The Best Quads Exercises

Top Exercises

Single Leg Squat

Intermediate / Bodyweight-only / Quads / squat

Also known as a Pistol Squat. This elite bodyweight exercise requires exceptional strength, balance, and mobility in the hips and ankles.

Shrimp Squat

Intermediate / Bodyweight-only / Quads / squat

An elite unilateral leg exercise targeting the quads and balance. It requires exceptional hip mobility and control compared to a standard squat.

Reverse Lunge

Beginner / Bodyweight-only / Quads / lunge

A lower-body compound exercise focusing on the glutes and hamstrings. Stepping backward is safer for the knees and improves hip stability and balance.

One Leg Quarter Squat

Beginner / Bodyweight-only / Quads / squat

A unilateral lower-body exercise targeting the quads and glute medius. It builds knee stability, balance, and unilateral strength for runners and athletes.

Lunge

Beginner / Dumbbells / Quads / lunge

A foundational unilateral lower-body exercise. It targets the quads and glutes while improving balance, coordination, and functional strength.

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.

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.

Barbell Bench Squat

Advanced / Barbell / Quads / squat

A squat variation that uses a bench to ensure consistent depth. It builds confidence in the movement while targeting the quads and glutes.

Barbell Bench Front Squat

Intermediate / Barbell / Quads / squat

A front squat variation using a bench as a depth guide. It targets the quads and improves upright torso mechanics during the squat.

Walking Lunge

Beginner / Bodyweight-only / Quads / lunge

A dynamic lower-body compound exercise. It builds functional strength, balance, and coordination while targeting the quads and glutes.

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 Hack Squat

Intermediate / Smith Machine / Quads / squat

A Smith machine alternative to the Hack Squat machine, focusing on the vastus lateralis and glutes. It provides a guided path for safe, heavy leg training.