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Getbig Main Boards => Gossip & Opinions => Topic started by: therealyoungguns on February 03, 2008, 04:21:46 PM

Title: Can you get a respectable pair of legs without squats?
Post by: therealyoungguns on February 03, 2008, 04:21:46 PM
I've worked my way up to over 285x6 ATF squats, but there's a problem with my knee now and I'm not sure when it, or if it will ever get better. Can you build a great pair of legs with alternatives?
Title: Re: Can you get a respectable pair of legs without squats?
Post by: Stavios on February 03, 2008, 04:23:11 PM
I never do squats

I do front squats tho, I think they are better for the quads development
Title: Re: Can you get a respectable pair of legs without squats?
Post by: MattT on February 03, 2008, 04:24:43 PM
yes look at paul dillets legs and Ben Whites legs..  They never squat.
Title: Re: Can you get a respectable pair of legs without squats?
Post by: Luv2Hurt on February 03, 2008, 04:26:26 PM
I've worked my way up to over 285x6 ATF squats, but there's a problem with my knee now and I'm not sure when it, or if it will ever get better. Can you build a great pair of legs with alternatives?

Probally not.  Really the only way you will build good legs is with good genetics also, that and squats.  Lots of heavy, high rep squats.
Title: Re: Can you get a respectable pair of legs without squats?
Post by: The Master on February 03, 2008, 04:35:39 PM
I've worked my way up to over 285x6 ATF squats, but there's a problem with my knee now and I'm not sure when it, or if it will ever get better. Can you build a great pair of legs with alternatives?

Of course you can. Just do other exercises hard and have outstanding nutritional habits.
Title: Re: Can you get a respectable pair of legs without squats?
Post by: haider on February 03, 2008, 04:36:37 PM
yes look at paul dillets legs and Ben Whites legs..  They never squat.
I think you should though  ::)
Title: Re: Can you get a respectable pair of legs without squats?
Post by: haider on February 03, 2008, 04:39:30 PM
I've worked my way up to over 285x6 ATF squats, but there's a problem with my knee now and I'm not sure when it, or if it will ever get better. Can you build a great pair of legs with alternatives?
Try box squats.

Throw in some 1-legged squats (google bulgarian squats).

Keep the heavy leg presses in there, but i don't think you should start the workout with them.

for further quality advice, I will refer u to Candidizzle.
Title: Re: Can you get a respectable pair of legs without squats?
Post by: hazbin on February 03, 2008, 04:48:15 PM
i never did
Title: Re: Can you get a respectable pair of legs without squats?
Post by: JohnnyVegas on February 03, 2008, 05:20:00 PM
Jim Quinn had 32 inch legs-never squated-just 45 degree leg presses, 20-25 plates.
Title: Re: Can you get a respectable pair of legs without squats?
Post by: peroni on February 03, 2008, 05:29:13 PM
Probally not.  Really the only way you will build good legs is with good genetics also, that and squats.  Lots of heavy, high rep squats.

I don't agree with this.  Some people respond well to squats and some people don't. We're all different. You may be able to build great legs without or you may not. Genetics...
I guess you'll find out!

Title: Re: Can you get a respectable pair of legs without squats?
Post by: MarvinEderFan on February 03, 2008, 05:31:00 PM
levrone lost considerable size and cuts in his thighs when he got a back injury.
Title: Re: Can you get a respectable pair of legs without squats?
Post by: therealyoungguns on February 03, 2008, 05:33:37 PM
levrone lost considerable size and cuts in his thighs when he got a back injury.
I'm assuming you mean he had to stop squatting?
Title: Re: Can you get a respectable pair of legs without squats?
Post by: MarvinEderFan on February 03, 2008, 05:34:30 PM
I'm assuming you mean he had to stop squatting?

