Can intense leg workouts actually increase overall muscle mass?
A close relative and I recently got into a discussion. We chatted for a while about Weight lifting, Supplements and what not. He often tells me that he focuses mainly on Upper-body workouts. And that Squatting and other leg workouts are the last thing on his mind.
I was actually a little surprised, especially since he played High-school football. Your leg strength is a huge priority when it comes to Football training.
I just shook my head and asked him if he realized what exactly he was missing out on by avoiding leg workouts all together?
Well, after having mumbled a few words he basically wave me some BS excuse.
So I decided to fill him on the importance of Leg training and how it can sky rocket your Muscle growth through out your entire body. Yes, your entire body benefits after you pump out a mind numbing set of squats that make you feel like praying to the "Porcelain god" and hurling your Dinner back up.
I'll give you the number one reason brutal leg Workouts increase Muscle growth:
Hormones – Intense Leg exercises trigger the release of powerful Anabolic Hormones throughout the body. Testosterone is responsible for Muscle growth. When you Squat it places such a stress on the whole body that it forces the body to release Testosterone … and Growth Hormone as well.
But there is a catch, to reap the benefits of Squatting, you actually have to … you guess it, Squat! I know too many "Weight Lifters" that avoid Leg workouts.
Here are a couple of the excuses I hear way to often:
It's too painful – Come on man … If training your legs is too painful, you should not even be lifting in the first place. That's the name of this game. No PAIN = No GAIN. Here's an idea: Stick to the Ab swivel Machine and watch your balls disappear while you wait in line behind all of the other Metro's instead.
I've got bad knee's – Look, I'm not a doctor and I'm not suggesting anyone lift with a serious injury. But seriously, more often than not, it's just another cop-out excuse to quit.
Be honest with yourself and decide if your knee's are really bad or if you are lying to yourself.
I manage to Squat with a Titanium rod and screws that look like they could hold together something very massive. It's not always easy, but I've managed to make it happen because I know the importance of leg training.
Something that has helped me tremendously is investing in a good pair of knee wraps. If you're experiencing pain while Squatting or Pressing, I would suggest you invest in a good pair of knee wraps. This takes a lot of pressure off of your joints and ligaments. It will make all of the difference in the world.
I would also suggest looking at your form. Make sure your not slouched over and adjust your leg status accordingly.
But anyways, if you want to be serious about Weight lifting and pack on as much muscle as you can, you need not avoid leg workouts. They are without a doubt, the foundation for your body and will help you pack on plenty of weight.
Not to mention Leg training jacks up your metabolism and sky-rockets fat loss, sometimes for up to 48 hours! So what are you waiting for? Get to Squatting!
