I wouldn't say that you need to squat or deadlift if mass / aesthetics are your main goals and to some extent it doesn't matter for strength either
Martin provides some very good points.
However, the whole squat-deadlift saga comes across as a bit dogmatic. If mass and strength are your ultimate goals, then they NEED to be in your program. Week in, week out. No questions. Not everyone has the same goals though.
I've squatted and deadlifted my entire training career. I love them. I have reduced the volume over the last few years as they definitely thicken the waist, hips and glutes. To the point of severely creating an inbalance between my lower and upper body. That's a testament to the power of these two compounds. Now I naturally started out with thick wheels, and I basically only need to do 3-4 sets of squats and 3-4 sets of deads a week to maintain my mass and strength. Any more and they get out of control. However, if your wheels are naturally skinny and you don't have much of a waist - get to it.
I wouldn't say that you need to squat or deadlift if mass / aesthetics are your main goals and to some extent it doesn't matter for strength either
Don't make me all disagreeable on your ass again...
That's fine but he's all about getting lean mass, and he's saying "don't whinge about not improving your physique if you aren't even squatting and DL'ing".
Looking at some of his pictures I'm not sure I like HIS physiqe that much, but jesus he's lean and looks good for someone who does 3 days a week and only 6 exercises.
I particularly like the - 10. You're afraid of "bulky muscles" and use terms like "toning."
This guy doesn't squat or deadlift (Victor Konovalov)
Rahman Siamand bench pressed 290kg despite being in a wheelchair having never squatted or deadlifted
Squat vs. Leg Press for Big Legs | BodyRecomposition - The Home of Lyle McDonald
"First and foremost, while I’m sure my answer will offend the hardcore/hardheaded lifters, there is no requirement to perform squats (back or front) to build big legs (or even build leg strength)."
I know you love your squats and deadlifts, but they are not needed! Deal with it
Just to test Martin's theory though, what are your current lifts? And are you happy with your physique?
This guy doesn't squat or deadlift (Victor Konovalov)
Rahman Siamand bench pressed 290kg despite being in a wheelchair having never squatted or deadlifted
Squat vs. Leg Press for Big Legs | BodyRecomposition - The Home of Lyle McDonald
"First and foremost, while I’m sure my answer will offend the hardcore/hardheaded lifters, there is no requirement to perform squats (back or front) to build big legs (or even build leg strength)."
I know you love your squats and deadlifts, but they are not needed! Deal with it
Yeah, phsyique is pretty good. Not as lean as I should be at the moment, but nothing to do with squats or deads. That's inconsistent training/niggles/diet.
Lifts are average from a numerical stand point at the moment because of the nature of my training program. I'm combining strength, power and endurance and cardio. Plenty of super sets and plyometric stuff.
Ie; 130kg squats x10, followed by jump squats then resisted bunji-sprints. Reapeat. I rarely do anything under 4RM, except for deads as a test of strength. I also don't squat full depth, because I need my power in a certain ROM so I train accordingly.
Lifting is a high individual thing. I'm not disagreeing with Martin, he always generally makes valid points. But i'm not a fan of dogmatism. And yes, i've seen a lot of people that fuck around. I've been in and out of gyms for 11+ years. I've seen a lot of people come in year in year out doing the same thing and looking the same. In this regard, I agree with him. Excuses rule their lives. However, a lot of these people after seeing their nutrition program - not even the heaviest dead lifts or squats would fix their physique. Never underestimate the power of nutrition and calories.
I also don't squat full depth, because I need my power in a certain ROM so I train accordingly.
And for your information, a full ROM will always be better for power development regardless of what ROM you need the power in.