E
Erkki
Guest
Originally posted by Randy Strausbaugh
I'm not talking about low intensity exercise when referring to horse stance training. I'm talking about the training that makes your legs SCREAM. And, while any intense exercise will release GH, the large muscles of the legs, given sufficient effort, will release more. That's why lifters will say that heavy squats will help their bench, but heavy bench work doesn't do much for their squats.
Trying to avoid life's potholes,
Randy Strausbaugh
Stance work is comparatively low intensity, insofar as the muscles of the legs are concerned. Intensity in muscles is usually defined as the amount of tension generated. This tension is what releases GH. Stance training does not generate a high amount of tension (despite what it feels like), unless you isometrically add it in, which you shouldn't do if you want a snowball's chance in hell of holding the stance for any respectable length of time. What makes the legs SCREAM is lactic acid, which is not always an indication of high intensity. You are correct that many lifters will say that squats (heavy squats) will help their bench (among other lifts). The high release of GH is one reason. Another reason is again attributed to the high amount of tension heavy squats generate. This tension radiates to other muscles in the body, especially the core muscles, making them stronger, which in turn helps stabilize the body and make you stronger for other exercises such as bench, shoulder press, etc. Heavy deadlifts are another exercise that accomplish this same feat.