5 of the Best Quad Exercises
23rd Aug 19
Your quads are often used as the driving force or the stabilisers in most leg exercises, but they don’t always get the recognition they deserve. As the name suggests, the quadriceps consists of four large muscles. They all do a lot of work for general leg movements too. So it’s important to make sure they are strong enough to support your various workouts and requirements inside and outside of the gym as well.
They’re also often sought after because of their physical appearance. They can be an impressive size, after all. So how can you get the best results from them? Look no further than these five quad exercises the next time it’s leg day.
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1. Bulgarian Split Squat
The Bulgarian split squat is one of the more difficult but undoubtedly effective quad exercises for the effort that it takes. It may be a little awkward at times due to having to train one leg at a time rather than both, like most other leg exercises. However, this doesn’t have to be a bad thing in the long run, as it can be amazingly helpful in keeping focused and putting in as much effort as possible into each leg. It’s good for the mind-muscle connection too.
The basis is typical of the standard squat, but with one foot resting behind you and elevated to ensure the other is bearing the workload unaided. Just make sure to keep balanced properly to help in your core and stability development. As well as making serious progress on your quads, of course.
2. Narrow Leg Press
Next up on the list for quad exercises is the narrow stance leg press. The leg press is more than capable of hitting the quads effectively, but the narrow stance adds variation to the exercise. This is essential for optimising growth and targets the quads to reach a greater muscle activation than the standard leg press could for less of the weight that would be needed. That’s a recipe for success.
This is essential to be carried out with other exercises, though, because of this. Make sure you don’t rely on it too much. The seated positioning of the exercise is also unfavourable to some people, so find out what works for you. Different exercises are better for different people for a huge number of reasons.
3. Front & Rear Squat
At Exercise.co.uk, we do love the squat. Few exercises on the planet can hit that many muscles at once in such a true feat of strength. It is the pinnacle of leg training by anyone’s definition and should be treated as such, and the quads are no exception to this, as long as you get your form right.
The back squat is the most common type you’ll see. It’s great for all of the leg muscles. However, the front squat takes the game to another level, especially as a quad-focused exercise. With the weight in front of the body rather than the back, the quads have to be incorporated at an entirely new level. That means you have to support the weight from a different angle. Put those together, and it’s incredible overall for this list.
4. Low Squat Cycles
These may appear to be more of a high-intensity exercise rather than a strength exercise, but they are still amazingly effective at building quads. The technique is not too common in the gym, so it can be hard to know if you’re doing it right.
The premise is to get into a low crouching position and bring one leg down to a kneel before doing the same with the other. Once there, come back up to the starting position again, one leg at a time, before repeating in the opposite direction creating an alternating pattern. The lower you go, the more activated your quads become. Do be careful of your knees, though. A mat is always a good call.
5. Reverse Lunges
Lunges are our lat exercise and are famous for being a great quad exercise. They are a common stretch and exercise because of this, so why not use them with weights to get peak activation from your quads? Do watch your form again, though!
The best way to go about this is likely to be with a kettlebell. Two kettlebells specifically, one in each hand and performing the exercise stepping backwards instead of forwards to get the lowest impact on your knees. This ensures you’re keeping as safe as possible while getting great results.
It’s important to ensure you’re being safe throughout your quad exercises and working the rest of your legs too. That’s the only way to ensure that your strength is functional and that you can support yourself during other exercises. Generally speaking, you are only as strong as your weakest stabilising muscle when it comes to exercising safely, but quads are always good to utilise.
Before beginning any exercise or nutrition program, consult your physician, doctor or other professional. This is especially important for individuals over the age of 35 or persons with pre-existing health problems. Exercise.co.uk assumes no responsibility for personal injury or property damage sustained using our advice.
If you experience dizziness, nausea, chest pain, or any other abnormal symptoms, stop the workout at once and consult a physician or doctor immediately.
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