It doesn’t matter the reason, we all go through it, schedules get busy, time starts to get short, but one thing that doesn’t change is the desire we have to train.

Trouble is, you wanted to do a whole bunch of exercises today, but you don’t have the time.

You could skip the workout, but really this is not an option.

So instead of skipping the workout, try this.

Pick two exercises and work them hard and that is it.

However, you must pick two exercises that work the major muscle groups of the body.

Something like squats and bent over rows would be good.

Again, the key here is because you know you are only going to be doing two exercises, you can (and should) give them all you have.

Give yourself enough rest between sets so you can use maximum weight.

You might be thinking,

This does not sound like much.

Trust me; if you give two major exercises everything you have, it will be enough.

For me I always like to add-in some ab work, like steep incline sit ups, when I have finished the two exercises, or ANY workout for that matter, but you can end the workout right there, or add in your own special exercise.

Something like farmers walk’s (which is basically walking for a specific time or distance while carrying a heavy object in each hand, and dumbbells work well for this) would end the workout nicely.

And then the next time you are going to train pick two completely different exercises and give them all-you’ve got.

SOME COMMENTS

I know some people won’t like this idea, but to me it works and here is why.

Most of us spend way too much time doing exercise that give very little bang for the buck.

Like barbell curs, triceps kickbacks, and some funky routine we picked up in a muscle magazine.

When, really, all along what we should be doing is working hard on the basics.

Things like overhead presses with dumbbells, dead lifts, squats, bent over rows, chins, and pull ups.

The above exercises, plus more, as this is only a short list, are the ones that will help us add muscle to our fames.

Yes, they are demanding, but nothing good comes easy.

The second reason I like this method is because when you are only going to be doing exercises, you don’t have to save anything for later.

You can really give both exercises all you have, and need not worry about the tenth exercise of the day.

CONCLUSION

Yes, only doing two exercises per workout might be a change, but give the above idea an honest chance, and I know, if you do that and work the two exercise that you pick hard, very hard, you will see results.

UNTIL NEXT TIME

WORK HARD

Squatting is one of those exercises that in my opinion is an either or.

You are either on the side of those who feel you absolutely must squat—because if you don’t your legs will never be as big as they could have been.

Or.

You are on the other side that feels that leg presses are just as effective as squatting and oh yea; squats are bad for your knees.

Personally, I think squats are a great exercise—if and only if you can do them correctly.

Too many people load up the bar with WAY more weight than they can handle, go down about half-an-inch and then come up.

No chance of getting any leg development with this approach.

Of course if you take the time to actually LEARN how to squat correctly—like beginning with an empty bar and learning how to use PERFECT form with it and move up slowly in weight from there—not only will your legs grow, but so will your whole body.

The trouble with the above approach of course is that you have to swallow your ego and use a lot less weight.

Sorry for the tangent—so what do I think, should you squat or not?

Yes and No.

Yes, if you feel them in your thighs and not a ton in your lower back

Yes, if you don’t have any pre-existing conditions that make squatting the wrong choice.

Yes, if you can do the above and swallow your ego and learn to squat the right way—from the beginning.

However, my answer would be no, if you really feel them more in your lower back and butt—or have other issues that prevent you from doing them.

For myself, after giving squats a go, I found that I really like front squats better—so this is what I go with.

Now I would like to tackle the other question—can you equal the development (and total body effect) you get from squats—if you do leg presses and the like.

I think it depends on the person, by this I mean, if you realize that squatting is out and you really bust a nut on leg presses, hack squats, and front squats—then yes I feel you can equal the development you would get from squats.

However, if you use this as an excuse to be lazy and just “toss in” some leg work every-now-and-then—then you have no chance of building great legs.

For me, more than anything it comes down to desire—if you truly want to improve your legs, back or whatever—you will find a way to do it—equipment or no equipment

That’s all for today.