Squats Are NOT Building Your Legs?? - Doug Brignole

Doug Brignole is a bodybuilding veteran with over 40 years of experience and uses physics to explain why squats are not the most efficient route to developing bigger, stronger legs. Mind blowing info in the full length podcast here: lnk.to/DougBrignole
And in his book, "The Physics of Resistance Exercise": amzn.to/2QAYUiK
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[@cheriemaceachern9746]

Many people have called Doug a “ quack” , lve been lifting for 40 years, I’ve done all the exercises out there. You reach a certain age where you want to stay in shape but you just don’t want to get injured because the lay off time is 4 times what it was when l was young. Squats DO build the legs, Doug has never said they do not, he just looks for the safest way that will still build muscles in all his exercises.

[@Biz613]

Doug is not saying exercises like bench press, squats and deadlifts don’t build muscles. They absolutely do. He’s saying that they are not the most efficient for targeting the muscle are trying to train and carry a much greater risk of injury.

[@samscott6880]

Stupid hypothesis.

[@gregz1235]

💯

[@samt1705]

I saw another longer video on this channel with title that barbell isn't necessary. I guess he's saying compound exercises aren't that great. I'm gonna watch that now.

[@gregz1235]

@@samscott6880 how so? Please elaborate.

[@rockon8174]

@@samscott6880 stupid. Just call it plain stupid and lazy lifter logic. 😐

[@TheCatseyepub]

Doug says squats build quads, just not as well as dedicated quad exercises like leg extensions, sissy squats and cable squats.

[@rockon8174]

Leg press and leg curls build the legs just fine. 😐

[@gregz1235]

Very misleading title. I've been a follower of doug for years now. He acknowledges squats build legs overall, but not each muscle optimally. On top of that, it does so with a much higher injury risk than other alternatives.

[@klw3786]

Since the title has 2 question marks then it is not misleading...it is a question not a statement

[@Mister_Vintage]

FINALLY! Someone demonstrating the physics behind training. Anyone over 6'4" knows EXACTLY what he is talking about....squatting tall isn't squattting....its a good morning with a little hip activiation.

[@bloodwolf2685]

That is when you change the position of the barbell to fit your needs, if squating is required.

[@gigiodell714]

Once again VINCE GIRONDA proven right!

[@richbrake9910]

Gironda was the first to explain the physics of resistance training. Brignole took it even further.

[@dernuniverse9813]

Doug is the scientist we need it for explaining smart training 365 ...good info ...the future of training has arrived

[@SmartTraining365Biomechanics]

The reason why he said can you hold on a quick second is because I locked my self out and I needed to get back in, my bad

[@robbarker4214]

🤣

[@arc0006]

Moe!!!

[@joelbennett1246]

Moe that is completely unacceptable... 🤣

[@ggram0551]

Always loved Doug's work since I stumbled on one of his ebook some years ago ....I believe it was the biomechanics of muscle. The fitness scene lost a real gem when he passed. R I.P. and condolences to his family and friends.

[@brandonyoung4910]

My brain wasn’t ready for the load he presented it with this geometry

[@asdfkjhlk34]

His geometry is wrong anyway

[@asprinklingofclouds]

4:58 Never max out without a safety rack or spotter.

[@jamesatkinson5805]

I see comments like " Only a Bodybuilder would care about their Quad's, i want to be stronger in the Squat movement" and others along those lines. Or they've gone down the " Functional Training Rabbit hole" They are thinking that somehow doing what Doug is explaining won't accomplish that, and that's just not the case at all. The fact is his training will promote strength in all muscle groups but also allow you to target those muscles harder than a lot of other exercises mentioned. And sure if you compete in powerlifting then yes you will have to spend some time practicing the Squat, Deadlift, and Bench because lifting itself is a skill. But you could do something like this in conjunction. But the fact is if you are an athlete or anyone else who is interested in developing their physique this would work beautifully

[@Football__Junkie]

I totally agree that the exercises that require less weight are more productive and you can adjust the load and movement way more. Example is lunges or single leg squats. This is talking about bigger muscle groups. Another example is doing cable machines for chest. Requires less load but gives a great pump

[@rockon8174]

A pump doesn't equate to proper stimulus. You can get a pump doing partial reps. Doesn't mean you have stimulated muscle growth. 😑

[@jogendrajoshi7327]

@@rockon8174 your reply is irrelevant to his assertion

[@lazur1]

Many people don't use free weights. I hope Doug has an opportunity to help a company like MedX design machines using these principles. .

