Squats for Bigger Arms???

[Funbun]

So, I've been looking up on how to get bigger arms. I hit the YMCA a lot and work isolation and compound exercises on my shoulders, biceps, triceps, back, chest, etc. Unfortunately, I haven't gotten any noticeable results despite my frequency of working out. I even consume a protein shake and some food after each workout. Plus, I run long-distance occasionally (now that XC season is over).

This piece of information bothered me initially. I didn't understand at all how a mainly back/leg exercise could possibly improve your arms when it didn't even target it. According to websites, it seems that squats raise testosterone and natural growth hormone levels, thus somehow allowing me to develop bigger arms as I do other exercises.

I have several concerns: Should I actually start incorporating squats into my workout? I mean, I didn't know that it would make that big a difference in getting bigger arms. Have any Talk Tennis member attested to this? My cousins (nearly all of them) are bodybuilders, and it occured to me that I haven't asked them if they incorporate squats. Also, are there any other exercises that would help me get bigger arms? I mainly, however, want to get bigger and stronger overall to help me get more power on my serves and help me last longer for longer games. I actually feel sore everywhere sometimes if I play someone who can keep as long rallies as I can.

So, is it true that squats do help? My biceps, forearms, triceps, and shoulders never seem to get nearly as big as my friends, and I always wonder why. I try as much as I can to vary my regimen, even including speedwork/cardio running.

Much help would be appreciated! I posted here because I need to keep the context of tennis too, alongside girls and other things.

By the way, I'm 16, and I'm not scrawny nor am I on the chunky side. I kinda have a runner's body, but a bit more muscley, you could say.

 

[Pro Staff Pete]

Squats will improve your leg and ass mucles

 

[Itagaki]

Full-depth squats will aid in gaining muscle on your entire body

 

[Djokovicfan4life]

Squats will improve your leg and ass mucles

It's a lot more than that. Full depth squats work something like 70% of the muscles in your body.

 

[WildVolley]

There's probably some truth in the squat theory, but it is obviously not necessary for some percentage of the world's population. As a track athlete and sprinter when I was young, I had a very strong core and strong legs and a not so strong upper body. However, when I was in the gym, it was common to see guys with big arms, a big chest and absolute chicken legs - like a strong guy out of a children's cartoon.

So some guys can put a lot of mass on their upper body while having the leg muscularity of a small child.

 

[Dadof10s]

Squats are the ultimate mass builder and will no doubt increase the upper body as well. But still do your overhead presses and bench presses and rows.

At your age, just stick to Olympic free weight exercises done with strict form and a spotter. Squats, dead lifts, overhead press, bench press, rows. Those big boys should be the bulk of your workouts.

If your cousins are bodybuilders they no doubt do plenty of squats.

 

[maggmaster]

Compound movements definitely activate the most muscle groups, but make sure that you have a thorough understanding of the bio mechanics of squats and dead lifts before you start banging out reps. There are a great number of ways to get hurt in the gym but poor form squats and dead lifts are some of the most painful. Also Olympic lifts are amazing for athletes but you need a coach to watch your form, if you are going to venture into this area find someone to work out with and watch each other like hawks.

 

[jpr]

compound exercises, like squats, do 2 things important to other muscle group development.

1) stimulates your body's biochemical response to build muscle. these agents encourage muscle growth throughout the body, not only the legs. if you have trained your arms, they will benefit from this process. The amount of stimulus/response is greater when doing squats vs thousands of curls.

2) compound movements accelerate neural response development, which over time will help with other aspects of training.

take a look at competitive powerlifters. most do not do any form of isolation work on their arms, yet they are stronger, larger and more defined than the average gym goer. why?

 

[danno123]

I have heard that working the big leg muscles and glutes promotes testosterone. That said, why do it with weights? Why not try some explosive jumping or sprints?

 

[r2473]

Have any Talk Tennis member attested to this? My cousins (nearly all of them) are bodybuilders, and it occured to me that I haven't asked them if they incorporate squats.

Ask your cousins. If they are bodybuilders, this is something they should know. Also, they will know you personally, so their response will include this information.

 

[Itagaki]

I have heard that working the big leg muscles and glutes promotes testosterone. That said, why do it with weights? Why not try some explosive jumping or sprints?

Because odds are you dont have a foundation of strength to transfer into power, making these less effective(and more dangerous) than if you did.

Its like telling a beginner to do plyometrics and sprints