yup,
Title: Re: Can you get a respectable pair of legs without squats?
Post by: m8 on February 03, 2008, 05:37:03 PM
Squats are for pussies, chest and arms are all you really need to train.
Title: Re: Can you get a respectable pair of legs without squats?
Post by: haider on February 03, 2008, 05:37:11 PM
I'm assuming you mean he had to stop squatting?
I'm sure ure quite used to brokeback squatting, but the rest of us here can't really squat without a healthy back  ;D
Title: Re: Can you get a respectable pair of legs without squats?
Post by: m8 on February 03, 2008, 05:37:57 PM
Proof that training your legs is worthless:
http://www.dailymotion.com/related/5553363/tag/ronnie/video/x282pv_paul-dillet-explosion_extreme
BOOM!
Title: Re: Can you get a respectable pair of legs without squats?
Post by: Moosejay on February 03, 2008, 05:59:50 PM
No. Hit squats hard when you are young so you have a foundation. Chances are, with many years of squatting, you will need to find alternatives when older due to wear and tear.

Still gotta do 'em as a foundation exercise when starting out.

Mike
Title: Re: Can you get a respectable pair of legs without squats?
Post by: NeverTrustABlonde on February 03, 2008, 06:27:18 PM
mine are pretty.....  :D
Title: Re: Can you get a respectable pair of legs without squats?
Post by: therealyoungguns on February 03, 2008, 06:56:01 PM
No. Hit squats hard when you are young so you have a foundation. Chances are, with many years of squatting, you will need to find alternatives when older due to wear and tear.

Still gotta do 'em as a foundation exercise when starting out.

Mike
Thanks for your input.
Title: Re: Can you get a respectable pair of legs without squats?
Post by: BFP on February 03, 2008, 07:02:16 PM
I squat alot and my legs are only 26 inches.

Jason
Title: Re: Can you get a respectable pair of legs without squats?
Post by: haider on February 03, 2008, 07:04:42 PM
I squat alot and my legs are only 26 inches.

Jason
all your power = from your abdominals.
Title: Re: Can you get a respectable pair of legs without squats?
Post by: BFP on February 03, 2008, 07:17:00 PM
all your power = from your abdominals.

I wont deny they are important to squatting big weights.

Jason
Title: Re: Can you get a respectable pair of legs without squats?
Post by: haider on February 03, 2008, 07:18:05 PM
I wont deny they are important to squatting big weights.

Jason
just fvckin around tubby,

Dude you can't bench but your elbows are able to take all the pressure from squatting and deadlifting? I've been wondering.
Title: Re: Can you get a respectable pair of legs without squats?
Post by: BFP on February 03, 2008, 07:20:56 PM
just fvckin around tubby,

Dude you can't bench but your elbows are able to take all the pressure from squatting and deadlifting? I've been wondering.

I cant bench due to a vagus and valgus defecit that causes obscene elbow instability when pressing.  Pulling on the bar presents no problems.

Jason
Title: Re: Can you get a respectable pair of legs without squats?
Post by: haider on February 03, 2008, 07:23:53 PM
I cant bench due to a vagus and valgus defecit that causes obscene elbow instability when pressing.  Pulling on the bar presents no problems.

Jason
whatever the fvck that means, what about supporting the weight during the squat? You prolly use a wider grip?
Title: Re: Can you get a respectable pair of legs without squats?
Post by: BFP on February 03, 2008, 07:25:18 PM
whatever the fvck that means, what about supporting the weight during the squat? You prolly use a wider grip?

Yes, but if you are squatting properly, you are pulling down on the bar while squatting, not supporting it with your arms.

Jason
Title: Re: Can you get a respectable pair of legs without squats?
Post by: Rearden Metal on February 03, 2008, 07:25:41 PM
Front squats, hacks, sissy squats and some leg press. Never squat as it feels weird on my back and knees.
Title: Re: Can you get a respectable pair of legs without squats?
Post by: chaos on February 03, 2008, 07:27:31 PM
Front squats, hacks, sissy squats and some leg press. Never squat as it feels weird on my back and knees.
But you're only 4'8".........
Title: Re: Can you get a respectable pair of legs without squats?
Post by: BFP on February 03, 2008, 07:28:43 PM
But you're only 4'8".........

Reardon metal=flavio?  Either way, he is in the top 5% here. 

