weight training only for the legs

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  • Journeyman
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    #1

    weight training only for the legs

    some of my favorite fighters in my weight class are pacquiao and hamed. looking at their legs(calves) ive decided to build my legs up since we all know the power comes from the floor on up.

    the thing about it is, ive always had really skinny calves and my style is mostly staying on my toes and sitting on my punches only when im trying to trade on the inside to maintain balance. i dont wanna weight train my upper body because it seems to get less flexible and stiff anyway. so my question for yall is this...

    if i do leg exercises like seated leg curls and a couple others that work my quads, hamstrings, buttucks(gletues maximus leonitis whatever), and this lil machine that barely seems to work my calves, would this benefit everything i am tring to achieve without weighing me down and stiffening my lower body?

    thanks for any advice.
  • Trrmo
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    #2
    I would recommend squats and not bothering with leg curls and extensions. Stay away from the machines and use free weights.
    A good calf workout is to put a weighted barbell on the ground and do 1 leg raises by putting the ball of your foot on the barbell. Do them slow and work through the burn, hold onto something for balance, remember to stretch your calves b4 and after.
    You will need a squat rack eventually, lower reps, heavy weights, explosive action. Lunges are good too. Rope skipping and doing a few rounds of skipping to the side in one direction in the ring in a circular motion, constantly changing directions will build endurance in your legs. You could use a bicycle when you can for transport.
    a few ideas

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    • Tyson123
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      #3
      Squats aren't going to do jack to you'r calves. Leg curls im assuming.

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      • PunchDrunk
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        #4
        Leg curls don't do **** for your calves either. As Trrrmo said, free weights are where it's at.

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        • eman-resu
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          #5
          Do squats and deadlifts. If nothing else women will really like your butt.

          From what I've read the common theme of calves is direct work doesn't really make them larger, it's the lifts like squats/cleans/olympic lifts that make your whole body larger that improve them.
          Last edited by eman-resu; 08-24-2008, 03:53 AM.

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          • Trrmo
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            #6
            Originally posted by Tyson123
            Squats aren't going to do jack to you'r calves. Leg curls im assuming.
            Bull****, squats also indirectly work your calves.

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            • Salty
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              #7
              Calf raisers for your calves will do the trick, when they get too easy hold onto some dumbbells.

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              • j
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                #8
                Originally posted by Journeyman
                some of my favorite fighters in my weight class are pacquiao and hamed. looking at their legs(calves) ive decided to build my legs up since we all know the power comes from the floor on up.

                the thing about it is, ive always had really skinny calves and my style is mostly staying on my toes and sitting on my punches only when im trying to trade on the inside to maintain balance. i dont wanna weight train my upper body because it seems to get less flexible and stiff anyway. so my question for yall is this...

                if i do leg exercises like seated leg curls and a couple others that work my quads, hamstrings, buttucks(gletues maximus leonitis whatever), and this lil machine that barely seems to work my calves, would this benefit everything i am tring to achieve without weighing me down and stiffening my lower body?

                thanks for any advice.

                power comes from ground up in your theory, not the legs, right? so why put special emphasis on working out the legs? how about strengthening your body position in relation to the ground? ever thought about that?

                strong legs are good to have though. try single leg squats when you can. very good traditional exercise.

                for calves you can use weights and do press-ups/toe raises. if you do them right, u will feel it. remember contraction then relaxation.

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                • RMAcero
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                  #9
                  I would do squats. Either that or use the seated calf machine at the gym.

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                  • mightymouse2k
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                    #10
                    Personally i've found that body weight squats including the plyometric jumping kind have helped me develop leg power and also using the "steppers" at the gym have added inches to my thighs. However i've only really noticed the difference in kicking power and not so much in punching power.

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