My first Squats… WOW!
Today was my first workout using squats for my legs. OMG! I’ve read a lot about leg workouts but never believed that squats could do so much more than leg presses, ham curls, and quad extensions. Boy have I seen the light! I started my workout today with Shoulders. For every exercise, I did 4 sets. Military presses, front arm raises, laterral raises, lying down rear raises, and single arm cable pulls. My shoulders were so pumped, I couldn’t beleive the mass on the upper/rear of them.
I then decided to go ahead and try out squats for my legs. On my last leg workout, I did leg presses, ham curls, and leg extensions, each with heavy weights for 3 or 4 sets. My legs were perfetly fine the next day, so I dreaded trying to get a good workout that would really affect my legs. I decided to go ahead and give squats a try. I’ve never done them before so I started with a light set to warm up with; 25 lbs each side. That set gave me the feel of it and got me comfortable with it. Ok, up it by 10lbs each side. I pushed out 8 reps, but could have done more. 10 more pounds each side again. 8 reps, starting to feel it. 5 more on each side. Now I’m up to 50lbs per side. I pushed out 8 reps and when I stepped away, I felt it! By the time I took my shower and got back to my office, I was really feeling the workout. In my butt, hams, and quads. Even now, 5 hours after my workout, my muscles are still sore. I know it’s going to be tough walking tomorrow. I never imagined 4 sets of squats could do more for me than a full leg workout on machines. I am now a true beleiver. I am hooked on squats. I’m also starting to consider doing deadlifts to help me in my quest for a better back.
Yesterday, I worked back and biceps. That was a pretty good workout. I feel my workouts are going pretty well. I’m coming up on the 1 month mark of when I started and I feel I have come a long way. I’ve met some great people, learned a lot, and have made some nice physical improvements. This is only the beginning.
August 30, 2007 at 4:08 am
Squats are the BONE BASIC of any good leg program, those and weighted lunges. I’m talking about deep squats where you get right in the bucket, ass to ankles. Nothing beat squats for leg development. You can go heavy and do partial reps, or go light and do full squats either way you are in for a awesome leg torture sesssion. Welcome to the club.
August 30, 2007 at 4:45 am
Yes, another convert to squats
Squats are seriously the best way to build legs. Both full and partial squats will give you excellent results each time and you never have to worry about not being sore afterwards. -Jeff
August 30, 2007 at 5:03 am
Squats, lunges, and deadlifts are major moves. I could live with out the dealifts but they do so much. I incorporate them every so often. It really irratates my husband that I dont do them every week.
Glad you legs feel like Jello. Keep it up