Quadriceps (Quads)
The four muscles on the front of the thigh responsible for knee extension.
Updated
The quadriceps are a group of four muscles on the front of the thigh: rectus femoris, vastus lateralis, vastus medialis, and vastus intermedius. They are the primary muscles for knee extension and are heavily involved in squatting, lunging, and running. Strong quads are essential for athletic performance and injury prevention.
Examples
- Squats primarily target the quads
- Leg extensions isolate the quads
- The teardrop muscle (VMO) is part of the quads
Related Terms
Exercises that train the quadriceps
148 exercises in the library target the quadriceps as their primary muscle.
Hack Squat
Strength · Machine
Hang Clean
Olympic Weightlifting · Barbell
Hang Clean - Below the Knees
Olympic Weightlifting · Barbell
Heaving Snatch Balance
Olympic Weightlifting · Barbell
Hip Flexion with Band
Strength · Bands
Intermediate Hip Flexor and Quad Stretch
Stretching · Other
Iron Crosses (stretch)
Stretching · None
Jefferson Squats
Strength · Barbell
Common questions
What is Quads?
The four muscles on the front of the thigh responsible for knee extension. The quadriceps are a group of four muscles on the front of the thigh: rectus femoris, vastus lateralis, vastus medialis, and vastus intermedius.
What exercises train the Quads?
Good options include Hack Squat, Hang Clean, Hang Clean - Below the Knees, Heaving Snatch Balance, Hip Flexion with Band. Each links to a step-by-step guide with demonstration images.
What are examples of Quads?
Squats primarily target the quads; Leg extensions isolate the quads; The teardrop muscle (VMO) is part of the quads.
Put it into practice
12-Week Muscle Building · £29
A 12-week, four-day hypertrophy plan in three phases, with a modest calorie surplus