New Bodybuilding Routine

[david123]

Hey there everyone I just had a pretty quick question about this new routine that me and my friend are starting. For a while we both had been sticking more towards strength building and not actually bodybuilding so we decided to change things up a bit and start more of a bodybuilding routine. And in particular I had a question about something he said today. So the routine is starting off with leg extensions, then onto leg curls, then finally finishing it up with 6 sets of 10-12 reps on squats. Towards our last 3 sets the other two people I was lifting with went down in weight while I pushed myself and went up 10lbs each set. And after we were done he said I shouldn't do that because this isn't meant for strength building but more towards actual size and that I shouldn't use all my energy in the beginning and wait to increase the weight once the other sets start to seem easier. I'm sure that theres truth in it of course but I'm just wondering wouldn't it be more beneficial if you push yourself and up the weight? And my form remained 100% consistent through each set, even the very last one. I'm looking forward to any responses! Thank you!

 

[pete26]

as long as your recovering properly and making progress then why not push yourself to the max

 

[ihateschoolmt]

I would start off with squats as that is one of the best mass building exercises you can do. If you do three heavy (heavy to you) sets of squats and try as hard as you can each set, it will be way more beneficial than doing some leg extensions and leg curls. I guarantee it.

 

[david123]

Thank you both for the responses! We are working out legs only once a week so I have plenty of time for muscle recovery. The reason were trying squats last is kind of an experiment, in this documentary I watched about Dorian Yates he always saved squats for last because apparently going heavy in your first sets actually causes your lower back to tire out first and not so much your legs. Pretty much his reason was that it's actually your lower back that can't sustain the weight so it gives out before your legs actually get the proper stimulation they need. But in the end theres so many different theories about everything lol. But ihateschoolmt, whats your opinion as far as upping the weight when it comes to bodybuilding? Is there a problem working harder each set or put on more plates once you feel more comfortable with the other sets?

 

[ihateschoolmt]

Be careful doing the stuff pro body builders do as they are on huge amount of steroids and what works for them is a little different. To get stronger/bigger you need to progressively add intensity each time you work out. You can do this by adding a few pounds to the bar or going for that extra rep. You should put as much weight on the bar as you can do 6-10 reps with and try you damned hardest each set. Make sure you are going deep enough into the squat, if your trying to get bigger it is best to do Olympic style squats which are far below parallel. The added range of motion requires your legs and core to work that much harder.

So ya, go heavy and try as hard as you can. Add weight every time you get stronger.

 

[david123]

Once again thank you both so much for the info and I'll keep it all in mind. I'll keep upping the weight so long as my form doesn't give up and I'll start trying to do the olympic squats as well!