Legs

(Week 4, Muscle Max Split)
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Day Overview

This session targets all major leg muscles with a focus on hypertrophy through high volume and controlled execution. Heavy compound movements are prioritized to build strength and size, followed by isolation to target the quads, hamstrings, glutes, and calves. The goal is to push muscular fatigue safely, emphasizing proper form and tempo to maximize hypertrophic response.

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 RPE 8, with a controlled descent (3 seconds) and explosive ascent. Focus on depth and core stability to maximize quad, glute, and hamstring engagement.

    Working Sets:

    4

  • Leg Press

    Sit on the leg press machine and push the platform with your legs to extend your knees.

    Prescribed Sets:

    Execute 4 sets of 10-12 reps at RPE 8, controlling the eccentric phase (2-1-2). Focus on full range of motion and foot placement to target different areas of the quads and glutes.

    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 4 sets of 8-10 reps at RPE 8, maintaining a flat back and hinging at the hips. This emphasizes hamstring and glute development.

    Working Sets:

    4

  • 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 at RPE 8, focusing on controlled movement and balance to target quads, glutes, and hamstrings.

    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 at RPE 8, emphasizing a slow, controlled stretch and squeeze at the top for calf hypertrophy.

    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:

    Execute 3 sets of 12-15 reps per leg at RPE 8, focusing on glute contraction and controlled movement.

    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 RPE 8, emphasizing a slow eccentric and peak contraction.

    Working Sets:

    4

  • Ab Crunch Machine

    Sit on the crunch machine with your back flat against the pad and feet secured under the foot pads. Place your hands behind your head or across your chest. Engage your core and curl your upper body forward by contracting your abdominal muscles, bringing your chest closer to your knees. Keep your neck in a neutral position and avoid pulling on your neck with your hands. Exhale as you crunch, then slowly return to the starting position while inhaling. Maintain controlled movement throughout to maximize engagement of the abdominal muscles.

    Prescribed Sets:

    Complete 3 sets of 15-20 reps with RPE 8, focusing on controlled crunching motion and full contraction of the abs.

    Working Sets:

    3

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