[@ALKATRAZ99]

Great podcast

[@ronald830924]

"Squats Are NOT Building Your Legs?? " That is not what he is saying....

[@Mike500]

Come on, we all know they chose an attention-grabbing "controversial" video title to get some more clicks for this highlight clip.

[@sonphan8914]

The dude might be onto something, never had to isolate my glutes and hamstrings for size because squats is my primary movement, always had to isolate quads or add in front bar squats to keep up with the hamstrings and glutes though

[@stevenhewes1990]

I squat like an olympic weightlifter. So I don't have that problem.

[@_SLAVEONE_]

I get it but it's common sense that compound lifts are the best way to condition and strengthen the body. It's designed to work all together not isometricly. The body is a machine designed for hunting, fighting and moving. Not bench pressing or deadlifting 700 pounds.

[@davepazz580]

Yes but the aim of his training isn't to "condition and strengthen" but to develop and grow for bodybuilding...

[@ididyermom3273]

Just the ideas of challenging the Bro-Science scares so many but all Doug is focusing on is helping people achieve greater results with less risk and or effort. If you don't like Doug's approach, continue working out as you please.

[@malcolmjelani3588]

Now that this guy is dead and gone ive watch a lot of his interviews and you guys are the only ones who listened and gave him a shot. In all honesty his insights are fantastic considering louie Simmons was a big believer in isolating muscles and making them as strong as possible in order to increase efficiency in the power lifts

[@rockon8174]

3:10 this is very much a valid explanation.

[@robbarker4214]

The title should be squats are not the most optimal exercise for building the quadriceps . Witch Doug explains why in this video . All exercises can be broken down and evaluated . In power lifting you use physics to lift the most weight For Christ sake .also lots of isolation exercises are shit witch get broken down by the exact same rules .all explained in the book and Course . This is a game changer .

[@alexanderb7791]

I'm 6'7 I am not a fan of squatting or bench press or deadlifts. They are not good exercises and don't feel good the amount of wear they put on your body even with good form and moderate weight not to mention I've built my body better without them

[@monkeywkeys3916]

Concentration...

[@monkeywkeys3916]

I like the movements. But they have huge potential for injury. It doesn't take much. Something's off. Ergonomics, weight, grip, balance, Concentration. My legs are long and it's a art form to execute those movements safe & effectively.

[@shangsterz]

So what is optimal for quad development?

[@CankleCankle]

Not squats

[@Karlosex450]

Leg extensions and sissy squats

[@wesleyj47]

Leg extensions,sissy squats, or cable squats

[@doodefl262]

This all sounds wonderful in theory..but time and time again I have destroyed my knees trying sissy squats

[@gymguy281]

Hack squats are great

[@koreyhannan9071]

So he disqualifies it being an isometric so that means isotonic correct

[@Saul-gm6xo]

I see that this question is 2 years old but I want to answer for anyone who is wondering the same thing. He disqualifies any exercise that works your muscle isometrically because it's not as productive as dynamic exercise for the purpose of building muscle. In a dynamic exercise the target muscle is lengthening and contracting against resistance rather than holding a position against resistance.

[@grahamchan4266]

The ladies lifting especially (men as well to a similar degree) are really using leverage form and speed to lift the weights during the squat. Watch Phil Heath squat and its a completely different story. You can see massive quad activation in the small lower range that counts. He also does high reps with moderate weight. Doug is just generalizing here and using bodybuilding template and judging powerlifting.

[@tuckt6180]

In my book, gosh, for sale too ??🤪🤪

[@mohamedmahfouz1404]

and what about functionality ?

[@olderthanyoucali8512]

Functionality is achieved by engaging in what specific kind of movements your sport/game requires, repeatedly.

[@timas2791]

Wtf did I watch at 4:58 lmfao

[@caza728]

It looked like some type of dance under a bar.

