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

[the elastic]

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]

Maybe warm up the lower back before your working sets?

 

[the elastic]

Maybe warm up the lower back before your working sets?

I definitely warm up, but maybe I'm not doing that right either

 

[TheMailMan]

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

 

[The ADD]

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

In your 60s?

 

[PortCityProphet]

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.

 

[Swirv]

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]

Too old to squat but it’s 70+ year old powerlifters flexing on your ass?

 

[Son Goku]

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.


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]

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.


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

Duly noted

 

[The ADD]

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?

 

[King_Kamala61]

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.

 

[Son Goku]

Is you form generally on point?

Let’s also remember that rookie lifters may think their form is gucci when it’s not; they might not know what right looks like.