Legs

[Campbell98]

Ok, here goes my first post.

I am looking to add some mass to my legs. I have a lower back problem which prevents me from squatting heavy. My range is about at 135, I have been afraid to try heavier. I can use kettlebells, front squats and every other workout. Deadlifts, however, are also difficult for me to do heavy. So my question is what should I do? I have been doing timed workouts and rounds (i.e 20 seconds on and 20 second rest with 135lb squats) to no avail. Is there any program that would help me put on size?
Also, I was looking at weighted sleds. Would their use be beneficial to my goal?

[Farley1324]

Ok, here goes my first post.

I am looking to add some mass to my legs. I have a lower back problem which prevents me from squatting heavy. My range is about at 135, I have been afraid to try heavier. I can use kettlebells, front squats and every other workout. Deadlifts, however, are also difficult for me to do heavy. So my question is what should I do? I have been doing timed workouts and rounds (i.e 20 seconds on and 20 second rest with 135lb squats) to no avail. Is there any program that would help me put on size?
Also, I was looking at weighted sleds. Would their use be beneficial to my goal?

Given your stats (6' and 163 pounds) you probably want to add mass everywhere.

What is your low back problem and who diagnosed it?

You need to lift heavy. And eat.

[jcross10]

my advice is to keep doing the front squats. go as heavy as you can on those and keep the rest at a minimum. also add in some leg extensions and when doing those i like to do drop sets so i fail about 3 times on each set. so, for example, set the weight for leg extensions at 100 fail at 12 or so, drop weight to 90 and bust out a few more reps then drop weight to 70 and fail again.
for hamstrings try stiff leg deadlifts i dont do as much weight with those but i feel like i actually get more out of it. also try the seated leg curls.
can you do leg press? if you can look up the article on here called "closers" or something like that and finish off with what they recommend it's intense

[jcross10]

Given your stats (6' and 163 pounds) you probably want to add mass everywhere.

What is your low back problem and who diagnosed it?

You need to lift heavy. And eat.

yeah he has a good point. try training your lower back more. hyperextensions, planks, etc.

[Campbell98]

I have a pretty strong upper body to the point where I'm satisfied. My highlights are benching 265 and shoulder pressing 170. I'm only 18 and I'm just working at it. That being said, there is always room for improvement.
My focal point, however, are my legs. It is a doctor diagnosed problem in which there is a gap in my spine, it's called spondylosis. I have gone to physical therapy and specialists and they have recommended that I no longer squat.

[Farley1324]

I have a pretty strong upper body to the point where I'm satisfied. My highlights are benching 265 and shoulder pressing 170. I'm only 18 and I'm just working at it. That being said, there is always room for improvement.
My focal point, however, are my legs. It is a doctor diagnosed problem in which there is a gap in my spine, it's called spondylosis. I have gone to physical therapy and specialists and they have recommended that I no longer squat.

Doctors and physical therapists are IMO and IME not a good source when determining whether or not one should squat. I'll bet money they don't even know what a proper squat is

[jcross10]

I have a pretty strong upper body to the point where I'm satisfied. My highlights are benching 265 and shoulder pressing 170. I'm only 18 and I'm just working at it. That being said, there is always room for improvement.
My focal point, however, are my legs. It is a doctor diagnosed problem in which there is a gap in my spine, it's called spondylosis. I have gone to physical therapy and specialists and they have recommended that I no longer squat.

ahhh i see well then check with your doctor about working out your back because working out the muscles around a problem area like that definitely help. i had to go to a chiropractor for an injury i had to my lower back and the he highly recommended working out those muscles more

[Farley1324]

I wiki'd spondylosis...doesn't sound like something that should absolutely prevent squatting with good form.

But front squats are good. Just get them heavy.

[Campbell98]

It's the pain that squatting heavy causes. It becomes difficult to move the following day. Pain relievers do not help as well so I must create a program to develop size in my legs without squatting heavy. I am still young and I'm not willing to risk my body just to squat heavy. I want to be smart about it.

[jcross10]

It's the pain that squatting heavy causes. It becomes difficult to move the following day. Pain relievers do not help as well so I must create a program to develop size in my legs without squatting heavy. I am still young and I'm not willing to risk my body just to squat heavy. I want to be smart about it.

front squats, leg presses, leg extensions. and like i said earlier, throw in some drop sets to add some intensity to it since you can't go too heavy

[Farley1324]

front squats, leg presses, leg extensions. and like i said earlier, throw in some drop sets to add some intensity to it since you can't go too heavy

Intensity, as a training variable, is defined as % of 1RM. Drop sets might increase perceived or subjective difficulty or exertion, but not intensity. This does not necessarily jive with the typical usage of the word, but it is what it is.

[jcross10]

Intensity, as a training variable, is defined as % of 1RM. Drop sets might increase perceived or subjective difficulty or exertion, but not intensity. This does not necessarily jive with the typical usage of the word, but it is what it is.

my bad man sorry my vocabulary isn't at your level lol but you get what i mean

[Farley1324]

my bad man sorry my vocabulary isn't at your level lol but you get what i mean

Yes.

[Campbell98]

Have you ever tried the sled? Would it work?

[Farley1324]

have you ever tried the sled? Would it work?

? ?