Problem with training legs

[Crom]

I have a problem when training legs that I have had for several years now. I would like to see if anybody here could give me some advice. When training quads, I can not perform more than 2 working sets or else I puke. I warm up 4-5 sets, then do 2 working sets and that's when I have to throw in the towel. Calves and hamstrings are done before quads.

Now, some might say that it's "normal" to puke when training legs but if all I can do is 2 working sets for either leg press or squats how can that possibly be enough to grow?

I have gained a miniscule amount of mass on my quads the last years and wonder if anybody has any ideas on how to work around this problem?

I puke whatever I do (empty stomach, full stomach, carbs while training, no carbs, ECA prior to training, no ECA prior to training...). It's as if I reach a certain point of taxing my quads and that's it, beyond that point and I puke.

My stats:
39 years old
5'10
around 210-240 lbs (summer/winter)
been lifting weights for 15 years

 

[Tawab]

I also used to have the same problem a few years ago
it's just a matter of how u eat, i.e when and what

 

[just a pilgrim]

I have been training 12 years and the longer i train the more i can get out of each set i do.

For years 2 big sets on quads is all i can manage, i remember once thinking 2 wasn't enough i should try a third and my legs just wouldn't go down on the leg press LOL like they knew that was it.

I don't think you have a problem unless it is you are thinking you need to do more and that 2 sets isn't enough. I don't know what you do but now i just do 1 main set on Hacks and 1 on Leg press although i mix it up. I can squat but i find nowadays it doesn't target the quads as much and takes more energy for no extra reward on the quads. I do also do 1 set on leg extensions.

All i can offer to increase intensity if you only can do 2 sets is superset or dropset, maybe with leg extensions.

As for mass increase after 15 years it will be minor anyway i probably get a bit but it's the deeper cuts and quality i am after which makes me look bigger anyway. I am only 28 and it seems to be getting better and better all the time.

 

[full_belly]

2 sets of 101% is more than enuff, if you cant grow off that, look to your nutrition and rest.. look at us DC trainers, one set 6-10rep and one 15-50rep and thats it!!!

 

[MAINEVENT]

What about training quads twice a week with 2 sets each day? Squats one day, leg press or hack squats the next.

 

[Max32]

Bro, funny you say this b/c I have been experiencing the same thing....I was wondering if part of it was my weight and strength getting up past new bests, and also blood sugar possibly, who knows...

Yesteray, after warming up thoroughly, hit up 500 on free for 13 reps, then 405 for 21 reps, saw stars on the 405 from 15+...was planning on hammies and more quad work after , and barely mustered 1 set of extensions before hitting the ground in sweats, then limping to car, only to drive home and puke...this coming from someone who has never puked before prior to alst couple of weeks in any athletic endeavor from football two a days to all out strip sets on squats that lasted longer than 10 minutes...granted I did lose bladder control once though, lol....

I am gonna go the route of a vitargo drink during my training now. My bodyweight hovers around 255 now while bfat is pretty low for offseason at 9-10%. I think I just may need more calories, simple sugars, but again, who knows...I do feel your pain on this one though bro,,I used to love my high volume crazy ass leg workouts...

 

[MAINEVENT]

Yesteray, after warming up thoroughly, hit up 500 on free for 13 reps, then 405 for 21 reps, saw stars on the 405 from 15+...

Damn, no wonder. Thats freakin' awesome though

 

[Moen]

I had the same thing going on and I just take 1 motilium before legs, not the best way to go but until now the only way I've found that works.
So it has to do with the stomach, nothing blood sugar related, at least for me

 

[Max32]

I had the same thing going on and I just take 1 motilium before legs, not the best way to go but until now the only way I've found that works.
So it has to do with the stomach, nothing blood sugar related, at least for me

motillium?? Will have to look into that. In the mean time, I am going to go with the vitargo during and see where that gets me. I am also gonna add in some taurine for lower back cramps...

 

[mikeheavypecs]

I have a problem when training legs that I have had for several years now. I would like to see if anybody here could give me some advice. When training quads, I can not perform more than 2 working sets or else I puke. I warm up 4-5 sets, then do 2 working sets and that's when I have to throw in the towel. Calves and hamstrings are done before quads.

Now, some might say that it's "normal" to puke when training legs but if all I can do is 2 working sets for either leg press or squats how can that possibly be enough to grow?

