Lots of men say the reason they don’t work their legs is because they play football or go running so don’t ‘need to’ lift weights. Well, sorry to disappoint but having a lack of strength in the legs doesn’t just mean having a lack of strength in the legs. Weak legs equals weak glutes which puts more stress on the lower back, the hamstrings, the hips and the core and in the end your internal organs and circulatory system. I know that sounds rather dramatic but it’s true, your legs help you maintain your posture! Without a good posture your hip flexors become tighter and pull on the lumbar spine which creates a tilt in the pelvis and a protrusion in the abdomen, the pressure on the abdominal wall transfers to kidneys which subsequently increases blood pressure and decreases blood flow. Running and playing football (or any other sport) will increase your muscular endurance but it is strength in the legs we all need, and this strength can only really come about as a result of proper, rigorous strength training!
Ladies and gentlemen of the gym, it’s time to talk about leg day. While so-called “mirror muscles” like your core, back and arms are typically more noticeable, you’re making a huge mistake if you’re only training above the belt. Your lower body is home to some of the biggest muscles in your body. Focus on workouts that challenge your bottom half and you’ll be rewarded with strong glutes, athletic quads, healthy hammies and toned calves. But it’s not all about looking good. As evidence, we present eight reasons to train your lower body. Because friends don’t let friends skip leg day.
- You will be a better athlete
- You will reduce your risk of injury
- You will burn more calories
- You will improve your balance
- You will run faster and longer
- You will increase your metabolism
- You will relieve lower back pain
- You will increase your range of motion
Reference:
http://dailyburn.com/life/fitness/never-skip-leg-day/
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