Legs
(Week 6, Health & Strength Split)Day Overview
This session emphasizes hypertrophy and strength in the lower body, supporting joint stability, mobility, and overall functional strength. The focus is on controlled, progressive overload with attention to proper technique to support aging resilience and nimbleness.
Exercises
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• Leg Press
Sit on the leg press machine and push the platform with your legs to extend your knees.
Prescribed Sets:
Perform 4 sets of 10-12 reps with an RPE of 8. Use a controlled tempo, focusing on full range of motion and avoiding locking out to maintain tension and joint health.
Working Sets:
4
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• Walking Lunges
Begin by standing upright with feet hip-width apart. Step forward with your right foot, lowering your hips until both knees are bent at about 90 degrees. Keep your torso upright and your front knee aligned over your ankle. Push through the heel of your front foot to stand up and bring your back foot forward into the next lunge position, stepping ahead into a new lunge. Continue alternating legs in a walking motion, maintaining proper form throughout. Keep your core engaged, shoulders back, and avoid letting your front knee go past your toes.
Prescribed Sets:
Complete 3 sets of 12 reps per leg with an RPE of 8. Maintain upright posture, controlled steps, and engage core for stability.
Working Sets:
3
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• Seated Calf Raises
Sit on the calf raise machine with your feet positioned on the foot platform, ensuring the balls of your feet are supported. Place your thighs under the padded lever. Push through the balls of your feet to raise your heels as high as possible, squeezing your calves at the top. Slowly lower your heels back down to the starting position, feeling the stretch in your calves. Keep your knees stationary throughout the movement, and avoid using momentum by controlling the movement with your calf muscles.
Prescribed Sets:
Perform 3 sets of 15 reps with an RPE of 8. Focus on a slow, controlled stretch and contraction to promote ankle stability and calf endurance.
Working Sets:
3
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• Hip Abduction Machine
To perform the hip abduction machine exercise, sit on the machine with your back against the padded support. Adjust the seat height and backrest to ensure comfort and proper alignment. Place your legs inside the padded levers, ensuring that your knees are aligned with the pivot point of the machine. Grip the handles or the sides of the seat for stability. Begin the movement by pushing your legs outward against the resistance, focusing on squeezing your glutes and outer thighs. Keep your feet flexed and avoid arching your back. Slowly return to the starting position while maintaining control. Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.
Prescribed Sets:
Execute 3 sets of 12-15 reps with an RPE of 8. Focus on controlled movement to strengthen hip stabilizers and support mobility.
Working Sets:
3
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• Glute Kickback Machine
To perform the glute kickback on the machine, start by adjusting the machine to fit your height. Position yourself facing the machine with your knees on the padded platform and your feet resting on the footrest. Secure your knees under the padded lever. Begin the exercise by extending one leg straight back, keeping your knee slightly bent and your foot flexed. Focus on squeezing your glutes at the top of the movement. Slowly return to the starting position without letting the weight rest completely. Repeat for the desired number of repetitions before switching to the other leg. Maintain a neutral spine throughout the movement and avoid arching your back.
Prescribed Sets:
Perform 3 sets of 12 reps per leg with an RPE of 8. Emphasize glute activation and controlled, full-range movement.
Working Sets:
3