[@coopdvillkc]

Never skip leg day

[@egovssoul]

My brain is fried, but in a good way.

[@rockon8174]

1:55 watch Tom Platz squat here. Look at that femur. He was getting a great load on his quads. kzbin.info/www/bejne/pV7FkJqZjadlZ6M

[@matthewfrancis9237]

Squat at 5:00 is hilarious!!🤣🤣

[@pauloalmeida3728]

Lets be honest here Mark loves limit testing!

[@boxerfencer]

Don't agree with Doug all the time but love listening to him!

[@sooparticular]

me neither...but hes great and right about alot

[@bigt9374]

Tom platz has entered the chat

[@reyreyes6126]

Squats may not build directly build the quads but squats strengthen the overall strength needed to perform other exercises. Compound exercises are for over all development--when muscles coordinate to perform them but isolation exercises are for direct development of the specific muscle. So the compound exercises and isolation exercises are complimentary; the former is foundational, the latter is for the advanced training. Moderation is the key in both exercises; overloading performing the squats may harm the spines but use enough weight to work over all muscles, to prepare one to do isolation exercises like sissy squats for quads. We need to perform compound exercises as foundational development; no serious bodybuilder begins bodybuilding performing only isolation exercises.

[@rockon8174]

Do what works for you.

[@oldgeezerfitnessr.perales7344]

If ones genetic propensity is to build large quads....it can be done with bodyweight squats....jump squats....backward sled drags....hills sprints...stair climbing...........some require minimal stimulation to build muscle (ala all the drug dealers and gangbangers that hang out in my local area park....no diet...beer...booze.. drugs..zero exercise or training...but impressive body aesthetics). Others kill themselves using any and all manner of movement to keep from having chicken legs! My trainng partner of many years squatted over 400 for reps...used many angles and exercises and was rewarded with strong stick legs...zero calf development and a huge upper body,that he only hit with compound moves ...bench overhead press and row all with terrible form and heavy weight..nevertheless he grew like a weed from the waist up!!! Sometimes it's not in the cards.........

[@deepsquat600]

I dont know who the woman was that was squatting ... but damn...stop locking your knees with such force..you WILL hurt your knee sooner or later

[@nathanroberts6356]

3:20 I would highly question the calculations used to make those numbers, I think they are grossly misleading, Also front squats would be more comparable to sissy squats than a back squat so it’s not strictly a fair comparison or reasonable

[@davepazz580]

He used back squats because that's the movement most people do...

[@gmelliot19]

Doug is totally wrong here. Squats can be modified to increase knee moment arm substantially by using front bar position and elevating heels. If compressive and shear forces on the spine are a concern you can put the load on your hips by using a belt squat machine, or if thats not available use a machine like a pendulum squat or hack squat that lets you hold neutral posture more easily. Squats are not an isolation exercise for the quads so comparing their biomechanics to leg extensions or sissy squats is dishonest.

[@davepazz580]

He did actually advocate using pendulum squats... I don't see what the problem is with comparing a barbell squat to leg extensions... both work the thighs.

[@gmelliot19]

Because squats are a compound movement that also work glutes and adductors (and erectors if using barbell).

[@davepazz580]

But they are still worth comparing overall...

[@gmotwmirl]

Reinventing angular kinetics might be a bit excessive?

[@slavaukrainitv2716]

Physics is physics...? Nothing is being reinvented

[@gmotwmirl]

@@slavaukrainitv2716 biomechanics might be the most complex physical math there is. Joint angle vs pennation (sacrome) angle(s), fiber to tendon ratio matter more than sheer joint angle and osteokinematics alone . Although i basically agree with the dude i do for different reasons. Mark putting up this video, amongst others that would merk alotta pt sessions (months in some cases), is beyond critisism. Hat tilted to the max. 🎖

[@perulv4090]

Click bait much?

[@Firm-Tofu-King]

Everyone knows that squats hit more glutes.nothing wrong with having huge glutes.squats are not an ego thing as this guy claimed

[@boxerfencer]

Everyone knows?

[@boxerfencer]

@@stevend481 lol! That's true.

[@boxerfencer]

I guess that's why bikini competitors squat so much.

