Intermediate Strongman

[Abaddon]

Originally Posted by LtL

More squatting

LtL

Training legs tomorrow, Al, and I've got 4 sets of front squats first up. Is this not enough?

[BendtheBar]

Originally Posted by Abaddon

Is this not enough?

No! Strap that to your back and run uphill, then swim a mile with it.

[LtL]

My issue is that alongside your 4 sets of squats, you're also doing 4 sets of extensions and leg curls (if I remember correctly). I would like to see you do more squatting and less isolation stuff.

Please feel free to correct me if I'm wrong on your routine.

LtL

[Abaddon]

Originally Posted by BendtheBar

No! Strap that to your back and run uphill, then swim a mile with it.

Translation... how many sets??

My Legs routine has 3-4 sets of leg extensions, 3-4 of hamstring curls, 4 of calf raises, along with the trap work.

How should my Legs routine look instead?

[Abaddon]

Originally Posted by LtL

My issue is that alongside your 4 sets of squats, you're also doing 4 sets of extensions and leg curls (if I remember correctly). I would like to see you do more squatting and less isolation stuff.

Please feel free to correct me if I'm wrong on your routine.

LtL

Nope, that's correct.

[Abaddon]

I should mention that the reason why I do these leg exercises is because I can; I might not have much equipment, but the stuff I do have I try and make the most of.

I've heard the the leg extensions aren't good for your knees; but I've found squats and deads have caused knee pain, not this exercise.

So what can I put in the routine, given my limited equipment? I can't just do 18-20 sets of fkn squats?!

[LtL]

I would do squats pyramiding up to a heavy triple or so and then back down for one more rep' out set. Then I would do some single leg dumbell work: split squats, step ups or maybe even walking lunges. I would then finish with a few leg curls. No leg extensions. If you have bad knees they probably won't make them any better for sure. Risk is far greater than reward for this exercise.

LtL

[Abaddon]

Originally Posted by LtL

I would do squats pyramiding up to a heavy triple or so and then back down for one more rep' out set. Then I would do some single leg dumbell work: split squats, step ups or maybe even walking lunges. I would then finish with a few leg curls. No leg extensions. If you have bad knees they probably won't make them any better for sure. Risk is far greater than reward for this exercise.

LtL

I have done walking lunges - they were part of my routine in it's early stages, recommended by Carl. I can use them again, sure.

I like the step-ups too! Might trial them tomorrow, in the new leg routine's 1st draft.

[BendtheBar]

Originally Posted by Abaddon

How should my Legs routine look instead?

I'm late to the conversation and was trolling. I shall now bow out gracefully.

[Wlfdg]

Originally Posted by LtL

My issue is that alongside your 4 sets of squats, you're also doing 4 sets of extensions and leg curls (if I remember correctly). I would like to see you do more squatting and less isolation stuff.

Please feel free to correct me if I'm wrong on your routine.

LtL

I agree!
I believe leg extension and ham curls place unnatural stress on the knee joint.
T NATION | Truth About Leg Extensions

@ Abdominal training.
External Oblique Activity During the Unilateral and Bilateral Free Weight Squat - PURPOSE: The purpose was to compare EMG activity of the external oblique muscle in female athletes... - Clinical Kinesiology (Online)

High trunk activation has previously been shown with unilateral carrying and squat lifting tasks (14). In this previous study, the authors concluded that the high relative and absolute loads lifted in the unilateral tasks produced necessary trunk activation to improve trunk strength (14). Improving trunk strength while performing the squat likely improves trunk stabilization during weight-bearing activities more than strength gained from a sit-up movement pattern. The results of this study indicate that high absolute loads may not be required to produce high external oblique activity; however, a high relative intensity may be required during the unstable exercise. The MUS may be the preferred type of squat exercise to produce external oblique activity due to the appeal of using lower loads on the spine and its specificity with unilateral weight-bearing activities of daily living and sport

My feeling is that if unilateral carries & squats have a greater training effect than trunk flexion, strongman training takes this to "the next level" with high load component + locomotion and awkward overhead lifting (log).