Leg Day. 56 days out. All workouts are challenging, this one is tops on the list. It takes mental and physical preparation far beyond any upper body, cardio, or yoga workout. But it must be done, it’s time to get these quads popping.
First, my leg workout is strategically planned for Saturday morning at gym open. 6:30am at LA Fitness is about the only time the leg machines are not busy. My current workout plan includes super sets, so it is essential that I am able to utilize the equipment quickly and efficiently. Second, the day before leg day I make sure that my legs are recovered with a light steady state cardio workout (15-20 usually on the elliptical at a low resistance) and 20 minutes of yoga. Third, my supplements must be on point. I give myself at least an hour before the workout to get my pre-workout supplements in and UMP in my belly. Fourth, I must be focused. I have a love/hate relationship with leg workouts. They have always been my struggle point, for seeing results and gaining strength, but I do not let that stop me from giving each workout all I have. Gaining one extra rep or pushing a little more weight, the feeling of accomplishment is priceless.
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| LA FITNESS – ALL MINE – 6:30am Saturday |
My current leg workout looks something like this:
4 super sets of leg extensions/leg curls
4 super sets of hack squat/leg press (Hack squat is by far the toughest for me)
4 super sets of butt blaster/sumo squats
4 super sets of pulsing glute raises/BOSU squats
I’ve been burning out at the end with a lap of body weight lunges and 4 sets of calf raises
I try, yes try to do a light steady state 10-20 minute cardio workout at the end. Sometimes, I make it, other times, I hobble around the track. I do this to loosen them up. Following the workout I have been doing lots of stretching. I used to be bad at stretching following the workout, downplaying the importance. Now, it is a key focus of mine and it seems to be helping with recovery and I am staying injury free. I also tell myself that I do not get my UMP waffles afterwards if I do not stretch. It seems to be working!
Legs are always a challenge. This is by far the most challenging workout Julie has on my program. My legs take a few days to recover. I am usually exhausted for the remainder of Saturday following the leg workout! I plan accordingly and it feels great. I’m hoping these quads start to pop, my glutes tighen and lift, and my overall shape comes together. Giving it all, hoping for the best, and leaving nothing on the workout floor…goodness this sport is fun!!!