[@Firm-Tofu-King]

@@boxerfencer yeah.from what I've seen the best booty builder is the squat

[@stevenhewes1990]

@@boxerfencer EVERYONE!!!

[@totlguy]

People don't do squats to do "quads". The premise is false.

[@davepazz580]

But it's definitely high on the list for a bodybuilder...

[@totlguy]

@Cuss Blackstone false. Only bodybuilders and IG bunnies do. Everyone else does them to get strong.

[@davepazz580]

@@totlguy He's addressing his own target audience, which are bodybuilders...

[@Raptor44256]

That’s a long way around to say squats don’t focus on just the quads.

[@otziiceman8876]

Talk about miss the point 🤦🏾‍♂️

[@JuannTonn]

@@otziiceman8876 what’s the point?

[@Saul-gm6xo]

The point is there are better strategies for muscle development if that is what you're after. Specifically, in this video, he talked about how to work the quadriceps and glutes in a way that is more effective, efficient, and safe than squatting with a barbell.

[@Raptor44256]

@@Saul-gm6xo squats are safe. Every movement is “safe” relative to intensity and goal.

[@Saul-gm6xo]

@@Raptor44256 What Doug Brignole talks about is specifically optimal muscle development. That's the goal. The techniques he shared are more safe than what is conventional for the purpose of building muscle.

[@takashi-lee3943]

The answer is yes Squats are very effect at building the quads, glutes, and spine Sissy squats are good for quads but don’t mistake it they are different

[@toddeatherly3429]

You can see these guys don’t really understand what Doug is saying…sadly a common theme in the fitness industry.

[@therealscot2491]

First in

[@stevenhewes1990]

Tell that to Olympic weightlifters.

[@samscott6880]

Didn't you know that Planet Fitness members build better legs than Olympic lifter?

[@nubbsy6]

@@samscott6880 didn’t you know Olympic weightlifters don’t really care about how “developed” their legs are?

[@davepazz580]

Olympic weight lifters do squats?

[@DonedHiga]

This guy even trains?

[@brettolson9544]

AAU Mr. Universe

[@wesleyj47]

Yes look up his resume

[@mikesmith379]

Only a body builder would want to grow his quads. I actually want to be stronger in the squat movement. I don't care which muscles get bigger, I just want to be able to squat more weight. I actually don't want big quads--it makes my pants uncomfortable!

[@samscott6880]

Unfortunately, your quads will have to grow for your squatting strength to increase.

[@mikesmith379]

@@samscott6880 Sure, but why would I want to isolate them instead of simply progressively loading the movement?

[@joebloggs6922]

Mark Rippetoe would approve or this comment

[@davepazz580]

you are a different target audience then...

[@iron.sanibisht]

Tell that to tom platz

[@safwansalem5987]

I think Platz had a very high bar squat.

[@slapnutz1]

And knees over toes.

[@Karlosex450]

He uses the leg extension machine and other exercises with pretty high intensity and volume tho. Not only squat.

[@thepowerbodybuilder]

Also Tom Platz is the bodybuilder that made sissy squats and sissy squat style hack squats popular.

[@slavaukrainitv2716]

I don't think Platz knows physics but he has genetics and worked very very hard. He could have gotten the same results with less effort by using a biomechanical optimal exercise in this case the leg Extension which he also used to do but just not as his primary exercise. The problem is you do different exercises for a muscle group and you don't really know which one produces most growth. When I switched to leg extensions only my quads didn't loose any siye in fact, several month later they had by almost an inch which is a lot considering I have been training for over 5 years now. I recommend switching a conventional exercise to one of Doug's recommended exercises and you won't be disappointed. Pro tip: try the lat pull in first it is by far the best lat stimulation I ever got with any kind of bodybuilding exercise to this day. Conventional exercises work just as good but they are less efficient so you will end up having to do more volume and intensity and they are more injurious to your body. I just turned 43 and can still train heavy by using those isolation lifts Doug mentions and don't have any aches or pains.

[@Don-pk2uy]

💉💉💉

[@jimscarnivorekitchen4731]

This guy was confusing. Hard to get a simple answer out of him.