Jason
Title: Re: Can you get a respectable pair of legs without squats?
Post by: chaos on February 03, 2008, 07:30:15 PM
Reardon metal=flavio?  Either way, he is in the top 5% here. 

Jason
He is very short......excellent leg development.....I wonder how much he squat......oh, nevermind... ;D
Title: Re: Can you get a respectable pair of legs without squats?
Post by: BFP on February 03, 2008, 07:32:11 PM
He is very short......excellent leg development.....I wonder how much he squat......oh, nevermind... ;D

I see what you did there...also, I would trade those abs for being able to see over the steering wheel in an full sized car.

Jason
Title: Re: Can you get a respectable pair of legs without squats?
Post by: chaos on February 03, 2008, 07:35:39 PM
I see what you did there...also, I would trade those abs for being able to see over the steering wheel in an full sized car.

Jason
Think he drive while sitting on a phone book? ;D
Title: Re: Can you get a respectable pair of legs without squats?
Post by: therealyoungguns on February 03, 2008, 07:36:04 PM
I see what you did there...also, I would trade those abs for being able to see over the steering wheel in an full sized car.

Jason
under 5 feet for real? ouch

anyways, nice legs.

Jason your pretty fat eh
Title: Re: Can you get a respectable pair of legs without squats?
Post by: BFP on February 03, 2008, 07:37:03 PM
under 5 feet for real? ouch

anyways, nice legs.

Jason your pretty fat eh

20% bf by 7 site caliper last time I was checked.

Jason
Title: Re: Can you get a respectable pair of legs without squats?
Post by: chaos on February 03, 2008, 07:38:45 PM
under 5 feet for real? ouch

anyways, nice legs.

Jason your pretty fat eh
You have a tendency to gravitate towards Jasons' nuts when you post, what gives, you got a mancrush?
Title: Re: Can you get a respectable pair of legs without squats?
Post by: Rearden Metal on February 03, 2008, 07:42:58 PM
5'3"

I can only think of a couple times that I wished I was taller/whatever.

Anyway yeah I'm short.

Chaos, my best squat was 455 for 8, never really tried to go heavy cuz it hurt my knees.
Title: Re: Can you get a respectable pair of legs without squats?
Post by: Rearden Metal on February 03, 2008, 07:44:47 PM
Think he drive while sitting on a phone book? ;D

Probably, but I drive a nice car. Post pics of yours "chaos".
Title: Re: Can you get a respectable pair of legs without squats?
Post by: BFP on February 03, 2008, 07:45:14 PM
5'3"

I can only think of a couple times that I wished I was taller/whatever.

Anyway yeah I'm short.

Chaos, my best squat was 455 for 8, never really tried to go heavy cuz it hurt my knees.

thats nutty.  And, BB squats are MURDER on your knees.

Jason
Title: Re: Can you get a respectable pair of legs without squats?
Post by: therealyoungguns on February 03, 2008, 07:46:24 PM
20% bf by 7 site caliper last time I was checked.

Jason
wow, you must have a shit load of muscle then
Title: Re: Can you get a respectable pair of legs without squats?
Post by: The Master on February 03, 2008, 07:47:04 PM
20% bf by 7 site caliper last time I was checked.

Jason

That reading HAS to be off
Title: Re: Can you get a respectable pair of legs without squats?
Post by: therealyoungguns on February 03, 2008, 07:47:49 PM
My best squat was 655 for 12, but I never really went heavy.
Title: Re: Can you get a respectable pair of legs without squats?
Post by: Rearden Metal on February 03, 2008, 07:48:33 PM
thats nutty.  And, BB squats are MURDER on your knees.

Jason

what do you mean by nutty?
Title: Re: Can you get a respectable pair of legs without squats?
Post by: chaos on February 03, 2008, 07:49:32 PM
5'3"

I can only think of a couple times that I wished I was taller/whatever.

Anyway yeah I'm short.

Chaos, my best squat was 455 for 8, never really tried to go heavy cuz it hurt my knees.
Did you try to stop at parallel? Whenever I try to stop, it hurts the shit out of my knees.



