Training Legs

[raven777]

My legs have always been very muscular to begin with. I used to train them heavier than I do now and then they were getting too big for me. I have changed my routine a few months ago and was just looking fo some feedback regarding it.
I normally do the following
Squats
Lunges
Hamstring Curls
Butt Blaster
inner thigh machine
Calf raises
I also do cardio 5-6 times a week and also jog a lot. My quads tend to get sore a lot and they really stick out pretty quickly. Anyone have any suggestions? Thanx

[Peanut]

How often are you doing that leg workout? I would think more than once a week for you would be too much. I also run, and can get pretty big legs when I train too heavy. It also then compromises my running, which sounds about right for you too.
What I've found works better for me is to do lighter weight (light enough so I can do apx. 15 reps). That way, I'm not going tobulk as much, but still work the muscles and recover in time to my next run. I would also suggest either not doing all those excercises in one workout. I would alternate weeks, or plan on having a rest day the day after.

[iboyo]

raven, i have a suggestion, why not take advantage of the fact that nature gave you magnificent legs? why not build on your strengths instead of holding yourself back?
i must say the high volume program you are on now will indeed make your whole body weak, soft and overtrained. it will also take up so much time that you could not possibly have a life. why aim so low? a really exciting goal would be to build up your upper body to match your awesome legs.
look at some of my postings concerning leg training and related issues. also look up the postings and pics of a lifter named titania. - in ferro veritas - iboyo

p.s. PEANUT, lifting correctly can only improve your running. you are doing it wrong and you are overtained. cut the VOLUME of your training and lift heavier weight.

[egoatdoor]

It seems that genetically, you have naturally muscular legs. Weight training and running are exaggerating this muscularity. The solution is probably to train them less, both in frequency and the volume of training.

Read this thread, especially the final solution, which dealt with a very similar question:

http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?threadid=185222

[raven777]

Thanx everyone for all of your feedback. I only do this leg routine once a week to answer your question peanut. I always try to work hard because I am doing my first figure competition in May. i do at times, have a tendancy to over do it a bit. I think I need to possibly switch up with jogging and maybe use the elliptical machine more, or walk on a incline on the treadmill. I have recently switched to lighter weight higher reps for my legs and they do feel better but they still hurt. Today I didn't do anything at all, to give my legs a total rest, even though i felt bad for not even doing cardio Maybe I have lactic acid built up in my legs also.

[Hibiscus09]

p.s. PEANUT, lifting correctly can only improve your running. you are doing it wrong and you are overtained. cut the VOLUME of your training and lift heavier weight.


Only if you want thicker legs.

I think I need to possibly switch up with jogging and maybe use the elliptical machine more, or walk on a incline on the treadmill. I have recently switched to lighter weight higher reps for my legs and they do feel better but they still hurt.

The elliptical will definitely help tone down the size of your legs if you think they are getting out of proportion with the rest of your body. :) Doing moderate weight with higher reps & shorter rest periods will also help.