hey, I’m 51(soon to be 52). I’ve been working out so so most of my adult life. I do ok but I’m no show piece. I carry too much visceral fat 'cause I’m also a great cook and I like beer and bourbon. So, much for my intro.
My question is: is there a limit to how much weight one should use when doing leg extensions? “a friend” at the gym told me not to go over 100lbs because it would result in knee injuries. But I love leg extensions and usually do at least 110-120 and would love to increase this. So, I’d appreciate feedback.
Also, I never seem to see anyone mention how much they are actually lifting. Am I missing something or are they just being polite, or what? Ya know you see a pic of a guy you’d like to look like and then you never see what he is actually lifting so’s you could guage how far you got to go?! Any feedback here appreciated. also.
Also, I never seem to see anyone mention how much they are actually lifting. Am I missing something or are they just being polite, or what? Ya know you see a pic of a guy you’d like to look like and then you never see what he is actually lifting so’s you could guage how far you got to go?! Any feedback here appreciated. also.
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Lot of guys on here list specific amounts. Check out some of the longer running threads. I don’t think how much they are actually lifting will be a good gauge for you, though. What works for some may not work for you. Background, goals, genetics, frequency of training, etc, will all affect how you get to what you want to look like.
ok, I’ll have a look. I guess I just haven’t come across very many. But, heck, I’d also like to know what the really big monster are lifting, like Ronnie Coleman & Jay Cutler. I know I’ll never lift these amounts but maybe knowing I was lifting such and such a portion of what they are would give me some kind of satisfaction. 'same goes for some of the big guys on here.
Anyway, what about the leg extensions, there is no suggested limit is there?
I’m also 51. 100 lbs is middle of the road. I haven’t done these in almost a year but I was doing 130 for 8 back then. I just checked Gym Journal and several guys do twice what I do and some of them are our age. Since then, I have been only doing compound movements for quads.
The way I understand it is that leg extensions put undo stress on knees that compound exercises don’t. I see no reason to do them, so I don’t.
1. Increased patellofemoral joint reaction force, knee movement, and joint stress in the most commonly used range of motion.
2. Reduced hamstrings activity.
3. Reduced VMO activity and late onset of firing.
4. Non-existent hip adductor and abductor contribution.
5. Increased rectus femoris firing.
6. Constant ACL tension.
7. Higher patellar ligament, quadriceps tendon, and patellofemoral and tibiofemoral forces with the most commonly utilized loading parameters.
8. Increased lateral patellar deviation.
9. Insufficient involvement of surrounding joints to ensure optimal functioning.
10. Poor training economy (no carryover to closed-chain performance from open-chain exercises).
Leg Extension Benefits:
1. Will give you a good pump, but not even close to the benefits you'll get from squatting and single-leg movements.
2. Uh, wait, there's really only one benefit �?? and it's pretty weak.
alrighty then I take it you guys don’t think the leg extnsions are worth the risks. I have been doing more squats but I guess I should have mentioned that I have somne hardware in my right hip from a car wreck 4 yrs back. It doesn’t stop me from squating but it’s just kind of scary. My hip joint shattered and was pieced back together and is held in place with a strap and screws. And arthritis has arivved earlier there.
But, hey I appreciate the feedback. I’ll watch my knees on the extensions and I’m gonna work some more squats in (yes, I’ll check with the Dr.)