Developing the quads

[pwr_machine]

Squats are good for ass development. Overrated for building big & cut quads as far as I'm concerned.

By the way pwr_machine, I just took my NSCA CPT Test in June. They were giving the CSCS test accross the hall, and dudes were coming outta that biotch with their eyes crossed, it was so hard(they said). Congrats for passing that sucker.

I could almost agree that something like hack squats and front squats may be up to par when it comes to quad development, but then again how many times have you seen a big squatter with small quads? For example, the thread about Captain Kirk in the Powerlifting Forum. Look at the size of that guys legs!

The CSCS is no joke. I know certifications don't mean much to some people on the boards, but when you're looking at job descriptions and they're all wanting only ASCM or NSCA, I think it's wise to get out and get certified. How did the CPT go?

 

[casualbb]

Squats are good for ass development. Overrated for building big & cut quads as far as I'm concerned.

I'm gonna agree with that and qualify it. It depends a lot on squatting style. PL-style is very hip-intensive. Almost like a deadlift with the bar resting on your back instead of held.

Basically both squat and deadlift are combinations of two motions: leg extension and hip extension. Individual biomechanics will dictate to what degree each is involved.

I'm lanky with crappy levers. I find that when I squat it's almost entirely a hip motion. I have to train leg extension directly using...leg extension machines.

 

[coolcolj]

Oly style squats and front squats.

damn my quads are getting too big!!

 

[louden_swain]

Oly style squats and front squats.

damn my quads are getting too big!!

Yep. . . its true. . its true

 

[Atomic Punk]

The CSCS is no joke. I know certifications don't mean much to some people on the boards, but when you're looking at job descriptions and they're all wanting only ASCM or NSCA, I think it's wise to get out and get certified. How did the CPT go?

I passed it. It was tricky though, but you can miss alot of them since it was 136 questions total if I remember correctly. Alot of the multiple choice choices were so close, that you simply had to guess. I also didn't agree with some of the things that they said were the "proper way" to go about spotting. I'll give you an example. I don't know how your test went, but for the CPT, the first 30 or 40 questions were based on a video which showed a training session, and how you should be assisting the client while doing such. One question was your basic "what is the spotter(trainer) doing improperly while spotting this client"? The lift was flat-bench bell presses. I could see absolutely nothing wrong with how the trainer was performing in the video, but it turned out that the answer(according to NSCA) was that he was spotting the person by the ELBOWS, as oppsed to the WRISTS--which they say is improper. I totally disagree. There were other questions as well, but that one stood out in my head.

 

[crew9]

I'm gonna agree with that and qualify it. It depends a lot on squatting style. PL-style is very hip-intensive. Almost like a deadlift with the bar resting on your back instead of held.

Basically both squat and deadlift are combinations of two motions: leg extension and hip extension. Individual biomechanics will dictate to what degree each is involved.

I'm lanky with crappy levers. I find that when I squat it's almost entirely a hip motion. I have to train leg extension directly using...leg extension machines.

I feel your pain. Definitely need the extension machine.

 

[Atomic Punk]

not sayin that thats wrong or anything but stick around here and read and listen to some of the ppl here and you will be throwin all those mags away

Lol. This one I bought in St. Paul, Minnesota, while waiting for a connecting flight--just to have something to kill some time. I had another 6 hour flight coming up...must've read it coveer to cover, twice.. Usually I go with the Boards as well though.

 

[MsBeverlyHills]

one-legged squats on a Smith??? oh man-- sounds painful-- the sheering force on your kneecaps would be brutal...

 

[Atomic Punk]

one-legged squats on a Smith??? oh man-- sounds painful-- the sheering force on your kneecaps would be brutal...

Not any worse than it might be on regular squats, if you already have knee problems. You go really light of course. To get the feel for them, I started with just the Bar, then moved to 25's. To avoid any additional knee stress though, you simply adjust your stance so that your leg is farther forwrd that usual in order to stress the hammies a little more. That will equate to less quad stress--less stress on the knww if that is a problem for the person doing them. i wouldn't advise any of my clients to do them at all if i knew they had a pre-existing condition like knee problems.

 

[Eatmorechicken]

I have seen quite a few powerlifters whose quads weren't that big for their size. Ed Coan even said the quads are not that sigificant in the squat for powerlifters. That's because when you move the bar low, widen the stance, and maintain vertical shins, the quads take on primarily an antagonist/stabilizing role.

Front squats deep with a normal width stance and you will hit the quads hard. Combined with regularly doing Conventional Deadlifts, the quads will grow like a weed.