I have gained a miniscule amount of mass on my quads the last years and wonder if anybody has any ideas on how to work around this problem?

I puke whatever I do (empty stomach, full stomach, carbs while training, no carbs, ECA prior to training, no ECA prior to training...). It's as if I reach a certain point of taxing my quads and that's it, beyond that point and I puke.

My stats:
39 years old
5'10
around 210-240 lbs (summer/winter)
been lifting weights for 15 years

Bro, I just left the gym. Did legs and still feel like I am going to puke. I don't EVER feel like this for other bodyparts. Can't figure it out........

MIke

 

[Nssca]

That feeling of going to puke is from hypoglycemia...best thing to do is get in better shape cardio wise...squatting takes a lot out of you cardiovascular wise.
Try to go with a weight you can do 15 reps...even if its 135lbs. or less. Then when you can hit 15 reps without feeling like shit go up 10-20lbs and work your way up to 15 reps again.

 

[Crom]

Thanks for all the replies, guys!

It's actually good to hear that I am not alone with this problem. I must admit that even though I miss the high volume leg workouts I still feel very satisfied with an all out 2 hard working sets for quads.

I allways do 2 x 12 reps on as heavy as possible (on leg presses...I am not able to target my quads that well on squats, only my ass grows on squats.. ).

Moen: I will check "motilium" out!

just a pilgrim, full_belly: Yes, I think you are right, 2 sets shuold be adequate, and I'm allways wasted afterwards anyway so it should be enough.

mainevent: I need 5 days to recouperate after leg day so I can't do legs more than once a week, but it's good enough.

Max32: You're a big strong dude, welcome to "The Barf club"!

DaRooster: You may have a point all though I'm allways in reasonable shape cardio wise.


I think after my own experience and all the info from you guys that it's an individual thing. Some people just can't take too many sets on a large muscle group like quads. We should try to experiment with carbs and other supplements and see if this helps in any way. 2 good hard sets is still good enough though.

Thanks again for the replies, PM is great for quality info!

 

[big-O]

i havent even done legs for a few weeks i am so sick of not getting any results i eat alot and everything else on my body grows but legs and i always feel like im gonna puke if i do squats...same thing with deadlifts. it helps me to drink a gatorade while im working out when i do legs

 

[Moen]

Motilium is just what we have at home for stomach discomfort/nausea, anything for that is fine. You should try to find out what causes it for you, something blood sugar related (which I doubt) or just plain stomach discomfort.

I forgot to add that it's worse or more likely to happen when I have a belt on for too long or too tight, so again -> stomach

 

[cecray3]

I have a problem when training legs that I have had for several years now. I would like to see if anybody here could give me some advice. When training quads, I can not perform more than 2 working sets or else I puke. I warm up 4-5 sets, then do 2 working sets and that's when I have to throw in the towel. Calves and hamstrings are done before quads.

Now, some might say that it's "normal" to puke when training legs but if all I can do is 2 working sets for either leg press or squats how can that possibly be enough to grow?

I have gained a miniscule amount of mass on my quads the last years and wonder if anybody has any ideas on how to work around this problem?

I puke whatever I do (empty stomach, full stomach, carbs while training, no carbs, ECA prior to training, no ECA prior to training...). It's as if I reach a certain point of taxing my quads and that's it, beyond that point and I puke.

My stats:
39 years old
5'10
around 210-240 lbs (summer/winter)
been lifting weights for 15 years

IMO, it has to do with what you're eating before your workout and how long beforehand. Also, something that seems to work better for me is to train my larger groups first. For example, train quads and hams, then calves.

 

[cecray3]

Another thing I just thought of is try doing heavier sets with fewer reps. The fewer reps will give your body less time to react negatively to being trained as opposed to higher rep sets which obviously take more time to complete.

 

[Max32]

Another thing I just thought of is try doing heavier sets with fewer reps. The fewer reps will give your body less time to react negatively to being trained as opposed to higher rep sets which obviously take more time to complete.

At heavier weights, this becomes a joint issues not to mention muscle fiber/activation one...I prefer to stay 500 or lower on squats

 

[VanR__]

I came close to puking doing legs today. It's getting warm and that makes it worse. I'd love to do leg day in 50 degrees year round.
I have been lifting for 6ish years now and I still have not yacked in the gym yet *knock on wood*