HOW I BUILD BIG LEGS WITHOUT SQUATS | FULL LEG WORKOUT

[@NicksHEAT1995]

It's duchon, back with another one. Big fan of this guy's simple routines. It takes the guesswork and complexities out of the equation.

[@richard_duchon]

thanks man, no need to overcomplicate things 💪🏼

[@juniormarshallhastings723]

@@richard_duchon 9:56 Can you share with us a leg workout at home for those persons who can’t afford a gym membership?

[@lankeysob]

As a tall lifter with most of my height coming from my femur length, ive found doing squats extremely difficult, so seeing this video knowing you can still build huge legs without squats makes me feel much better,

[@redguard6943]

Same boat bud, 6'3 over here and my torso is like a foot long😂

[@misfits12o]

Have you tried elevating your heels while squatting? Helped me out

[@SCP-001DatabaseAdministrator]

Tried gear like this guy is on?

[@helios4425]

There is a reason you don't see many tall men with big wide quads even if they work out. The muscle is longer so it doesn't appear as wide

[@misfits12o]

@@helios4425 just have to work harder

[@matti7725]

Good advice. I do different squat-variations because it has worked the best for me. But for people who hate or can't do barbell squats I'd highly recommend hack squats. It enables you to get a below 90 degrees range of motion and you can put on more weight since your back is supported. One of the best leg-exercises in my opinion!

[@ESKATEUK]

Completely agree, and pendulum squats. My gym I go to has just got a pendulum squat machine and wow what a killer.

[@matti7725]

@@ESKATEUK That's nice I wish my gym had one, it seems like a great exercise as well!

[@solution3298]

That’s what I also do hack squats

[@mrtheorogelio]

No doubt. I recently starting using the hack squat machine and have seen good results. I had spine surgery and, as a result, I have lumbar hardware.

[@solution3298]

@@mrtheorogelio do you do the regular hawk squat or reverse ?

[@loggiewoggiewoowoo3913]

This makes me feel seen. i do all these and not a barbell squats because i have shit ankle mobility from old breaks and even with good form it puts pressure on my curved spine so all these variations truly help and its good to see someone post about it.

[@Somaliboy]

The one and the only legend. We say hi from Africa where bodybuilding is literally challenging and hard. I’ve been following you for a while. You are my motivation 🔥🔥

[@Sxolile29]

What's hard about bodybuilding in Africa? Don't they have gyms in your country?

[@robknight1473]

Since I got to forty years old and just started back in the gym after two-three years out . I have used the smith machine for squats and calve raises . My legs are far from massive , but in two months I have seen the muscle shape and develop and had no lower back problems and find my form is loads better

[@user-ep6wd7ip7v]

Yep same here my legs are growing just fine with out squats since they cause me to much pain from injuries they are not needed at all simple leg press variations close and wide stance high slow control reps everything is super set as well you don’t even need to go to heavy as well if it’s slow and controlled makes it hard

[@rasalresid9147]

I wish I could to these exercises like you but I am still fat and unfit. I am trying so hard though. I train everyday. I got the best meal plan from NextLevel Diet. I hope I will get in shape fast so I can start with some calisthenic then. Wish me some luck boys and girls!!

[@jameereugene9035]

Good luck, just train hard

[@krane15]

Fat = 80% diet. Every time I've lost weight, I did on diet alone and zero exercise.

[@chidipablo624]

You'll get there. Consistency is key

[@rasalresid9147]

@@chidipablo624 I hope so

[@endless2786]

r u fit now

[@YulRun]

I like that you can tell you're an avid body builder and still recommend machines, most people I talk to cringe at the thought of using a machine and said you wont get gains unless you use freeweights.

[@raymondm1798]

Just did this today. My new favorite leg day when I need a break from squatting

[@nandekumarramcharan9323]

Thank you! I want to train my legs without doing squats!! You are an example to get beautiful trained legs without squats! Gives me hope to get some nice legs too!! 😬

[@Flexb123]

Squats suck ass, totally. But make no mistake, they benefit not just your legs but whole body and make a more anabolic environment within the body (if done properly with good form). I trained first 4-5 years without doing squats and everything but. I had decent legs too, but when I started squatting and squatting heavy. My legs exploded and whole body got bigger and better.

