Clarification please, Jamo???

J_dazzle23's picture
Posted February 16th, 2009 by J_dazzle23

So going though some of the leg workouts on here, I have discovered on a few of them, we are told to start with isolation movements on legs, such as leg curls, leg extensions, before moving to squats and leg presses, and other compound movements.

My first question is, what is the reason for this?

Second, I have been under the impression that it is most benificial on upper body to start with compound movements, then isolation later in the workout, such as bench presses on chest day, rows on back day, overhead press on shoulders, etc.

Is this assumption wrong, and if so, what are the suggestions?

Thanks a ton

J-

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starting off with isolation

dazzaemm2k7's picture
On February 17th, 2009 dazzaemm2k7 says:

starting off with isolation movements first in your workout is a good pre-exaust technique , to get your quads and glutes all fully warmed up wih leg extentions , leg curls etc then moving onto the big compound movements , its a pre-exaust technique , or if your use to always doing the compound movements first then starting off with isolation moves is a good way to change things up a bit and get a bit of variety in your workouts , keep your muscles guessing , never stick to the one same thing for months and months , change things up and confuse your muscles and give them no option but to grow ;) good luck man ;)

I always ...

Jamo Nezzar's picture
On February 16th, 2009 Jamo Nezzar says:

Start with leg extension and Lying leg curl to prevent injuries . Honestly there is not studies out there that show YOU NEED to start with compound movement to get better legs development . We know Squat and leg press work , but you can do all the squats and leg presses in the world if your nutrition and your recovery is not optimum you will look the same . Remember injuries is something you want to minimize while evolving in your training . Stick to your compound movement but just amke sure you warm with leg extension and lying curl first !

yo man

Jarah's picture
On February 16th, 2009 Jarah says:

First Question
The reason for doing leg extensions and leg curls before doing squats is to get blood in the muscle and warm the joints up for the squats (this is if you do them in a warm up capacity) Another reason is if you lift heavier on the leg extension/curl you pre fatige the muscle before the squat causing more muscle fibre stimulation.

2nd Question.
No this is not wrong, doing compound movements are great for building muscle but so are isolation exercises. If you ONLY do a compund movement like bench press for chest Every chest day you will find you gains will stall or plateau. If this happens one technique you should try working your weakest exercise first or a non compound exercise such as Cable flys. These work great to start of a chest workout and then end with bench press.

Hope this helps mate

peace!