Leg work -- can't keep up and use weights

M

moni_stout

Guest
I am getting frustrated because I cannot use a fraction of the weight poundage used on any of the leg portions of workouts. I sometimes come close on upper body, but when it comes to legs -- NOT EVEN CLOSE! My legs appear very toned and I don't have much jiggle -- I actually have some definition. However, when I am doing the leg portions of Muscle Max, PLB, L&G, S&H, I typically can't use any weight. On Muscle Max, I will not use any weight and I still cannot complete all of the reps. During the static lunges section of Muscle Max, Cathe uses 30 lbs (I think) -- I use 0 lbs and I still cannot complete all the reps without taking a break. When she does leg presses with the band I can only do the first few with the band, then I just have to drop it. I can barely make it through them.

I don't understand this because my legs appear toned and I can use pretty heavy weights for upper body! Any suggestions? I feel like I cannot make any progress. Basically I rarely use weights for my legs - but they will still fatigue and tend to be very sore the next day. Does anyone else have this issue?

Sorry for the long post.

Monica
 
I would say be patient and your legs will get stronger. If your legs are sore, it seems to me the exercises are working, right?

I did Leaner Legs from the CTX series last week, without weights and still got some significant DOMS the next couple of days, so something must have been happening.

I don't have exactly the same issue as you - my weaknesses are any glute work on the ball (one leg on, one leg in the air), pikes on the ball, and anything resembling pushups. Now matter how much I've been working out, I never seem to make any gains in those areas, never seem to get any better.

Guess I'm not much help, but I'm still feeling your frustration!

Susan L.G.
 
Do what you can each little bit at a time and don't compare yourself with others. Cathe and crew exercise professionally. Others here are training for marathons or trying to be buff so they can do more and push themselves harder. Cut yourself some slack and allow yourself to grow over time. You aren't in competition with anyone but you. In the meantime, take some time to admire those toned legs for further inspiration! :)
 
I suggest putting more rests between sets (I ALWAYS do this on PLB).

As for building up the stamina to do the leg work 'as-is,' just keep at it, and strive to do a bit more each time. It might help to stick with the same workout (at least lower body) for a few weeks (2-4 weeks), as your body can adapt better to it if you are doing the same thing.
 
When i 1st did muscle max.On the low end lunges i would have to break.My legs would be on fire. Just give them time.It will build up endurance over time.Pause more .It will help.Hold that remote in your hand when you start shaking stop and stretch it.
I now do the low ends with 35-40# with no trouble.
You just need to buildup.Do what you can break it and continue.
Those ststic lunges are tough n. It does get easier...
Good luck.
http://www.picturetrail.com/acatalina
 
I'm with Susan...I haven't seen much progess at all in the Pike arena. I can do them on my elbows, but forget the hands!!!
 
I've always had strong legs, but struggled with using weights on leg exercises b/c of my lack of strength in my core and shoulders. I had a hard time lifting the bar above my head to do squats. Once I developed more upper body strength and my core to balance, it got a lot easier.

Hang up there and keep at it. YOU WILL GET STRONGER.
 
Thanks for all the great feedback and ideas. I think that I will continue not using weights until I can actually complete all of the reps. Then I will start adding weights in slowly. I am happy to hear that I am not alone in this!

Monica
 
You are not alone!!! I have no lower body strength and I get very frustrated. I think I'm going to take the good advice given on this forum and do one lower body workout per week to get stronger!
 

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