[@garciacindy2035]

This is exactly kzbin.infoUgkxUHHotQRjIQnfuxEeVotlkHVYWH0DXZoS what I needed to get some exercise while I'm stuck at my desk all day. It's just the right size. Only downsides are that the right oeddale unscrews itself while I use it and increasing the tension causes it to squeak while in use. Both are minor issues that aren't that important to me. So I give it 5 stars.

[@aslanrezaifard]

Came in to the gym 5am saying god i hate squats...that first exercise my god thats harder then it looks..love it alteady feel every single rep! Thanks for this, been looking for something diff than squats🇨🇦🏋🏻‍♂️💪🏼

[@jayharry2237]

I love squats, I'll always do them as long as my body allows. With that said, you got good results, keep up the great work amigo.

[@YurrGTrain]

Agreed I’ll never stop squatting !

[@tomelliott7793]

I just finished a leg day. I tried that step back lunge on the smith machine. Wow! Best pump I've ever gotten with just a plate a side! Thank you!!

[@uninamed2292]

A tip mate, keep your cervical spine neutral when lifting, in this case it's in a risky degree of flexion when you're doing the smith lunges because you're looking down. This puts the C6C7 disk at risk. Your lumbar spine enter flexion as well in the romanian deadlift, the movement should only be in the hips. I wish someone had told me this during my early years, because the price of not doing this has been real high.

[@splishsplash6802]

u not serious rn..

[@uninamed2292]

@@splishsplash6802 Does it look like i'm not? If you're questioning the facts that i laid out in my comment you should study the anatomy of the spine and mechanisms for disc injury, some biomechanics wouldn't hurt either. A great start is Dr. Stuart Mcgills books.

[@EatinMySandwich]

I’ve seen a lot of people preach on Romanians to try and curve the the back allowing a better stretch on the hammies. But a neutral position with deep stretch on them works just as well

[@GordonKWaddell]

U R 100% right - EVERY exercise is done with cervical flexion and forward head posture....a cervical disaster in the making

[@uninamed2292]

@@EatinMySandwich Anyone preaching spinal flexion when lifting is someone that you shouldn't listen to. What happens when you allow for spinal flexion in an RDL is that you have to go deeper to get the same stretch as when you keep the spine neutral and only allow movement in the hips. If i allow flexion i can touch my toes, if i don't i don't come half way until i get the same stretch. I suggest that you look at this video with Dr. Mcgill kzbin.info/www/bejne/aYikgmOnbc6MjpI

[@TAL20013]

This is great because squats and deadlifts actually cause me a lot of pain, especially in my lower back/hip, even had someone look me over for technique, change of position etc and nothing helps, so it's nice to see they're not mandatory.

[@traviscarver4708]

How are you doing with the pain now? Has this helped and have you seen improvement in side and strength?

[@drdave971]

I think the main thing with building big legs is you have to feel the leg contractions , this is key if you are not in the mind muscle connection you are hindering your growth , also I do body weight squats and really feel the squeeze when coming up , do 100 reps ( 4x25 ) your legs will blow up try it they work awesome

[@dustinandandria]

100 reps with the 45 bar. Works really well. No shoes

[@InfamousPlatoon]

I’m assuming you got it dialed in now but ur first 3 - 4 times doing this 100 reps how’s was your recovery afterwards, I get it’s only body weight but time under tension Is still time under lol we’re u super sore?moderately sore?

[@yoooo790]

Dont forget the magic juice.

[@meditation4632]

@@yoooo790 i know right. Fitness industry makes me sick with these videos. You cannot get legs like that with this work out as a natty

[@yoooo790]

@@meditation4632 facts! Or a genetic freak!

[@stoyansteve9360]

I hate squats even though I feel great after doing them. I do more machines on my leg day and I have best size and shape in our gym. Thank you Richard for the great video as always!

