Legs

(Week 1, Muscle Max Split)
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Day Overview

This leg day emphasizes compound movements for overall development and isolation for detail. The focus is on high volume with controlled tempo to induce hypertrophy, targeting quads, hamstrings, glutes, and calves. Proper technique and mind-muscle connection are prioritized to maximize growth and prevent injury.

Exercises

  • Barbell Squats

    Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, positioning the barbell across your upper back and shoulders. Keep your chest up, core engaged, and back straight. Initiate the movement by hinging at the hips and bending the knees to lower your body as if sitting back into a chair. Keep your knees tracking over your toes and ensure your heels remain flat on the ground. Descend until your thighs are parallel to the floor or slightly below, then drive through your heels to return to the starting position. Maintain proper posture throughout, avoiding forward leaning or rounding the back. Use the Smith machine or power rack to guide the bar's movement, providing stability and safety during the squat.

    Prescribed Sets:

    Perform 4 sets of 8-10 reps at an RPE of 8. Use a controlled descent (3-1-1), pause briefly at the bottom, then explode upward. Rest 90 seconds.

    Working Sets:

    4

  • 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. Focus on full range of motion and controlled eccentric. Rest 60-90 seconds.

    Working Sets:

    4

  • Romanian Deadlift

    Focus on hamstring engagement by lowering the barbell with a slight knee bend while keeping the back straight.

    Prescribed Sets:

    Perform 3 sets of 8-10 reps at an RPE of 8. Emphasize hip hinge and stretch in hamstrings. Rest 60-90 seconds.

    Working Sets:

    3

  • 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:

    Perform 3 sets of 12 steps per leg at an RPE of 8. Maintain upright torso and controlled pace. Rest 60 seconds.

    Working Sets:

    3

  • 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 4 sets of 15-20 reps with an RPE of 8. Focus on full stretch and contraction. Rest 45 seconds.

    Working Sets:

    4

  • 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 12-15 reps per leg at an RPE of 8. Focus on glute activation and controlled movement. Rest 45 seconds.

    Working Sets:

    3

  • Barbell/Dumbbell Calf Raise

    Perform standing calf raise with a barbell or a dumbell. Use a single leg if using a dumbbell.

    Prescribed Sets:

    Perform 4 sets of 15-20 reps at an RPE of 8. Full stretch at the bottom, explosive upward movement. Rest 45 seconds.

    Working Sets:

    4

  • 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:

    Perform 3 sets of 12-15 reps at an RPE of 8. Focus on controlled movement and glute activation. Rest 45 seconds.

    Working Sets:

    3

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