The Men’s Physique division is not judged based on legs so do they train the body part?
It is always said that you should not skip leg day. For bodybuilders, this is especially true as competitors are judged on their body as a whole. Of course, this is not true of the Men’s Physique division.
Men’s Physique bodybuilders take the stage in long shorts and show off their well-conditioned upper bodies. The condition of their legs will not be taken into account so the obvious question is, do competitors include leg day into their routine?
How Is The Men’s Physique Division Judged?
The Men’s Physique division has become one of the biggest in bodybuilding with many shows during the season. Winners qualify for the Mr. Olympia each year and the turnout has approached 50 bodybuilders at the biggest show of the year.
Athletes take the stage wearing board shorts that must be one inch below the belly button and hang two inches above the kneecap. They must perform without a shirt or shoes as judges get the best look possible from prejudging into routines.
Ultimately, judges will look for symmetry and condition rather than size like Open Bodybuilding.
“Judges will be looking for fit competitors who display proper shape and symmetry combined with muscularity and overall condition. This is not a bodybuilding contest so extreme muscularity will be marked down,” says the NPC website on Men’s Physique judging.
While legs are not taken into account, it is an important body part to train for overall symmetry.
Will Men’s Physique Competitors Train Legs?
If you look hard enough, there will be Men’s Physique competitors who do not train legs — or at least do not train them as hard as they should. The short answer is yes, Men’s Physique competitors will likely have a leg day in their weekly routines. Many competitors, while not having the size of other divisions, will have muscular legs under the board shorts.
Men’s Physique bodybuilder Charjo Grant has three victories over the course of his career. In June, Grant joined Barbend and showed off his split during the week. Grant discussed how he incorporates two leg days per week.
“If you’re a true bodybuilder, you work every muscle no matter the category. You see me on stage and you can tell I train my legs.”
Grant believes that the thought that Men’s Physique competitors do not train legs is one of the biggest myths in the sport.
The Importance of Training Legs
There are many benefits to training your legs. Leg training can improve your ability to burn more calories, help with mobility, movement and with your ability to maximize your strength. There are many reasons why you shouldn’t skip leg day.
Different research shows that testosterone levels are elevated when performing compound movements with the largest muscle groups. This includes barbell squats. When testosterone levels are elevated, it helps increase muscle growth and strength. The method of working bigger muscles will also require more energy and lead to burning more calories.
The process of building muscle in your legs will also lead to a better overall look. The symmetry for bodybuilders who compete on stage is also beneficial to those in their everyday life.
And of course, the risk of injury goes down if you keep a strong lower half. If you do not train your legs, this will lead to low mobility and this could lead to back pain. Also, different exercises, such as squats and lunges, will build muscle around your joints and bring stability. If you neglect your lower half, you are running the risk of different injuries to ligaments in your knees.
Wrap Up
The idea of training legs is one that many do not believe is necessary for competitors but they will tell you it is quite the opposite. Many Men’s Physique bodybuilders will still focus on leg training during the week to add different benefits to their physique. Even if it is not being judges, athletes want to make sure to have built up legs for overall health and wellness.
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