[@gurtejsingh6569]

Then you are missing best strength exercise of universe

[@stoyansteve9360]

@@gurtejsingh6569 I haven’t said I am not squatting I just said I don’t like doing it as many other things in life we have to do no matter we lake it or not.Cheers!!!

[@jasonso570]

Those type of exercices suit me very well , according to my hip issue ... thanks for sharing 👍👍👍💪🏼

[@philolak5992]

This is awesome. My next month Leg session, no squats/a break .Following this routine. Thanks @Duchon

[@joelalex5432]

How was it? Do you feel it works?

[@pelonete5000]

Those reverse lunges are more effective and complete than squats. That is why he do not need squats. If he eliminate those lunges ( and gear , of course)will not have legs.

[@ΧρήστοςΒασιλόπουλος-π2β]

Love the approach! Impressive results! Have a comment on the RDL though - mostly because of beginners watching your routine. You are not hinging at the hips - looking at the video your hips are essentially motionless and all the movement comes from your upper body (bending at the waist). It still does the trick as you are very strong and maintain straight back. But in reality your back is exposed and you could find ways to further improve form.

[@TheHumanBodyTalk]

🔥🔥🔥

[@chocoborider87]

He's doing a stiff legged deadlift. You can do them with the knees slightly bent, as he is doing in this video, or with the legs straight, which emphasizes the stretch in the hamstrings. His form is very good, it's just that he got the name of the exercise wrong in the video.

[@martinquinn3382]

Love the reverse lunge, can't wait to try it !

[@aayushraghuvamshi9134]

This is exactly what I was looking for, thanks man!

[@jimni999]

Show us how to build legs without squats and without roids

[@evanwalker9298]

Nice leg program! I know it will work well. Here’s my experience - for years, My legs would not grow significantly until…..I started doing Bulgarian squats. Haha! You mentioned you weren’t looking forward to them. I Must admit, they are so painful and make me gulp for air, but so damn effective for muscle growth. It took me a while (weeks) to get the balance, control and fluidity of this exercise to maximize growth. Once, I mastered that, my legs grew like a weed and are separated with good shape. I don’t have to pile on heavy weights like traditional squats or leg presses. Just some light dumbbells are more than enough. At first, I used just bodyweight. One thing though, they are hard to do keeping tempo and squeezing at top. Burn is fiery intense and very unpleasant but rewarding. Major soreness for days post. However, the growth was so satisfying!!

[@MR-ul6bc]

Hey Richard, glad you didn't try to get in a locker, since it is leg day. I remember that from one of your prior videos....LOL. I to, have to put insoles in all of my shoes due to foot pain.....they do help a lot. I have never done reverse lunges and will try them today. Thanks for sharing and have a great week.

[@patrick5871]

v creative alternative movements on the machines, I’ll be sure to try these, thank you !

[@MrEmilia92]

This one’s great! 🙌🏼 Gonna do this workout on Friday. 🔥

[@slagos412]

Always giving the best tips man 🙌🏻👏🏻 #KeepItSimple

[@Robbiedoesitbest]

calves, barbell squats, hack squat(new fav), leg extensions, hamstring curls, goblet squats, my workout for now

[@americanhomeownerwithajob6940]

Also my favorite, it's IMO the best 👌 Edit** Hack Squats

[@zach-c3m]

This dude naturally has a good build for lifting and gaining muscle.

[@amirouchealexbour3440]

thanx bro nog meer geleerd van jouw 💪ben zelf geen squat fun. hoop nog meer video’s te zien well done 👍🏻

[@amird5768]

No one can motivate me more than you bro

[@jonm.678]

Definitely going to try the reverse lunges. I used to do tons of walking DB lunges- they’re great but super fatiguing. I can’t squat due to back and calf issues

[@kamalahmed5057]

What makes you think you can do the lunges then.