[@gregz1235]

No he's not. In fact he takes very complex subjects and makes them as digestible as possible. Things aren't always black and white.

[@jimscarnivorekitchen4731]

@@gregz1235 actually he should be a politician his answers are so indirect.

[@gregz1235]

@@jimscarnivorekitchen4731 no. He spend over an hour answering all their questions. There's a ton to cover here and he did it in a very concise fashion. Do more research or read his book of you need more specific.

[@otziiceman8876]

@@jimscarnivorekitchen4731 indirect his giving you all the Information you need .trouble is your to afraid to listen or look into it for fear of finding out your wrong . We all made mistakes and copied and did stupid shit over the years but the worst thing is to keep blindly doing it.

[@tuckt6180]

Meanwhile Doug injects himself 4 upcoming contest. Funny, how Doug uses traditional exercise 4 growth yet his lever formula is FOR SALE $$. TOTAL B.S.

[@giorgioanastasios4734]

Don't know what that means ? The guy is knowledgeable boss. And why no one needs bent over rows. Or squats. Many pros prove that. Not worth rhe effort. Period

[@static49ers8]

@@giorgioanastasios4734 also a lot of ifbb pros are juiced to the gills and have world class genetics and a great work ethic.....well not all but a goof chunk

[@rockon8174]

So what? He has a book for sale that goes into more detail. If you can't afford it, sign out from your local library.

[@tuckt6180]

@@rockon8174 Of course "it" has a book FOR SALE, how many different ways can u spin Progressive Overload. there all full of SHIT ! DOUG ESPECIALLY !

[@rockon8174]

@@tuckt6180 at this point, you're just being ignorant. Take care. Nothing further to discuss.

[@dunningkruger9122]

How does he explain squatters with quads? He has to literally ignore reality to maintain his reductionist view regarding levers and muscle action. He' s wrong about the rectus femoris. As the hips extend, the rectus femoris is stretched at the hip, but contracts extending the knee. EMG studies demonstrate activity in the rectus femoris during the squat.

[@Karlosex450]

What about squatters with Injuries? The point is that you can isolate the quad for maximum hypertrophy with 0% load in your spine. He never said that squats doesn’t work the quad.

[@gregz1235]

@Simon Palmer this

[@sooparticular]

@Simon Palmer exactly ...genetics drugs....tons of volume etc.

[@robbarker4214]

@@sooparticular Drugs have hidden the truth for far to long .

[@dunningkruger9122]

@@Karlosex450 What about them? If you find greater results through squatting, it's a risk reward analysis. He did imply squats don't work some of the quads. He implied squats don't activate the rectus femoris which is part of the quads. I also never claimed he said they don't work the quads. I asked how he explains squatters with quads. By that I mean highly developed quads. How are they developing quads to a great degree without sufficient load to cause hypertrophy? How does he know what "maximum hypertrophy" is versus less than maximum hypertrophy? If load is the primary determinant of hypertrophy does that mean that doing max singles cause the greatest hypertrophy? He has no real world evidence to support the claim that isolation exercises more effectively hypertrophy the quads.

[@user-om4ki3mb5s]

So he is essentially saying humans are too efficient at squatting, so using squatting to build your legs slows down your progress. I'm guessing all the people who get sore quads doing narrow foot squats hut their backs feel fine, are sub human.

[@davepazz580]

Not at all...

[@user-om4ki3mb5s]

@@davepazz580 Pointless comment, you might as well have down liked it, unless you're open to discussion 😉

[@davepazz580]

What he's saying is that the typical squat movement (doesn't matter which foot stance) is not an efficient exercise for loading the quads... in this case, "efficient" simply means the largest percentage possible of the weight you are lifting *directly* loading your targeted muscle. I'm not sure exactly which way you mean "slows down your progress"... if you mean that you could possibly suffer more injuries or develop certain issues from too much heavy back squatting which would (in turn) hinder your overall gym progress, then yes I agree. Of course, how prone you will personally be to suffer from these physical issues (and when they will develop) is another matter entirely... I myself squatted "heavy" for many years with no serious issues - however, I was younger back then and built pretty strong for the squat movement - physical qualities many other people do not share.