naming a priority; otherwise it reports Balanced.

The result identifies the lower standards rating, not its cause. Technique, fatigue, training history, and set quality can all affect the comparison. Age range is recorded anonymously but does not change these standards.

Enter both sets above to see the estimated maxes, assigned levels, next-level targets, and comparison result.

How Men’s Leg Press and Barbell Cyclist Squat Standards Differ

How to read this chart: Choose a strength level and follow its line across bodyweight. Values show the Barbell Cyclist Squat standard minus the Leg Press standard: zero means equal, above zero means the Barbell Cyclist Squat standard is higher, and below zero means the Leg Press standard is higher. Swipe horizontally on mobile. Use the standards table for exact lb/kg targets.

How Women’s Leg Press and Barbell Cyclist Squat Standards Differ

How to read this chart: Choose a strength level and follow its line across bodyweight. Values show the Barbell Cyclist Squat standard minus the Leg Press standard: zero means equal, above zero means the Barbell Cyclist Squat standard is higher, and below zero means the Leg Press standard is higher. Swipe horizontally on mobile. Use the standards table for exact lb/kg targets.

Leg Press and Barbell Cyclist Squat Exercises Used by This Calculator

For a useful comparison, perform a strict 45-degree leg press and a strict barbell cyclist squat using the setup and load rules below. Use strict, repeatable Leg Press and Barbell Cyclist Squat tests that follow each exercise’s setup, range of motion, equipment, and load rules. Do not mix variations, assistance, partial range, momentum, or different load conventions.

Use a 45-degree plate-loaded sled leg press

Keep both feet flat and approximately shoulder-width, descend until the thighs reach at least parallel to the platform without lifting the hips or rounding the lower back, and press to controlled full knee extension. Do not enter a horizontal, vertical, selectorized, single-leg, high-foot, partial, bounced, or assisted press.

Use the Barbell Cyclist Squat setup and load convention

The entered weight for strict Barbell Cyclist Squat. Valid Barbell Cyclist Squat reps. Descend under control with knees tracking forward over the feet to a consistent deep squat depth, then stand to full lockout without changing stance or heel height. A valid finish requires hips and knees fully extended, balance regained, and the bar controlled on the back without assistance. Consistent setup, range, and finish quality across the entered set. No substituted exercise or assisted reps.

Enter one recent Leg Press result and one recent Barbell Cyclist Squat result

First lift: total plates loaded on the 45-degree sled and 1–12 strict reps. Second lift: weight used and 1–12 strict reps. Pounds or kilograms.

Related Tools

• Leg Press (45° Sled) — View the individual Leg Press standards and next strength-level target.
• Barbell Cyclist Squat — View the individual Barbell Cyclist Squat standards and next strength-level target.
• Smith Machine Back Squat — Use this related standards tool to examine a closely related exercise without mixing its result into this comparison.
• Paused Front Squat — Use this related standards tool to examine a closely related exercise without mixing its result into this comparison.
• Barbell Hack Squat — Use this related standards tool to examine a closely related exercise without mixing its result into this comparison.
• Safety Bar Squat — Use this related standards tool to examine a closely related exercise without mixing its result into this comparison.