[@birdman4birdlegs]

@@kamalahmed5057 The difference is that with reverse lunges there is never a point where the leg being worked isn't touching the ground. So it eliminates the impact of your front leg absorbing the impact of the ground. I've never had knee problems doing lunches going forward but I know people who have. The reverse motion just gets rid of that risk for the most part

[@billybobs1705]

@@kamalahmed5057 less pressure on your spinal cord

[@mrsugar2352]

@@kamalahmed5057 think about it Kamal. Don’t ask everyone else to think for you all the time.

[@trappz_io2620]

@@mrsugar2352 he obviously doesn’t know that’s why he asked. Think before you comment something stupid.

[@sandracanales4243]

I'm glad to see another of your videos 😍it's been a while 👍

[@dillonproctor369]

As a guy who has had 3 knee surgeries and hip issues I struggle upkeeping my legs. Squats are certainly out of the question for me at this point. So it's good to know the potential without regular/front squats or deadlifts. Appreciate the video.

[@sonpois]

Man i feel you but i found the solution. His name is “knees over toes guy”. Check him on yt. Youre welcome

[@dillonproctor7835]

@@sonpois appreciate it. That’s the second recommendation I have heard now. I’ll look into it. Thank you.

[@sonpois]

@@dillonproctor7835 no worries. Regarding diet, i quit gluten years ago as it caused major inflammation in my joints as well as brain fog, sinus and skin problems. Worth checking out if you have any of those symptoms. Wishing you good health

[@carlosrodriguez7169]

Such badass training dude!!!🤘🏻🔥

[@arulkumaran4959]

No point in squatting when you do reverse lunges and split squats. They both have more quad focus than squats. for most people squats fatigue the glutes and back before quads so training quads through squats make little gains. Good video!

[@replicantMK2]

good point you make here, i always feel it more on the ass, my quads work but i get a bigger burn/pump doing splits and reverse my concern is that then the ass would need to add an excercise for it

[@Fiftytwotop5]

@@replicantMK2 lmao

[@pileodirt3212]

I was looking for this because I had back surgery last september. It wasnt a major surgery, but i have been getting back into legs and only doing certain things so im looking to branch outmore. Thanks for the vid!

[@TMillerm16]

I have bad knees and squatting even in good form, hurts my knees. Thank you so much for this

[@DesMonDLee24]

THanks for showing us your way Richard , i learn alot!

[@m-r9937]

this guy does not miss any workouts

[@MegaCloud05]

Those Smith machine reverse lunges are BRUTAL. I just tried your workout today with the exact amount of weight you did and I had to lower it. My knees were telling me to lower it. 🤣 Hopefully I'll get stronger to add more

[@MrJuly1990ish]

I like your video cause it's simple, straight to the point on working out your legs.

[@elsolitarioangelito]

Man I just did the reverse lunges last night and my glutes are so sore month I didn't feel this great sensation. No pain no gain!! Thanks

[@bahandplays8373]

Soreness is not an indicator of a good workout

[@Ali-nr4sl]

@@bahandplays8373 you know nothing about exercise if you real life said that my guy

[@bahandplays8373]

@@Ali-nr4sl you know nothing about speaking English What the hell are you saying?

[@gmensfashionblog3966]

Grande Richard ! 💪💪 Great video

[@ZeeCapp]

Because of a shoulder injury I can’t hold up the barbell on normal back squats with out having a ton of pain and it just makes it so unfun for me. It’s definitely giving me hope that I don’t have to do squats to get big legs. Im just starting out but am only using machines for now and I definitely feel sore and work hard on my sets so I hope to see some good progress. Thanks for the video

[@fady904]

I thought I was alone but I have noticed better results using less weight performing lunges than squats!!

[@MCWM8589]

I love using the smith machine to do my squats and reverse lunges ,I notice its a machine that is 80% not used by the gym members better for me ,my only great struggle is doing front squats again the smith is my friend

[@andymcdonald8922]

I like using the idea of using the leg extension for a standing hamstring curl. I can never get the settings right on the other machines and dont feel like I'm getting the the best out of the exercise. Will defo give it a go

[@jinbez7973]

Wea you been brothaa ..good to see you back!!

[@jerrystone8856]

Been squatting for 33 years no problem whatsoever nothing wrong with squats being a lazy Ass is the real issue for most people who gripe about the exercise !