Nice car BTW, did they throw the phone book in for free? ;D
Title: Re: Can you get a respectable pair of legs without squats?
Post by: Rearden Metal on February 03, 2008, 07:54:00 PM
I probably did because my hips have always been very tight. I can do front squats pretty easily without any pain though.

About the car, the seats adjust to a level where I can see over the wheel.
Title: Re: Can you get a respectable pair of legs without squats?
Post by: chaos on February 03, 2008, 08:00:45 PM
I probably did because my hips have always been very tight. I can do front squats pretty easily without any pain though.

About the car, the seats adjust to a level where I can see over the wheel.
I find front squats "burn" more, but I don't feel I can go heavy enough on them without killing my shoulders/throat for a full week after.
Title: Re: Can you get a respectable pair of legs without squats?
Post by: haider on February 03, 2008, 08:01:02 PM
Yes, but if you are squatting properly, you are pulling down on the bar while squatting, not supporting it with your arms.

Jason
totally didn't know this bro, I think I always push up when I'm Squatting. Atleast my elbows are very tight and certainly not pulling down. If my squatting session is a little long my shoulders start to hurt a bit too, is this normal?
Title: Re: Can you get a respectable pair of legs without squats?
Post by: BFP on February 03, 2008, 08:09:45 PM
totally didn't know this bro, I think I always push up when I'm Squatting. Atleast my elbows are very tight and certainly not pulling down. If my squatting session is a little long my shoulders start to hurt a bit too, is this normal?

Joint pain or muscle pain?  Muscle pain may be from you pushing on the bar all the time.  Joint pain might be from having your hands too close together.  Try using a 3 finger grip on the bar, and puttingyour pinky under the bar.  That might help.

Jason
Title: Re: Can you get a respectable pair of legs without squats?
Post by: Big Worm on February 03, 2008, 08:26:33 PM
I never do squats

I do front squats tho,
????????????????????????????????????????????
Title: Re: Can you get a respectable pair of legs without squats?
Post by: haider on February 03, 2008, 08:33:50 PM
Joint pain or muscle pain?  Muscle pain may be from you pushing on the bar all the time.  Joint pain might be from having your hands too close together.  Try using a 3 finger grip on the bar, and puttingyour pinky under the bar.  That might help.

Jason
Thanks, I was told to keep a tight and close grip. It seems like my RC's take a beating from this. Thanks for the suggestions.
Title: Re: Can you get a respectable pair of legs without squats?
Post by: therealyoungguns on February 03, 2008, 08:35:19 PM
I find front squats "burn" more, but I don't feel I can go heavy enough on them without killing my shoulders/throat for a full week after.
agreed, you almost need to have a jacked upper body to attempt them
Title: Re: Can you get a respectable pair of legs without squats?
Post by: haider on February 03, 2008, 08:37:08 PM
agreed, you almost need to have a jacked upper body to attempt them
wrong, I've been doing them no problem and I'm not jacked by any standard. It's only when you're starting out, but then back squats are hard on your traps too when u first start.
Title: Re: Can you get a respectable pair of legs without squats?
Post by: BFP on February 03, 2008, 08:37:26 PM
That reading HAS to be off

You've seen me with my shirt off?

Jason
Title: Re: Can you get a respectable pair of legs without squats?
Post by: BFP on February 03, 2008, 08:38:00 PM
what do you mean by nutty?

crazy

Jason
Title: Re: Can you get a respectable pair of legs without squats?
Post by: BFP on February 03, 2008, 08:39:35 PM
agreed, you almost need to have a jacked upper body to attempt them

If you wrap a set of wrist straps around the bar and hold the loose end it makes it alot easier to both breathe and control the bar.

Jason
Title: Re: Can you get a respectable pair of legs without squats?
Post by: therealyoungguns on February 03, 2008, 08:40:25 PM
crazy

Jason
Jason, your fat, drop it.


