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what kind of machine are you talking about? There is a huge variation here. Are you talking about a leg press or something like a tru-squat machine? I would say that in general my answer would be that they are NOT as effective as barbell squats. Although I do agree with what Stan said above. The basis for my answer would be,history. History has shown thru the decades that nothing rivals the barbell squat for gaining size and strength. Arthur Jones who is considered the king of weight training machines also admitted to that. Even the guy who invented the greatest weight training machines ever, claimed there was no substitute for the barbell squat. All that being said,Max Bob and others (McRobert) have gotten great results and have alot of confidence in the Tru-squat machine. I have never tried one,or even seen one live,so I can't pretend to know about that piece of equipment, but if those two guys give it the thumbs up thats good enough for me. So i would guess that the tru-squat is at least somewhat near as effective. I have never found a leg press that came close to squats,thats just me,some people love em,I have never felt comfortable in one. If you need variety or need to take a break from barbell squats once in a while an alternative would be effective for that purpose too I guess.

Jim does the tru-squat prevent lower back rounding?I'm assuming that is what makes it so good. I'm curious as to why the same dangers of squating with a smith machine do not apply to the tru-squat?Again i've never seen one in person so I can't really get a good idea of it. I think My gym does have the hammer iso leg press. Is that the one where you sit upright,like in a chair, and press the two squares/rectangles in front of you? I fooled around with it once or twice and didn't really think much of it. Any tips or advice? I'd like to try it seriously to get a break from squats. Maybe I wasn't properly placed in it or somethin.

I didn't think the tru-squat moved horizontally? Train I gotta tell ya I don't really like the looks of that machine. A picture can be deceiving I know. Don't like the foot area,looks like a ramp,that would put alotta stress on knees/lower back. Reminds me of a hack squat machine which I think should be outlawed. But,as always,if you like it and it works for you,who cares what I think! Keep us updated on your progress and how it feels when you get rollin with it.

wow they are expensive too. I just don't know why they have to have the foot plate a ramp? That doesn't make sense to me. Have you ever tried a trap bar as a squat alternative?

suppose your hip mobility,pelvic alignment and soft tissue around your hips are bad,what can you do about it? I constantly get spasms in my lower back and are looking for a solution. Any thoughts PJ?