[@davefigthe3rd]

Bingo. When I go to the gym, I go to push my limits and embrace the pain of progress.

[@venermedina7673]

Great content!! I’ve been always trying to vary my workout to confuse my muscle without sacrificing strength and growth. I totally agree with your workout today and will definitely do this on my next leg day.

[@SnowboredK]

I usually set an alarm for a random time during the night. I keep a loaded barbell right next to my bed, and when that alarm is set off I do 20 reps RPE 9 ATG squats, to maximally confuse the muscles.

[@Jafmanz]

this is your problem. always trying to vary... bad idea...

[@earlr2992]

He's still doing squats. You could not figure out that squat on your own??

[@trappz_io2620]

@@SnowboredK 🤣

[@SnowboredK]

@peace why are you replying to me? and what do you mean?

[@thiagonavessantos89]

Very nice workout!! I'll use this leg training for now on. Thank you!

[@-tendinitis]

Lying leg curls 5 sets Leg extensions 5 sets Leg press 6 sets Hack squat 6 sets Sitting leg curls 4 sets Leg extensions heavy working sets 4-5 sets Calves sitting and standing 4-5 sets each Boom No squats and great leg workout

[@SalamiNugget]

or do 5x5 squats

[@-tendinitis]

@Mystic Truth sort of, without the back pain

[@gauravkanade1873]

Squats lunges and step ups are most crucial exercises in a leg workout....... without these leg workout is nothing

[@iang8169]

I can go to absolute gun to your head failure with leg presses without risk of injury . but if I try to go to gun to your head failure on squats there is a good chance of me really hurting / injuring my back so when I squat I usually will have to stop one short of failure , so leg presses for me are better .

[@gauravkanade1873]

@@iang8169 squats lunges and step ups works all the major muscles of lower body.......and all of these movements are functional....... leg press or leg extension don't work on all the four muscles of quads

[@octane4520]

@@gauravkanade1873 if ur going just for hypertrophy just to get big, you don’t need squats.

[@jacobdevries3567]

@@iang8169 for some reason for me I always end up having my back sore afterward, so I stopped doing it a couple weeks ago

[@Aabo98]

Best leg workout in a Long time🦵crazy pump😍🔥

[@stilljohnny9663]

Just worked out. Adding this tomorrow

[@AnthonyVenmans]

Amazing quality content Richard! Just in all curiousity but what is the main reason you prefer reverse lunges instead of forward lunges? My favorites are 1) Hack Squat, 2) Romanian Deads with the Hex/trap Bar (with heels elevated) and 3) Dumbbell Front Squat!

[@richard_duchon]

reverse lunges are easier because you’re balancing on the foot that stays in place, with forward lunges you’re balancing on the foot that you’re taking a step forward with and that’s a lot harder. Hope that makes sense, you can also only do reverse lunges when using the smith machine

[@AnthonyVenmans]

@@richard_duchon Makes completely sense!! That's a huge benefit I have never thought about!

[@MrViken-pc9sb]

thanks from sweden,great legs👍🇸🇪

[@matthewstewart5008]

Special juice for special people

[@alexanderespinoza7287]

I like the routine, looks so good I will start doing it tomorrow, I also used to live in Heerlen, actually in Maastricht I pretty like the gym options I find in the Netherlands, specially from Basic fIt, thanks for your videos.

[@haetienne]

This will be my new go to leg workout, thank you

[@KillRory]

Have one hand in a cast atm that’s why I’m here, the next few weeks are going to be leg oriented

[@chrisschutze2315]

Squats kill my knees. I wear high end powerlifting knee sleeves, and I have worked hard on fixing my technique, but no matter what I do squats cause me a great deal of pain in my knees. It’s always nice to see a good leg workout without squats.

[@123italiano321]

Try all stars hi-tops for leg day. They're sweet for stability!

[@jett742]

This looks phenomenal

[@arielostrowsky7751]

You should try Front-Squat, no back or neck issue with it.

