HighIntensity.net View Mike Mentzer Bodybuilding Topic

Hi Everyone,

This is only my second post being relatively new to the forum. My first post discussed if bent over barbell rows are necessary in a bodybuilding program if one has bent over bb rows, deadlifts, and weighted chins as the staple of their back workout (like I do) and I appreciated everyone′s comments and suggestions.

Now, again, to let everyone know, my workout, as I posted it in my first post, is, as follows : Squats, Calf Raises, Weighted Chins, Bent Over Rows, Regular Deadlifts, and Flat Bench Dumbell Presses…..all for 1 set.

My underlying question to anyone who is in position to answer : are squats REALLY all that necessary to build thighs? Certainly, we all hear so much as the squat being hailed as the king of all exercises and is the best effective leg builder, but, can anyone here vouch for deadlifts as being just as effective to building thighs? Has anyone experienced size increase in their thighs due to deadlifts only?

Thanks again everyone.

There are people who′ve gotten bigger legs from just riding a bike. They went from pathetically thin to very thin. It all depends on what your goals are and how far along you already are.

You don′t "need" Squats to increase the size of your Legs. You can do it with Deadlifts, Leg Presses, hard sprints, etc. If you want to maximize your size and strength potential, however, or at least get the most out of your training time, then correct full range Squats are probably the best choice.

If you aren′t planning on competing one day, and don′t care about PLing or anything, then forget Squatting if you don′t like it. Most people don′t want massive legs anyways. If you want to be the best you can be, then Squatting is probably the best way to maximize your leg size.

Cheers,
Jeff

in my opinion squats are very important.i wouldnt substitute squats for deadlifts.
idid not squat in the past. now i train at home, s the only equipment i have for legs are barbells.
i do back squats, front squats and lunges.
i posted a video on youtube,; FEEL FREE to chek it out; my nickname is taimazov.
it is the most stressfull exercise and you can tell the difference between leg press and barbell squat.
i hope that heps

Your legs can get pretty damn big from a leg press. I mean, if you get to the point where you are doing full range leg press reps with a shit load of weight, your legs will be very muscular.

Hi Jeff,

Thanks again for your feedback. My mind tends to find innovative ways to streamline and cut back on workout load. I thought it wouldn′t hurt to throw the question out there to anyone who could answer it. I don′t mind squats, but I sure like my deadlifts.

I also don′t plan on competition, just general fitness and health only. Perhaps, I may stick w/squats or just drop ′em for a while and see what deadlifts can do. As you may remember, my leg workout consists of squats, calf raises, and, then run a fast mile and do several sprints.

Btw: Jeff, I′m looking into those Pendlay Rows you were telling me about recently. I′ll let you know how I do with them……and thanks to everyone else here (smanjh & taimazov) for their responses too.