04/11/2025
How To Build KILLER Legs Without Squats!
Guilty as charged: I don’t squat. Yep, you heard that right. Squats and deadlifts aren’t in my program anymore.
I know what you’re thinking:
“Bro, do you even lift? How can you call yourself an athlete without squats or deadlifts?”
Maybe it’s a cardinal sin in the lifting world, but here’s the truth... I have a recurring lower back issue, and pushing squats just isn’t worth the risk.
Yet, my legs keep growing and getting stronger.
So squats don’t mean squat.
I spent years squatting and deadlifting heavy, hitting a 220kg squat and 265kg deadlift and I trained hard every session.
But training isn’t about the exercise, it’s about your goal. Are you training to get stronger, bigger, or just going through the motions?
If an injury or limitation stops you from squatting, don’t flog a dead horse. Focus on what you can do to hit your goals. There’s always a substitute.
Intensity is king.
Whether it’s squats, leg presses, or machines, it’s how hard you push that counts.
For example, if you’re alone with no spotter, squatting to failure is risky. But leg presses with safety pins let you go all out safely. Which will get you better results?
Forget the free weights vs machines debate: intensity beats everything. Do what lets you train hardest.
My current leg day looks like this every 7 days:
Leg press 2 sets
Stiff leg deadlift 2 sets
Lying leg curl 2 sets
Calf press 2 sets
Volume is low, but intensity is high. And my legs keep growing, no squats needed.
Remember, weight on the bar doesn’t equal intensity. Train smart, train hard, and focus on what works for you.
Want me to help you build a killer leg plan that fits your body and goals? Hit me up.
