Eugene Teo Demonstrates Athletic-Inspired Leg Training for Enhanced Performance
# Eugene Teo Shares How to Train Legs Like an Athlete, Not Just a Bodybuilder
In a recent YouTube video, strength coach Eugene Teo and physique world champion Hattie Boydle showcased an athletic lower-body training session. This workout prioritises power, movement quality, coordination, and overall athleticism, alongside strength and muscle gains. Teo noted that Boydle has recently shifted to a more athletic training style after years of focusing on physique training.
### Plyometric Warm-Up
Teo began with a warm-up that included Copenhagen planks and core activation exercises. He then transitioned to plyometric drills such as pogo jumps and hops. These exercises aim to develop reactive strength and enhance the body’s ability to absorb and transfer force effectively. He emphasised the importance of maintaining proper posture and alignment, avoiding reliance on quad dominance, which is common among bodybuilders. Teo pointed out that these drills foster athletic qualities often neglected in traditional physique training.
### Power Development
Next, the training focused on power with the use of trap bar jumps and snatch-grip high pulls. Teo explained the distinction between strength and power. Strength indicates how much force an athlete can exert, while power reflects the speed at which that force is generated. The trap bar jumps were recommended as a beginner-friendly explosive training exercise. Teo also discussed the advantages he gained from Olympic lifting movements, stressing the aim of generating force quickly and explosively rather than loading for maximum weight.
### Traditional Strength Training
The session then moved to traditional strength training with pendulum squats. Teo believes that athletic development and bodybuilding should not be viewed as opposing philosophies. Instead, he sees them as complementary when applied correctly. “It’s not about saying bodybuilding is bad or powerlifting is bad. It’s about doing all of it,” he noted. During Boydle’s sets, Teo addressed her minor quad discomfort by adjusting her hip mobility and head position, showcasing how small technical changes can enhance movement quality and comfort.
### Hamstring Focus
The seated leg curl was selected as the key hamstring exercise. Teo favours this variation as it places the hamstrings in a lengthened position while stabilising unnecessary movement. He mentioned that strengthening the hamstrings in this position could increase resilience, especially for athletes involved in sprinting, jumping, or explosive movements.
### Final Exercise
To conclude the session, they performed hyperextensions. Teo admitted he struggles with this exercise due to his naturally mobile spine, making it challenging to maintain the needed stiffness to target the glutes and hamstrings effectively. By demonstrating Boydle’s technique, he illustrated the importance of core bracing, lat engagement, and a stable spine throughout the movement. This workout successfully integrated mobility, power, strength, and hypertrophy into one lower-body session aimed at developing a more complete athlete.
### About the Author
Jeremiah Oliva is a writer with a passion for fitness, sports, and active living. With experience in managing content and social media for various platforms, he focuses on performance, mindset, and athlete development. Outside of writing, Jeremiah trains in boxing, cycles, explores the outdoors with his children, and plays guitar.
This content originates from https://www.boxrox.com, your online magazine for competitive fitness.
