The Best Quads Exercises

Top Exercises

Barbell Zercher Squat Hold Isometric

Intermediate / Barbell / Quads / squat

An isometric core and leg exercise. Holding the bar in the crooks of your elbows creates a massive demand on the core and upper back stabilizers.

Split Sprinter Low Lunge

Beginner / Bodyweight-only / Quads / lunge

A deeper variation of the sprinter lunge. It places more demand on the glutes and improves the range of motion in the hips.

Sissy Squat

Intermediate / Bodyweight-only / Quads / squat

A quad-dominant isolation exercise. It places high tension on the quadriceps by shifting the center of mass backward while maintaining a straight line from knees to head.

Lever Leg Extension

Beginner / Leverage Machine / Quads / isolation

A primary isolation exercise for the quadriceps. The lever ensures peak tension is maintained at the top of the movement during full knee extension.

Front Chest Squat

Intermediate / Barbell / Quads / squat

Targets the quadriceps and core. By holding the weight in a front position, it promotes a more upright torso and reduces the load on the lower spine.

Squat

Beginner / Bodyweight-only / Quads / squat

The fundamental lower-body compound exercise. It targets the quadriceps, glutes, and hamstrings while building core stability and overall functional strength.

Squat Mobility Complex

Beginner / Bodyweight-only / Quads / squat

A series of movements within a squat position to open the hips, ankles, and thoracic spine. It improves overall movement quality and warm-up readiness.

Smith Squat

Beginner / Smith Machine / Quads / squat

A foundational lower-body exercise targeting the quadriceps, glutes, and hamstrings. The guided bar provides stability for maintaining a vertical torso.

Lever Horizontal One Leg Press

Intermediate / Leverage Machine / Quads / push

A unilateral leg press focusing on the quads and glutes. The horizontal lever path provides consistent tension for muscle symmetry.

Kettlebell Backward Lunge

Beginner / Kettlebell / Quads / lunge

A unilateral leg exercise emphasizing the glutes and hamstrings. Stepping backward is easier on the knees and improves hip stability and balance.

Smith Chair Squat

Beginner / Smith Machine / Quads / squat

A squat variation that emphasizes the quadriceps by allowing a more upright torso. The forward foot position mimics the mechanics of sitting back into a chair.