I see an increasing number of guys at the gym who look like characters from a Johnny Bravo cartoon: giant torsos with the legs of a child. The famous frog-man. They show-up with no desire to work on their legs – on leg day they have to leave early. If they make the effort to train their torso, why not the legs? You can believe that in 85% of the cases, it’s because they believe having strong legs does not impress either their friends or women, while they think that big arms do. I am not here to question anyone’s taste, but to have an aesthetically proportionate body, that is, strong legs and arms (to be strong or not is a personal taste) is more balanced. So here are some good reasons to do leg workouts.

Leg training has a number of advantages:
•    For someone who wants a more muscular body, you should know that leg training increases the percentage of muscles in your body, given that the legs have a large quantity of muscles;
•    Intense leg workouts burn a lot of calories, this is great for those who want to get thinner, whether to lose weight or for muscle definition;
•    Strong legs offer strong movements, whether when kicking a soccer ball, surfing, taking a jump-shot, or supporting the impact of a run, that is, they are the perfect complement to any sport;
•    Strong muscles protect tendons, ligaments, and joints, decreasing the number of injuries from strains, torn tendons ligaments, tendonitis, etc.
•    Strong legs allow aging with health; older people who exercise their legs gain autonomy in their lives and strength to climb stairs, hills, etc. Remember: prevention before rehabilitation;
•    You think that it’s just men that look at women’s legs and not the contrary? If you think so, you are mistaken...

 Training tips:

•    Doing basic exercises like leg extensions, calf raises, leg curls, leg presses, lunges, step-ups and knee-raises: but remember that the rear portion of the leg should also be worked on, given that most of the exercises work with the front. Note: save the squats for more intermediary work-outs;
•    Conduct the movements properly and train with a full range of movement. I often see people making short movements without control, which can cause muscular imbalance and injuries when the muscle is really called on at its maximum scope;
•    If you practice a sport, your workouts should be adapted to the modality, with fast or slow movements. Your instructor will know how to modify your routine;
•    Begin twice a week on alternate days, 3 sets of 15 repetitions and a 1 minute interval is sufficient. Note: for the leg curl, do 4 sets of 15;
•    More intensive training requires more sophisticated workouts, the basics may no longer be enough;
•    You can also alternate with upper body exercises if you have little time. For example: do a series of right arm curls and then leg extensions, returning to the curls and so on;

Leg workouts don’t have to be torture. A little bit of difficulty will provide results. More than aesthetic, physical activity must be faced as a way of prolonging life with health and strength.

Best wishes and have a great workout!