Squat

  I've introduced the Squat into my workouts. There's just so much in the "literature" (read: muscle mags) about that move being really effective in building strength and mass. I also like it because it's one of the multiple-joint compound movements, which I like (such as the multi-hip machine, cable pull-down, chest press, tricep-dip). At first, I was a bit nervous about using this move, because even Arnold says it can be bad for the knees, but I'm sticking with very low weight (my first warm-up set is just the bar), and my body seems to remember a pretty good form from years ago, and so it hasn't been bothering my knees. And I know it's hitting the muscles.

To prevent injury, even though it's not commonly done, I do my leg workout after I do my upper body workout. So it's 30 minutes on the eliptical, then my upper body workout, then legs, then another 30 minutes on the eliptical. This way, by the time I do the squats, I'm pretty warmed up.

The main disadvantage to doing squats after arms is that my shoulders are sore  holding the bar across my back.

Comments

[Maria]

Yep--I expect you to look better. ;)

(This is probably too much information, but I've never been drawn towards brawny men like that. Not my cup o' tea.)

[Eric]

So, you're saying, you don't think the pic of the guy doing the squat is me? :-)

[Maria]

I demand that you post a more current photo of yourself.