In this article, we dive into an intense leg workout session with International Federation of Bodybuilding and Fitness (IFBB) Pro athletes Jared Feather and Johnny Shreve. Learn valuable tips for efficient and effective leg training, ensuring you get the most out of your workouts. Discover the importance of warming up, standardized range of motion, and pausing during exercises, as well as insight into their personal workout routines.
Key Takeaways from the Leg Workout
- Warming up is crucial, especially for heavy leg exercises. It helps improve technique, strength, and reduces the risk of injuries.
- Standardized range of motion is essential to ensure consistency in your workouts and prevent injuries.
- Pausing during exercises is not mandatory, but it can be beneficial for some individuals. It’s essential to find what works best for you and your body.
Warming Up for Leg Workouts
Warming up is vital when preparing for heavy leg exercises. Take your time and do not rush the process, as it helps improve technique, strength, and reduces the risk of injuries. Some tips for warming up include:
- Start with bodyweight squats before moving on to weighted exercises.
- Gradually increase the weight on the bar as you warm up to prevent injuries and get your muscles ready for heavier lifts.
Standardized Range of Motion
A standardized range of motion is essential for consistency and injury prevention in your workouts. Some tips for achieving this include:
- Physically feel the touch of the bottom and top of the movement to ensure you’re hitting the full range of motion.
- Focus on both the concentric (explosive) and eccentric (controlled) parts of the movement to maximize gains and avoid injury.
Pausing During Exercises
Pausing during exercises is not mandatory, but it can be beneficial for some individuals. The key is to find what works best for you and your body. Some points to consider include:
- Pausing can be a smart variation if you consider yourself more at risk for injury in certain exercises.
- If pausing makes your joints feel worse, opt for controlled, full range of motion without pauses.
- Experiment with pausing in your exercises to find what feels best for you and your body.
Jared Feather and Johnny Shreve’s Leg Workout Routines
Both Jared and Johnny have their unique variations in their leg workouts. The workout example outlined in this article includes:
- Hack squats with varying weights and rep ranges.
- Bodyweight squats after weighted exercises to push muscles close to failure.
- Utilizing pauses during weighted exercises or opting for controlled, full range of motion without pauses, depending on personal preference.
Conclusion
An effective and efficient leg workout is essential for both building muscle and avoiding injury. By incorporating proper warm-up techniques, standardized range of motion, and pausing during exercises when necessary, you can optimize your workouts and achieve your fitness goals. Remember to find what works best for you and your body, and always prioritize safety and proper form during your exercises. Happy training!
