Top 3 Reasons Training Legs are a Must!
You’re a bodybuilder. Every day is chest day for you. Your upper body is chiseled. But your legs…well, they could use some work. Aside from the aesthetic reason of having a proportional body, here are the top 3 reasons training LEGS are a MUST:
1. Longevity
Stronger legs mean an expanded life span. You read that right. Studies show that while overall muscle mass doesn’t predict future health and longevity, muscle mass in your LEGS does! According to this article by Colorado Pain Care, there’s a strong correlation between the strength of your legs and having an active life, which "lowers the risk of developing a serious chronic health condition.” Leg strength is also proven to promote enhanced cognitive function which will lead to healthier neurological function with age!
2. Strong foundation
Building a strong foundation from your feet to your ankles, all the way up to your glutes, will help prevent injury. Why? Because underworked muscle groups can cause injury. Any physical activity that puts too much pressure on areas that aren’t strong enough can risk injury. When you’re training legs, you’re doing exercises that also use your core—like squats which require core strength to get back up. You also need strong legs to help with balance which will enhance mobility and decrease the risk of back and other injuries.
You may hate leg day because you get more tired than you would training your upper body. But that brings up another point: you burn more calories when you train legs! Because you’re working on larger muscles that require more blood to get oxygen. So if you’re looking to lose a few L-Bs, hit up your favorite trainer, and schedule your next leg day.
3. More muscle mass
The more muscle mass you have, the less likely you are to have cancer and other illnesses. And your three largest muscles are all in your legs—glutes, hamstrings, and quads. Strong glutes help prevent throwing out your back or pulling your hamstrings. Building strong hamstrings will help prevent ACL injuries that are common for athletes playing basketball, volleyball, running, training in martial arts, and more. And strong quads are linked to longevity! Start training your legs. Your future self will thank you.
If you’re ready to build strong legs your future self will thank you for, you can email me at knee.ability.narine@gmail.com to inquire about online and in-person 1:1 training.