Frot squats KILL my shoulders for 4 days after
Title: Re: Can you get a respectable pair of legs without squats?
Post by: Get Rowdy on February 03, 2008, 08:58:19 PM
Jason, your fat, drop it.


Frot squats KILL my shoulders for 4 days after

Wrap a towel around the bar.
Title: Re: Can you get a respectable pair of legs without squats?
Post by: BFP on February 03, 2008, 08:59:27 PM
Jason, your fat, drop it.


Frot squats KILL my shoulders for 4 days after

Its because you have no muscle for the bar to rest on.

Jason
Title: Re: Can you get a respectable pair of legs without squats?
Post by: chaos on February 03, 2008, 09:01:13 PM
wrong, I've been doing them no problem and I'm not jacked by any standard. It's only when you're starting out, but then back squats are hard on your traps too when u first start.
When you work your way up to adding weight to the bar, you'll understand. ;)

Wrap a towel around the bar.
Tried this one and almost passed out from choking myself with a towel....

Title: Re: Can you get a respectable pair of legs without squats?
Post by: Fulgorre on February 03, 2008, 09:03:13 PM
The answer is....YES you can get great legs w/o squats!

But only with enough anabolics! :)
Title: Re: Can you get a respectable pair of legs without squats?
Post by: The Master on February 04, 2008, 03:24:25 AM
You've seen me with my shirt off?

Jason

No. Will that sight kill Debussey?

Are you saying that you are 20%bf at 300 pounds naturally? That puts you at 240 pounds of lean mass :o
Title: Re: Can you get a respectable pair of legs without squats?
Post by: MarvinEderFan on February 04, 2008, 04:17:38 AM
Tom Platz did olympic squats - more knee flexion - more stress on quads.
DeMayo did squats with raised heels = more knee flexion - more stress on quads.
Title: Re: Can you get a respectable pair of legs without squats?
Post by: Playboy on February 04, 2008, 05:19:46 AM
I've worked my way up to over 285x6 ATF squats, but there's a problem with my knee now and I'm not sure when it, or if it will ever get better. Can you build a great pair of legs with alternatives?
Yes. Leg presses and hack squats.
Title: Re: Can you get a respectable pair of legs without squats?
Post by: MarvinEderFan on February 04, 2008, 05:21:45 AM
therealyoung>

Your knee pain issue MIGHT be treated my the following:
- stretch your rectus femoris
- terminal knee extensions
- Peterson step-ups
- stretching your patella ligaments.

Hope that helps.
Title: Re: Can you get a respectable pair of legs without squats?
Post by: local hero on February 04, 2008, 10:40:41 AM
my knees are fucked from yrs of squating,,, id advise anyone who can handle 4 plates to ditch them and go for safer alternatives...
Title: Re: Can you get a respectable pair of legs without squats?
Post by: BFP on February 04, 2008, 12:01:24 PM
No. Will that sight kill Debussey?

Are you saying that you are 20%bf at 300 pounds naturally? That puts you at 240 pounds of lean mass :o

Thats exactly what Im saying.  Got a thick bone structure too, and Im 6'1.  NOthing earth shattering.

Jason
Title: Re: Can you get a respectable pair of legs without squats?
Post by: Rearden Metal on February 04, 2008, 12:08:38 PM
crazy

Jason

Just trying to clarify, is the poundage crazy or is it crazy to develop legs with such light poundage? I'm confused.

Anyway, I've never killed myself with poundage on legs. Even with leg presses when I worked up to 13-14 plates I'd do 20 reps...until I tore my quad. That's when I started doing sissy squats and front squats and I found my developement improved.
Title: Re: Can you get a respectable pair of legs without squats?
Post by: medz zeppelin on February 04, 2008, 12:15:57 PM
Just trying to clarify, is the poundage crazy or is it crazy to develop legs with such light poundage? I'm confused.

