Straight Facts: Do You Need To Do Squats To Get Big Legs?

Are squats necessary to build massive legs?

STRAIGHT FACTS WITH JERRY BRAINUM – is an in depth exploration of the more complicated elements behind bodybuilding training, nutrition, and supplements. Hosted by legendary and longtime industry expert, Jerry Brainum, Straight Facts answers user questions so no one is left in the dark.

For as long as bodybuilding has existed, squats have been seen as a key exercise and essential for serious leg development. But as science and technology has progressed – many have been worried or intimidated by the squat. This is mostly due to fear of knee or back injuries. These are things to truly be careful about – but much of the information regarding squats and knee injury is over exaggerated or even completely misinformed. That’s why Jerry Brainum is coming in with the Straight Facts so you know exactly how much, if any, damage squats can cause to your knees… and how alternate methods compare to the classic squat when it comes to building massive and conditioned legs.

Check out the full episode above!

Bodybuilding, fitness, weight training – all on the Generation Iron Fitness Network!

GI Team: The GI Team is here to provide top news and original content for the new generation. The generation of bodybuilders who are pushing the sport to bigger and better places. Join The Movement. Become a part of Generation Iron!

View Comments (0)

  • Haven't clicked on the article but the only people I've seen have big legs and not squat are the folks who end up doing 500 different exercises to make up for what they could do by squatting.

    • Red Munster and how would you know my thoughts on women which is very high, and for you to say what works for me is dumb is very dumb but i am a grown man i will not go back and forth like kids or call you names grow up dude lol, ps i don't deadlift ether and my back is 56'(weighted pullups).

  • What works for one, doesn't for another... but we can't escape from the big three; Squat, deadlift, bench.

    • Squat and deadlift yes but bench is by no means effective for building a good chest. Many pro BBs and veteran lifter/BBs do not utilize bench because the negative outweighs the benefit and there are far more effective chest exercises. I have not used a flat bench press in years and have a better cheat than I had when I did. In short, bench press is an ego lift, not a an effective BB exercise.

    • Pete Lucas It's not about building a good chest. Deadlifts aren't effective for building a good back and squats aren't the most effective exercise for targeting quads, hamstrings, glutes or calves.
      The purpose of those three exercises isn't to target one muscle group, it's to move heavy weight and put a lot of stress on the entire body stimulating the production of testosterone. If we were all getting our testosterone from injections like pro bodybuilders we wouldn't do any of them.

  • A person does not have to squat for great legs, but squats is one of the best overall leg developers, engaging Hams, Quads, Calves, Glutes and lower back.

  • I believe squats are integral...front,back or hack just pick one or two or all...no need for extensions

  • The answer is no, the best example is tom platz early in his career he actually had small legs, and he started to squat like crazy and the rest is history.

    • Johnson Dave when yates stopped he already had big legs they were never a weak point, if you have good leg genetics then you can get by without squats, but if you dont have good legs then you need to squat.