Ladies, Here’s How to Get the Toned Quads You’ve Always Wanted
Strong, toned quads are the foundation for lean, sexy legs. This muscle group is comprised of four muscles in the thigh that run from the hip to the knee and control a wide range of motions like running, standing, jumping, and climbing stairs. Whether you’re cross-training for a race or you’ve dreamed of having long and lean legs and looking good in short shorts, these exercises will help you sculpt the perfect, toned quads.
5. Leg Extensions
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Very few exercises target just the quadriceps, but leg extensions is definitely an isolation exercise. It is a simple movement which occurs at only one joint – the knees. If we perform correctly the exercise, it should not be hard on the knee joint.
It’s most effective on a leg-extension gym machine. If you don’t have access to a gym, you can also do this move at home sitting in a chair with ankle weights or by using resistance bands.
How to do leg extensions: Using the leg extension machine at the gym, select a weight you can comfortably lift but will challenge you. Secure your legs behind the brace near your shins and grab hold of the handles by your sides. Squeeze your quads as you lift the bar out in front of you. Don’t lift it all the way to the top or lock your knees. Slowly lower back to start.
4. Frog Hops
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This exercise takes the standard squat and adds a plyometric aspect. It’s a bit more challenging than a squat, but it’s also a great way to mix up your lower body workout routine. The exercise also allows you to get toned quads in the comfort of your own home, as you don’t have to be at the gym or even in a spacious room to do a frog hop. also, not only do frog hops create toned quads, they also strengthen your calves, glutes and hamstrings.
How to do frog hops: Start in the standard squat position — legs hip-width apart, toes pointed slightly outward, and back straight — with your hands behind your head. Bend your knees and lower like you are sitting in a chair. Once you’re as low as you can go, engage your quads and jump up as high as you can. Land in the starting position. Make sure you keep your back straight the whole time and don’t let your knees extend over your toes.
If you are a beginner, start off with 20 to 30 seconds. Take a five-second break and keep repeating as long as you can. Try and work your way to a whole minute.
3. Step Ups
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If your workout is getting a bit too routine, it’s time to step it up. Literally. Find a bench or chair or box about knee height for single step ups or try a full staircase for a series of step ups. The simple exercise gets your heart rate going and lifts your butt and giving you those toned quads you want.
How to do step ups: Step up onto it with your right leg but don’t lock your knee. Let your left leg hang down behind you, and then transfer your weight to it as you step down. Switch legs and repeat on the other side. Once you’ve mastered the basic form, you can add weight by holding a dumbbell in each hand.
Step ups can be hard on your knees so when you step up, avoid pushing your knee forward past your toes. Your lower leg will move forward, but keep your knee back behind your toes.
2. Squats
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Squats help get rid of fat, they improve circulation, get rid of pesky cellulite, build a strong core and improve posture so if these benefits aren’t enough to make you start squating, I don’t know what will.
There might not be anything new or fancy about squats, but they sure are effective in toning your quads. And if you get bored with standard squats, take a wider stance for sumo squats, add weights for front squats, or turn your feet out for plie squats.
How to do squats: Stand with your feet a bit wider than hip distance and your toes pointed slightly outward. Bend your knees and lower your butt as if you were sitting in a chair. Keep your back straight and make sure your knees don’t extend over your toes or bend inward. Raise your arms out in front of you for balance. Once you’ve lowered as far as you can, drop your arms as you straighten your legs back to the start. For an advanced version, hold a dumbbell in each hand near your shoulders (front squat).
1. Lunges
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There’s a reason lunges are so popular: they’re relatively easy to do yet work all the muscles of the lower body—butt, calves, hamstring, and yes, quads. You can either perform stationary lunges (described below) or string them together for walking lunges.
How to do lunges: Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart. Step forward with your right leg and bend both knees so that the left knee hovers above the ground behind you and your right knee is directly above your right foot. Both knees should form 90° angles. Push off your right quad to return to start. Keep your back straight through the entire range of motion. Repeat the steps with the left leg. For an added challenge, you can hold 5 to 10-pound dumbbells in each hand.
Jumping dumbbell lunges: Do a usual lunge and then jump to switch legs.
Slide lunge: Put one foot on a towel. Slide one leg out to the side keeping it straight but bending the supporting leg, then change sides.
Lunge Twists: Do a usual lunge and twist your body towards the forward knee.
Since your quads are a fairly large and often-used muscle, they can handle a heavier weight than your upper body muscles, so don’t shy away from adding weight. And make sure you round out your workout with moves designed to strengthen your butt and calves for a complete lower body workout.
For more leg exercises, we have exercises from Celebrity Trainer Tracy Anderson.
