I HATE leg workouts. Help, please???

[SRP]

Okay, ladies -
I have finally come to the conclusion that I really don't like leg workouts. I like the results... but don't feel I'm getting as good results as I want, either. I need some suggestions!

Right now I work out my legs 3 times a week - two workouts are an hour, and one is a half hour. The hour ones are PLB or L&G, usually, and sometimes Leaner Legs, with floorwork from one of the other two thrown in. The half hour is my own routine, but all Cathe-type exercises.

I'm not afraid of bulk, but I don't have much of it. I also don't have much definition. My legs are firm, but not very remarkable. I lift as heavy as I can, which isn't much. My heaviest is a 50lb barbell, because that's as much as I can (and want to) lift over my head. I don't want the huge arms required to lift more.

Can I get any different results by cutting it down to two workouts? Should I cut the time and add a workout, say 4x a week for 30 min?

Despite all the discussions about freestyle, I'm still unsure about it. Would anyone doing it like to post photos of their legs????

Oh, and a gym membership is not an option. However, I have access to an old weight bench, which only allows me to do seated quad lifts and lying hamstring curls. Those are very awkward, though - I think the bench is designed for a taller person, and I can't get a comfortable position, and can never do a full curl.

Okay - sorry for the looooong post. If I ever have free time again, I'll do a search here, but any help is MUCH appreciated! Thank you!

 

[brickhouse]

What about getting a weighted vest to add # without lifting over your head. I'm not sure of the results but just an idea.

HTH

Jeanette

 

[SRP]

Hi Jeanette -
Oh yeah - I forgot about that. Sure, it's an option... but probably a little ways in the future, money-wise.

 

[toastythemosty]

How is your eating? If you eat mostly healthy while avoiding sugar and foods high in fat you might start seeing results alittle faster, but it all takes time. Not sure how long you have been working out your legs, but I really got good results from changing the way I eat while working lower body. I think it is good you are working lower body 3X's a week so you are off to a good start. I squat with alot more weight because I have a smith machine here at home so I don't have to worry about bringing a barbell over my head. It is alittle expensive, but well worth it. Cost about $1600, but you can also work out other body parts too. I just love it!

Charlotte~~

 

[pink_fortitude]

How about trying a light weight-hig rep endurance workout? You have a pretty heavy strength rotation for legs and trying something new might be what you need. Something like... using only 2 5lb. db do alternating front lunges pushing off a step for three minutes, then add a squat between each lunge and do that for five with no breaks or until you can't do another one. Then maybe you could do a series of scissor jumps and plie squats. I have Buns of Steel 3, and I had the best legs of my life when I did that workout and her exercises were very similar to that. I hope that you find something that works for you!

Missy

 

[nancy324]

Shannon,
I'm not in a position to give advice, but just want to mention that getting toned is also related to your genes. I notice that my legs will start to look toned with VERY little work. But for my upper body, I can work out all day and not see much tone. The remarkable thing is that although my legs look toned, they are actually quite weak! And my abs look very flabby, but are actually very strong. I think appearances can be very deceiving. I'll bet your legs are in great shape and you would probably leave me in the dust on a bicycle. I'm sure you'll get lots of advice about how to tone your legs, I mean on how to make them LOOK toned, because they probably already are very strong. I just think it's interesting how everyone is so different, and, in my experience, appearance really doesn't mean a thing.

-Nancy

 

[SRP]

Charlotte -
I eat fairly clean, but not perfectly. I'm mostly vegetarian with fish maybe once a week thrown in. My main sources of fat are peanut butter and cheese, with an average of one "real" dessert a week. Ummm - a $1600 purchase just isn't in the budget!!!

Missy -
Your routine sounds interesting, and totally different! I think I'll give it a shot.Thanks!

 

[SRP]

Hi, Nancy -
You are right about the genetics - I'm just the opposite of you. I get great definition up top, but not down bottom. My dad and sister are the same way. I do think my legs are fairly strong, and I'm not in this for body building or huge muscles. I'm just tired of working my tail off and not seeing results!

 

[amyg]

<<I'm just tired of working my tail off and not seeing results!>>

Aren't we all...

I've decided to drop my weight work in my legs to less than Cathe uses. I also started doing the KM leg conditioning drills and I've been noticing my legs (and butt, yay!) seem a LOT firmer now, after doing those about once a week.

Good luck!!!

 

[red_mct]

I don't know how long you are doing this rotation, but perhaps you can mix it up by doing something totally different, like running (or powerwalking) outside or biking. Kickboxing can also give you great results and it's different from lifting.

If you can't purchase other types of workouts right now, consider checking out your local library. Mine actually has quite a few workout tapes/DVDs these days...

Good luck!
Marie

 

[Agzo]

Ok I saw someone mention kickmax drills and I have got to admit when I use cardio like kickboxing, or cycling I usually only do one leg workout a week. I like gym style legs a lot and got better results with it than most. However like someone stated above it is important to mix it up and keep your body guessing and I find I need to change my leg workout after about 2 weeks because my leg muscle adapt very quckly. Also as a side note my legs were bulking a lot (still strong looking) until I started using heavier weights. I find band work is very helpful too.

I think the key is trying different things until something works. Everyone is different and there will be something that works for you, and hopfully with less leg training days per work. I could not work them that often because after a good workout I need some recovery time. Good luck and I hope you find something that works for you.

Angel