Getting a leg up on training

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 26/09/2016 (3520 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Leg day — some people love it, some people loathe it. Leg workouts are my absolute favourite. I feel strong and powerful inside and out when I get a strong bottom-half workout in. And it’s not just about esthetics — ensuring you do a balanced workout program is integral to your health.

How often should you train legs? There are a few different theories on this one, but a general rule of thumb is to not train any muscle group if you are still stiff from the previous workout. A minimum of 48 hours rest in between muscle groups is necessary. Rest and recovery is an integral part to any weightlifting program.

I would suggest doing leg workouts two times per week, but not the same workout both times. If you wait too long in between workouts you will not get the full benefits of each workout. As with any physical activity that is new, be sure to speak with your doctor or health practitioner before starting.

Is cardio considered a leg workout? While it definitely can feel like a leg workout, cardio is more of a workout for your heart than your legs. Weightlifting focuses on building muscle, while cardio focuses on burning fat. Yes, weights do help with fat-burning and cardio helps build strength, but their core purposes are slightly different. Ensuring you do both is important — don’t skip one for the other.

Andrea Katz has had a lifetime commitment to sport, health and fitness. As a certified fitness instructor and former competitive athlete, Andrea brings a wealth of information to her everyday life by continuously increasing her knowledge in the areas of nutrition, fitness, sport and general health. Andrea’s love for sports began with kung fu at the age of six, and has expanded to numerous sports and activities over the years.

She is an arts graduate of the University of Manitoba and the business administration program at Red River College. She co-founded the marketing agency Fit Communications with her sister and partner Allison Gervais. With Fit Communications, Andrea and Allison are on a mission to spread the word of health every day.