2 moves we've added to our leg training days
I know, the aftermath of leg day will keep you from ever wanting to do a squat again! Know that the stronger you develop lower half, the stronger overall you’ll become. Yes, even with tight hip flexors, hamstrings, or low back discomfort. For most individuals you are experiencing low back and knee problems or discomfort because of a past injury you’ve experienced and didn’t heal well… or even worse, you completely avoided the areas due to “ I have bad knees so i can’t do….. etc” you can’t do these things because they’re weak and you haven’t taken necessary steps to rebuild the strength back in those areas. Totally understandable as your probably worried about re-injuring yourself and making it worse. Most of the time with knees and back problems, the issue is having a weaker core or hamstrings , causing you to overcompensate or dominate with a certain group of muscles.
So here we go. You want to increase your squat or leg press? Start including Weighted hip thrusters and front squats in your leg training sessions over the next couple weeks. You do not have to perform these exercises with heavy weight, really you need to dial in on form and reps! Take your front squats deep, and your weighted hip thrusters , really squeeze in your glutes with the hip extension. I mean , really put your back into it!!