[@Staymotivatedtodayandenjoylife]

You can build big legs with squats or not doing squats. It depends on how you perform each exercise. Tempo and intensity are very important to finding a good mind muscle connection. Without those two, you won't build big legs. Personally, my tempo varies from 2-3 secs depending on the exercise I'm doing. Remember, muscle growth is the adaptation to stress.

[@Ripcraze]

@peace Not much you can do, maybe roids could help a bit but just learn to live with it is much better imo.

[@Ripcraze]

@peace Sounds good, keep working them tho, do the best you can with what you've been given.

[@AlphonsoFitTrader]

Amazing workout variations.. 🔥

[@jannapiltie6569]

My quads hurt just looking at this video. Great work out line up. Trying next leg day.

[@abdullahsalamahmed9799]

Good form, I’m a fan of the smith machine I use it for many exercises especially for my back and chest but never for legs, which I’m going to try

[@maikjansen2332]

I prefer to do RDL with a trap bar, or dumbells with toes elevated on a plate, real gamechanger

[@Viv8ldi]

The standing ham curls are interesting never saw them executed

[@MirkoKaragöz]

Very strong Richard greets fron germany 🤙💯💪

[@djeeeeeee]

Great content man! Just implemented some exercises from this video into my routine :)

[@elkora_7138]

definitely giving this a go today!

[@Art-AI-and-beyond]

I like to do dumbbell Squats and more recently dumbbell Sumo Squats which are really good; especially for the hamstrings. With my chicken legs I've often found I get too out of breath doing barbell squats long before I feel any kind of burn in my quads but I still do them occasionally as its one of the best big compound exercises for building overall strength and works out multiple muscles in one go.

[@connorfischer3283]

Really liked that standing hamstring curl idea. Genius tbh. Those seated ones are useless imo

[@MHSenju3000]

You just earned a subscription from me. Your legs are amazing 👏 I hope to achieve that as well. I will try that thus week!

[@broddablack5290]

Fabulous stuff mate

[@dallaswinch5628]

Also with tren and test E

[@Hwyhogg]

It’s encouraging to see your leg development without squats. Did you ever do a lot of squats in the beginning to build them?

[@dogumentarytv6413]

Lunges and Bulgarian splits are squat variations like one legged squats

[@alexandrugunescu4585]

...and a lot of juice! orange juice!

[@guruveshsingh.q]

this gonna be my next set plan

[@bg147]

I have a struggle with balance when I do reverse lunges and Bulgarian split squats. The Smith is a good idea. I've never done squats and have focused on lunge varieties over the years.

[@whynot-qk4sw]

Holy shit your form is amazing!

[@Rock32188]

Thank you nice work from Afghanistan

[@DerekFrazier2014]

Ty , I have a hip issue so squats are out for me. I will add these exercises on my next leg day.

[@karson310]

Thank you so much for sharing brother!

[@geeeee8268]

I usually don't comment on workout videos, but this is sort of important. Sure you can jack up your legs without doing single squat, especially if you "juice" (if you know what I mean). I also don't judge, you do you. That's not the point. The point is, if you don't do squats you are missing out on whole load of core strength, posterior chain strength, balance. And what's most important bone density. Especially vertebra. And especially if have back issues, hip issues, mobility issues, etc. Squat is a must. Take it as you wish, or ignore, just one old man's 2 cents.

[@Goonzilla1102]

cool man, varying excersises, had something out of a couple of these

[@michelejp69]

Thank you for the most uncomplicated leg workout 💪

[@jonathanmanning5358]

You got a great pair of legs you been working hard on them you have the luck of the Irish behind you 🙏👍🇬🇧

[@Mixson31]

Thanks for sharing, I love it. Great legs muscle 💪

[@MrDiscreet100]

LOVE THIS VIDEO 💪🏿

[@youwouldntbelieveit89]

You look massive man, I wish my legs were as big as yours but unfortunately different genetic plus knee problem after injuries, well for a hard work and dedication 😎

[@SCP-001DatabaseAdministrator]

Different juice too

[@rahulsonivlogs8602]

Bro i seriously love you