The Exercise Physiologists at Peak Performance know all the muscles in the body, but which ones are our favorite?! Every week we will feature a different muscle- so you guys get an anatomy lesson and learn how to work that muscle!
David, what’s your favorite muscle?
The Quadriceps are actually a group of 4 muscles (vastus medialis, vastus lateralis, vastus intermedius, and rectus femoris) also known as the “quads.” The quads are my favorite because they play a huge role in athletic performance.
Where are these muscles located?
The quadriceps are located on the front of your upper leg. They begin near your hips down and run down to just below your knee.
What does this muscle do?
The quads main function is to extend (straighten) the lower leg. For example, when kicking a soccer ball, standing up from a squat, or jumping.
What’s a good exercise to strengthen the quadriceps?
Single leg exercises for the quads are straight leg raises, lunges, and split squats. Squats, leg press, and vertical jumps are great double leg exercises for the quads.
