Questions re strengthening legs. I ride a recumbent bicycle (not

[Obamanaut]

a stationary exercise bike), and I want to strengthen my legs. I live in N. Fla., and there are no hills, just an overpass or two on my usual routes, and I usually ride 4 or 5 days a week. I go to the gym three or four days a week in addition to using free weights at home. Now the questions: If I use the leg press and other leg machines in the gym every day that I go, will it be of any benefit to my bicycle riding, or will it be too much? Should I be doing heavy weights and fewer reps, or lighter weights with more reps/sets to make greater gain. On all my upper body work I've gone to lighter wgts with more sets of each exercise.

[MemphisTiger]

1. Leg strength can only help you with your goals

I would suggest heavy weight with low reps. This scheme works for powerlifters and it can help you as well. I like doing five sets of five reps. Remember that when gaining strength you'll need more calories than you would normally need, just try to make them clean calories.

[Obamanaut]

2. Just got back from the gym and read this. Will begin

more leg work tomorrow. Thanks.

[MemphisTiger]

3. Good luck, leg day is tough but it's the best in my book

I have a few good leg routines if you're interested.

[Obamanaut]

5. Absolutely, appreciate the help. I use the gym machines for leg

work, no free weights. I've had three hernia repairs, and that's more than enough for this sr citizen.

[MemphisTiger]

6. Most of the ones I do are freeweights

Leg press is great
Leg extension
leg curls
and don't forget your calves

[Obamanaut]

7. Thanks. The gym has some good machines for all those, even

the calves. The leg press and the calf press stations are nearly always open, seems like nobody wants to use those.

[seemunkee]

4. I'll agree

High weight, low reps. Powerlifters and Olympic lifters do it that way even to the point of doing single rep sets.