Anyway, I've never killed myself with poundage on legs. Even with leg presses when I worked up to 13-14 plates I'd do 20 reps...until I tore my quad. That's when I started doing sissy squats and front squats and I found my developement improved.
13-14 plates of what? quarters
Title: Re: Can you get a respectable pair of legs without squats?
Post by: Mars on February 04, 2008, 12:17:16 PM
id love to pound something else guys.
Title: Re: Can you get a respectable pair of legs without squats?
Post by: Bobby on February 04, 2008, 12:32:04 PM
id love to pound something else guys.

your avatar is cool! is that the kinda porn you favor?
Title: Re: Can you get a respectable pair of legs without squats?
Post by: kyomu on February 04, 2008, 12:39:03 PM
Basicaly you can grow up with anyexercise if your mind is in it.
ButI think I wouldnt have had legs of now without doing heavy deep squat.
Title: Re: Can you get a respectable pair of legs without squats?
Post by: Rudee on February 04, 2008, 01:06:39 PM
There was a black bodybuilder back in the 80's named JJ Marsh.  He had enormous shredded quads.  He mentioned his thighs really took off when he started training legs three times a week.   I thought I would give it a try and train legs 3 times a week (10 sets of 10 on squats) to see what would happen.  Well, it worked and my weak point became my strong point.  I no longer train quads 3 times a week because it's brutally hard but I would recommend a hard gainer to give it a try for a month or so.  Be sure to take in plenty of calories.   This was back in the early 90's when I experimented with this routine, but I recall putting on around 4" on my thighs in under a year, with just squats and lying hamstring curls.
Title: Re: Can you get a respectable pair of legs without squats?
Post by: kyomu on February 05, 2008, 02:35:12 AM
There was a black bodybuilder back in the 80's named JJ Marsh.  He had enormous shredded quads.  He mentioned his thighs really took off when he started training legs three times a week.   I thought I would give it a try and train legs 3 times a week (10 sets of 10 on squats) to see what would happen.  Well, it worked and my weak point became my strong point.  I no longer train quads 3 times a week because it's brutally hard but I would recommend a hard gainer to give it a try for a month or so.  Be sure to take in plenty of calories.   This was back in the early 90's when I experimented with this routine, but I recall putting on around 4" on my thighs in under a year, with just squats and lying hamstring curls.
Interesting post. Worth trying.
I also remember JJ had big quads....
Title: Re: Can you get a respectable pair of legs without squats?
Post by: KillerMonk on February 05, 2008, 02:55:37 AM
Yes. Leg presses and hack squats.
Agreed, Also does heavy squatting add inches to your obliques, correct me if im wrong, a few months ago luckly i was in the cage with 3 plates aside and my knee gave way and bam crash i was on my arse, i,ll stick to Legpress,Leg extensions and leg curls.
Title: Re: Can you get a respectable pair of legs without squats?
Post by: Luv2Hurt on February 05, 2008, 04:32:18 AM
Wrap a towel around the bar.

This is only for girls to do.  Any guy who does it is a sissy.  If you cant deal with the heavy bar on your back then just forget about doing it anyhow cause you will not work hard enough at the squat anyhow.  You just dont have it in you.

If you learn to squat correctly it is one of the safest excersises.  Dont be a knee squatter, use a shoulder width stance and get to at least parralel. Nothing builds the whole leg better, squats build hams and glutes to levels you will never achive doing only leg presses or hacks.
Title: Re: Can you get a respectable pair of legs without squats?
Post by: Get Rowdy on February 05, 2008, 10:02:13 PM
This is only for girls to do.  Any guy who does it is a sissy.  If you cant deal with the heavy bar on your back then just forget about doing it anyhow cause you will not work hard enough at the squat anyhow.  You just dont have it in you.

If you learn to squat correctly it is one of the safest excersises.  Dont be a knee squatter, use a shoulder width stance and get to at least parralel. Nothing builds the whole leg better, squats build hams and glutes to levels you will never achive doing only leg presses or hacks.

We were talking about front squats, moron.  Learn to read.
Title: Re: Can you get a respectable pair of legs without squats?
Post by: Luv2Hurt on February 06, 2008, 04:44:41 AM
We were talking about front squats, moron.  Learn to read.

Your still a pussy.