How to target the legs more during squat/lower body exercise?

the elastic

livin' outside of the matrix
Supporter
Joined
Mar 11, 2022
Messages
13,439
Reputation
6,330
Daps
63,069
Reppin
the bay/norcal
I've been getting back into exercising regularly and whenever I start getting into legs, I feel it more in my lower back and I end up cutting my workout short out of worry that I might hurt myself.

I know that I'm supposed to "tighten" my core but does that mean to flex my abs while I'm dipping or does it just mean to stay balanced?
 

TheMailMan

All Star
Joined
Mar 11, 2022
Messages
2,217
Reputation
442
Daps
5,086
My leg workout is .
Seated leg curl
Leg extension
Hip abductor
Leg press
Roman deadlift
Calf raise
In too old to squat but I might hit the squat machine sometimes
 

Swirv

Superstar
Supporter
Joined
Jul 1, 2012
Messages
16,293
Reputation
2,697
Daps
50,939
I've been getting back into exercising regularly and whenever I start getting into legs, I feel it more in my lower back and I end up cutting my workout short out of worry that I might hurt myself.

I know that I'm supposed to "tighten" my core but does that mean to flex my abs while I'm dipping or does it just mean to stay balanced?
@Son Goku
 

Son Goku

Great Sage Equalling Heaven
Joined
Jun 19, 2019
Messages
19,015
Reputation
2,812
Daps
39,771
I've been getting back into exercising regularly and whenever I start getting into legs, I feel it more in my lower back and I end up cutting my workout short out of worry that I might hurt myself.

I know that I'm supposed to "tighten" my core but does that mean to flex my abs while I'm dipping or does it just mean to stay balanced?

The muscles you “feel more” are probably the weakest muscles involved. It doesn’t mean that your legs need to be targeted more.
:beli:

Unless you are experiencing sharp/stabbing pains while performing the exercises, keep doing them and consider addressing your weak points with accessory work.
 

the elastic

livin' outside of the matrix
Supporter
Joined
Mar 11, 2022
Messages
13,439
Reputation
6,330
Daps
63,069
Reppin
the bay/norcal
Practice all your exercises without weights and make sure you're only moving what you're supposed to be moving and working out.
And a super simple thing I keep in mind when lifting is whatever I'm targeting is supposed to be the 1st muscle moving.
The muscles you “feel more” are probably the weakest muscles involved. It doesn’t mean that your legs need to be targeted more.
:beli:

Unless you are experiencing sharp/stabbing pains while performing the exercises, keep doing them and consider addressing your weak points with accessory work.
:salute: Duly noted
 

The ADD

Old Master
Joined
May 11, 2012
Messages
46,275
Reputation
5,785
Daps
93,396
I've been getting back into exercising regularly and whenever I start getting into legs, I feel it more in my lower back and I end up cutting my workout short out of worry that I might hurt myself.

I know that I'm supposed to "tighten" my core but does that mean to flex my abs while I'm dipping or does it just mean to stay balanced?
Is you form generally on point?
 

Thick_Necc_Jenkins

TheColi's Favorite Artist
Joined
Mar 11, 2022
Messages
9,369
Reputation
2,679
Daps
23,579
Reppin
Port City Louisiana Cooper Road
I've been getting back into exercising regularly and whenever I start getting into legs, I feel it more in my lower back and I end up cutting my workout short out of worry that I might hurt myself.

I know that I'm supposed to "tighten" my core but does that mean to flex my abs while I'm dipping or does it just mean to stay balanced?
Your lower back is taxing. You need to build its strength up. Look into Reverse Hyperextensions, Good Mornings and hip excercises such as adductor and abductor.

Those helped fix my back and I sqaut 3 to 4 times a week. I do the reverse hypers as a warm up ans then the adductors and abductors before I squat.

I use 50% of my Squat max 4x15 to 20 reps for reverse hyperextensions.

For adductor and abductor I do 4 sets of 12 to 20 reps.

By then my legs are warmed up and my lower back is hydrated with fluid and limber. No more pain or strain in lower back.
 
Top