I'm new to the leg workout idea...

[blinkwatt]

I heard that if you workout your legs there is a certain hormone released that is only found in the legs...Is this true?

In my whole time I haven't really worked out my legs,but I'm open to change/additions. What type of workouts would be needed for these hormones to be released? How often should I work out my legs to release it?

 

[BluEyes]

I'm no expert...

But I know what you're talking about. The hormone you're talking about is GH(growth hormone), and it's got some connection to raised testosterone levels(which is obviously good, unless you're a chick.)

If you haven't been working out your legs m8, tomorrow is going to be too late to start, START NOW!

Alot of people(misread perhaps?) think that working out your legs isn't good for aesthetics(big lower body, smaller upper body or something), this is wrong...wrong wrong WRNG!

Working your legs in a gym is an excellent way to get fit, here's why:

1. Legs(especially upper) are the largest muscle group in the body, meaning that when you work them, they burn the most calories..yada yada yada, you know where this point is going.

2. Sure, your legs will get abit more muscular(really a bad thing), but as long as you treat them as just another muscle group to work out, they are one of your most powerful weapons.

3. As stated, they raise testosterone levels after a workout essentially because of their size, and the effort it takes your body to repair them, by releasing GH.

4. My favourite. Leg workouts benefit your entire body as far as getting chiseled goes, because of your legs size, as a muscle group; they eat up heaps of calories.

You asked for some workouts for da legs? here's afew that'll do the trick:
1.Leg press - its #1 for a reason m8
2. Leg curls - ...
3. Leg extensions - ...
4. Squats? - not too sure about this one, its a full body exercise, but its a hella workout on the flippers.

Do yourself a favour.
1. Take a pic of yourself in a mirror before you start
2. Incorporate those exercises into a solid weekly routine
3. Continue for AT MOST 2 months
4. Take a pic of yourself 60 days from now.
5. Compare.

 

[Soapz]

I don't mean to sound primal here or anything...

But NOTHING makes me feel more like a Man after doing 4 sets of HEAVY squats. I'm serious. For the next 48 hours, my legs are sore, I walk funny, and I feel on top of the world.

But apart from that, yeah, Blueyes got it right. Growth hormone and Testosterone release increases after doing heavy leg work. This means not only do your LEGS grow bigger, so does the rest of your body.

I'd personally recommend squats over leg presses as generally, machines are a nono :nono:

And remember to go heavy! Only then do the GH and Testosterone gets flowing into the blood. I've recently started doing 4 sets of 6-8 reps, heavy as I can go. Good stuff!

 

[mrRuckus]

It's hard to take advice seriously when it includes "i'm not sure about squats" when talking about leg lifts.

 

[Wee]

Anyone who doesn't squat is a b***tttcchhhh. In any case, your whole fitness routine should revolve around the big 3 - Bench Press, Squat, and Dead lift.

With my squats I do 5 sets. 20, 12, 10, 8, 6. That is right, 20 reps. That is to give it a kickstart to release those hormones that we are all talking about. It has to close to exact though, like you can just barely pump out the last 19th and 20th rep.

 

[OpIvy]

Anyone who doesn't squat is a b***tttcchhhh. In any case, your whole fitness routine should revolve around the big 3 - Bench Press, Squat, and Dead lift.

With my squats I do 5 sets. 20, 12, 10, 8, 6. That is right, 20 reps. That is to give it a kickstart to release those hormones that we are all talking about. It has to close to exact though, like you can just barely pump out the last 19th and 20th rep.

What is your recovery time between sets? What are your thoughts on doing 3 sets of 6 reps?

 

[Wee]

What is your recovery time between sets? What are your thoughts on doing 3 sets of 6 reps?

I give myself 45 -65 seconds in between. Kills me and my legs are sore the next day and the day after, but it works for me.

That is the thing, 3 sets of 6 can be good depending on who you are. My friend does 4-6 reps in 4 sets, he is ripped. My other friend does 12 8 6 4 and he is ripped. I do mine and it works for me. It all depends on how your body responds to it. The 20, 12, 10, 8, 6 works well for my body type so I keep doing it. Take a couple months and test out some new things and see what you like best. And read a crapload of articles, haha.

 

[Soapz]

What are your thoughts on doing 3 sets of 6 reps?

3 sets of 6 reps is the "standard" prescription. Most bodybuilding programs will have somehting along those lines. But as Wee said, you have to find whats right for YOU.

I for example will never do the 20,12,10,8,6 thing cuz I'm simply too much of a wuss But if you're up to it, then give it a try! But I'd start off for a month or two doing the "basic" 3 sets of 6 first. Then, you can move on and find something thats more customized for your tastes.