Did you hear this one??
What up fam!!
So this weekend while enjoying the warm weather strutting my choclatey self up and down the beach with my 4 year old bodyguard, I picked up the latest issue of FLEX magaizne. Inside I found an interesting article on whether or not Leg Extensions were beneficial, or Dangerous?! (Say it aint so)
Now I’m pretty much old school to a certain degree. So Leg Extensions have long been a part of my leg routine. However after reading the article some things did kinda make sense as to how this exercise could be harmful. According to the article, the leg extension ". . .is mostly unnecessary for those who desire maximum muscular size and strength." (Pg28)
The article goes on to say that "although some bodybuilders use this movement to warm up on leg day, unless you perform it very strictly there’s potential for damaging your knees by doing even moderate weight reps." This is me 100%. I use Leg Extensions to warm up for as long as I can remember. And I can’t say I was always as strict as I should have been.
I found the article interesting becuase lately I have been suffering from knee soreness. I thought it was becuase of the one leg presses I’ve been doing, but i didn’t even stop to think about the leg extensions. In a way it makes sense. Since my goal in the leg department is mass, technically, I dont really need to incorporate leg extensions right now.
If you happen to see the edition of FLEX, check it out. The article is on pg 28. Just a little FYI for you guys & gals.
Peace!
August 3, 2009 at 4:04 pm
I keep having bouts of knee soreness too, and I’m trying to figure out if it’s the stairmill that’s doing it, or squats…glad to know to steer clear of leg extensions though!
August 3, 2009 at 4:06 pm
Well from what I know thats a fact is that the extensions are primarily a defining exercise. You’re not really going to gain mass from doing extensions. But it is true, there can be a tremendous amount of pressure placed on the knees with this movement. Strict form is definately key.
August 4, 2009 at 7:43 am
You got me at strutting your choclatey self (you are a cutie indeed) … but Im a newbie remember… I may catch up with you on the rest of the points one day
August 4, 2009 at 9:35 am
That was a great line. I can only imagine you sitting back all proud of yourself after writing that one.
White people don’t have an equivalent for stuff like that. "So this weekend while walking the beach and watching people squint in the glare from the sun’s reflections off my body…"
There’s been a general backlash in the bb community against leg extensions lately. Then again, a lot of bodybuilders over the years with some amazing physiques, have used leg extensions as a regular part of their routines.
Personally, I’m kind of waiting to see how the debate is going to end.
August 5, 2009 at 11:00 am
Hmm this is interesting I might need to look into this.
August 5, 2009 at 11:01 am
My knees are always sore.
August 11, 2009 at 3:17 pm
When I visited a trainer a few months ago, she commented on the form for them, saying that the knee should not be straightened all the way because of the stress you wrote about.
August 13, 2009 at 7:37 am
I use leg extensions as a warm up occasionally. I go light and just do lots (30-50) of reps. Believe me, you definitely get a burn/nice pump and it accomplishes the goal of getting you ready for heavy work. It is also easy on the knees…
August 20, 2009 at 8:29 pm
Hey Lex I never knew that you had such informative blogs. Just checking up on you and letting you know I am hanging in there and making strides. But still not ready to post another pic but one is coming. Check out the latest. Holla atcha later and I plan to save you as a friend.