Sagi Kalev's Video Blog: Leg Training

on the L5 injury, my L4 and 5 are still recovering from 3 years ago. This is why I'm so glad to have found this site. There are so many ways to still be able to hit your legs without doing squats. I see so many folks in gyms just slinging the weight onto their shoulders then squatting up and down with one foot further apart than the other.... it looks dangerous. I'm glad to be off pain meds since I've been back in gym. Great blog you guys... Did legs on Monday and after watching this your making me want to do them again... will watch video again come next Monday.

I love these video blogs, the topics and the information that I have recieving about trianing is fantastic.

Thank you guys........

Sean Aka "SUPERMAN"
Certified Personal Trainer
Snap Fitness Visalia,Ca.
Direct Line (559) 300-8213

the letter "O".
Overrated that is.

From what i've learned and read over the past few years, I'm basing my judgement off of real people's proof via their personal experiences. I know a few people that do squats, but they're all injured & plauged with recurring back problems. Coincidence???
(they also deadlift for the most part). Let me mention (for those who agree with squats) that these people I know try very very heavy weights and don't use the best form. Even if they have a proper "ROM" , it gets into an even more complex training principle of isolation. I personally use the squat as ironically what no one seems to do.... a LEG exercise. if its not a leg exercise, why are you putting it on your leg day split? Its a very compound exercise too, but for safety and personal preference, I like to focus on tension in my legs, and always important, your core.

Here's a great point.
Jamo has mentioned it and I believe he's correct.
Squats are a very powerful movement that when done correctly can add awesome power and size to your physique, not only for your legs but it helps set the stage for growth all over *(indirectly of course).
The downfalll is that they're just like deadlift. Combine that with the inability of our youth (and even adults) to train properly and lift correctly, and you have a great exercise for dibilitating injuries.
I urge you to think twice before you squat and promise yourself this.... "I will lift for my body, and not for my ego".
If you picture the position your body is in during a squat, the picture you hauling the heaviest weight you can, its very easy to get severly injured if you do NOT use proper form.
On the other awesome hand, optomistically (my favorite way) these movements are very power as mentioned and can really help... IF you train properly :D (and this is the site to show you how. ... just watch some of our videos)

.:. Lifestyle Changes .:.The REAL Beginner's Guide to Fitness, Health & Nutrition
http://www.myfittribe.com/blogs/imjj123/20070610/starting-out.html