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.

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.

One Leg Squat

Intermediate / Barbell / Quads / squat

Also known as a Pistol Squat. This advanced movement requires exceptional unilateral strength, balance, and hip mobility to squat on one leg.

Narrow Squat from Deficit

Intermediate / Bodyweight-only / Quads / pull

A quad-dominant squat variation. Standing on a block increases the range of motion and shifts focus to the lower quadriceps and glutes.

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.

Lateral Step-Up

Beginner / Bodyweight-only / Quads / isolation

A unilateral leg exercise targeting the gluteus medius and quads. The lateral movement improves hip stability and functional balance.

Jump Squat

Intermediate / Bodyweight-only / Quads / squat

A plyometric exercise for lower-body power. It targets the quadriceps and glutes while improving vertical leap and cardiovascular fitness.

Full Zercher Squat

Advanced / Barbell / Quads / squat

Targets the quads and core while building upper back thickness. The unique bar position forces the core to work harder than in a traditional squat.

Forward Pulse Lunge with Hands Overhead

Intermediate / Bodyweight-only / Quads / lunge

A high-tension variation of the lunge. Holding arms overhead increases core demand and challenges thoracic mobility while pulsing keeps tension on the legs.

Cossack Squats

Intermediate / Bodyweight-only / Quads / squat

A lateral squat variation that improves hip mobility and frontal plane strength. It targets the quads, glutes, and adductors while stretching the hamstrings.