Building legs without squats

[TheGame23]

Okay, here's the scoop. Right now I'm a full time student, working full time, and have a baby on the way. I get to workout three times per week, which is down from the usual 5-6. I don't have the money right now for a gym, and at home I have no way of doing squats. I have olympic weights, bench, some extentions, yadda yadda yadda. Since I can't do squats, what can I do to get some results. Obviously I won't be able to get the huge legs I want, but I need to do something other then leg extentions. Will dumbbell and barbell lunges work well? How about sissy squats?

 

[bignate73]

why cant you squat?

squat what you can clean up to your shoulders. front squats. overall you will get good benefits from cleaning the weight up. the stronger your clean gets, the more you can do for your front squat.

there is more to life than back squats.

yes, lunges are good. step ups. reverse lunges etc. deadlifts.

 

[Haz]

Squat racks aren't that expensive either, so you might consider investing in one.

Good call on the Front squats.

 

[edgecrusher]

You could do barbell hacks, Jabelson squats, and deadlifts are good for developing the upper leg as wellas the back.

 

[coolcolj]

Try snatche deadlifts on a 4inch block

same range of motion as a squat, same training effect, but more upper body stimulation

basicly its a like super wide grip deadlift, this allows a deeper range of motion, and you must use a similar leg stance to a full squat. Use a 4 inch block to stand on to allow the required depth

You can shrug the bar at the top if you like, and rise on yoru toes for calf beefing up.

And you won't need a spotter either!
Much safer than a back squat in many ways, and you can do it much more explosively without spine compression effects

I dare say it could be even more stimulating than either a normal deadlift or full squat! Your traps and lats get more simulation than either exercise

 

[louden_swain]

I recommend using the tools that you have at the house. You will still be able to get a good leg workout, just be creative. Good luck!

 

[The Dude]

A couple barrels and you have a squat rack. Want extra safety? Do front squats from the barrels then. If you get stuck, you can get out of front squats easier or you can just be smart about your rep limitations on each set. Just squat dude. (I can't do back squats because of a peculiar back injury, but I front squat first thing all the time because you need to squat. Stingrays allow me to go heavy without shoulder problems. It's not the same as back squats, but I'm doing everything my body will allow me to do. Do the same.)