Part of the
You Can Learn Weightlifting series.
By Ken Brown
Editor, YouCanLearnSeries.com
Updated: September 6, 2004
Many weightlifters
neglect their legs, spending all their time on building the upper body,
chest, biceps, triceps and backs. I remember years ago watching a professional
basketball game at the University of Illinois in Champaign, Illinois. One of
the players, Nate Thurmond, had a huge upper body. But thirty years later, I
still recall how strange he looked, because his arms and upper body were huge,
but his legs looked like toothpicks in comparision.
As you try to achieve that classic form, you have to think whole body. It is
not enough these days to think only of the upper torso. Plus, as you do the
yard work the legs are so important in maintaining a good strong back. You want
to lose weight? Work on the legs, with additional weights in your hand. Lifting
for the legs burns calories. Nothing feels better than the burn after a good
leg workout. You can barely walk up the stairs in your home the legs hurt so
much, but as the old saying goes "it hurts so good". Add the following
exercises to your weekly routine and see how much better you feel, your pants
will fit better and your "whole" body will look good.
These leg workouts will work for the novice lifter and especially the
hardworking bodybuilder. You can have massive legs easily. I originally started
working my legs, because when I ran, I had pain in my knees. Since exercising
my legs and the muscles surrounding the knees, I have been able to run again
with little pain in my knees.
As always, if you haven't exercised in a long time or you have
long standing medical problems, be sure and see a doctor before starting this
or any exercise routine.
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Remember to start slow with small
weights, just because you lifted 200 pounds as a 20 year old doesn't mean you
have to begin at that weight. Try 10 pounds or 20 pounds and work up from
there. The leg muscles play an integral part in everything we do, you
don't want to mess that up. If you haven't weightlifted in a long time
or have never weightlifted, then start small. I can't stress that enough. These exercises
can be very dangerous if not done correctly or with the proper weight.
The leg exercises in this article will build your hamstring, quadriceps, and
gastrocnemius muscles. You will find these leg workouts are important to
overall health and can help you build massive legs, if you want. Be happy with
your new bigger, stronger legs now you have read the basics of the leg workout.
I want to encourage you to have fun in your quest for a better, stronger, more
fit body and legs.
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