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Best Quadriceps Workouts To Get Lean And Burn Fat

About

Workouts designed to enhance muscle tone and achieve a lean physique involve exercises that combine consistent movement to elevate the heart rate with resistance training for muscle maintenance.

Quadriceps-focused routines target the front leg muscles, essential for knee extension and hip flexion, critical for a wide range of physical activities.

By prioritizing higher repetitions with moderate weights, these sessions aim to optimize calorie consumption and fat reduction while fostering muscular endurance.

This approach ensures effective engagement of the quads, promoting both strength and definition in the lower body.

The 15 Best Quadriceps Exercises to Get Lean and Burn Fat

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Ranked based on Fitbod's internal data set of the most effective exercises. Learn More

  • 1. Air Squats

    Air Squats demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    4,829,470
    Quadriceps Strength
    98 mScore
    Quadriceps

    Air Squats are simple exercises that use your body weight to strengthen your legs, especially the quadriceps. They are perfect for beginners as they help build strength and prepare you for more challenging workouts.

    How to do it

    1. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, slightly pointing outward.
    2. Distribute your weight evenly on your feet.
    3. Push your hips back as you lower your body into a squat.
    4. Make sure your knees go over your toes and keep your core tight.
    5. Lower yourself until your thighs are parallel to the ground while keeping your back straight.
    6. Push through your heels to return to the starting position.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    9reps
    2
    9reps
    3
    9reps
    4
    9reps
  • 2. Burpee

    Burpee demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    2,409,786
    Quadriceps Strength
    61 mScore
    Quadriceps

    Burpees are a full-body exercise that combines squats, plank, and jumps. They help build strength and endurance and can be modified for different fitness levels.

    How to do it

    1. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and arms at your sides.
    2. Squat down and place your hands on the ground outside your feet.
    3. Jump your legs back into a plank position, keeping your body straight.
    4. Do a push-up by lowering your chest and then pushing back up.
    5. Jump your feet back towards your hands and stand up.
    6. Jump off the ground, landing softly.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    2
    8reps
    3
    8reps
    4
    8reps
  • 3. Dumbbell Lunge

    Dumbbell Lunge demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    4,322,067
    Quadriceps Strength
    98 mScore
    Quadriceps
    Photo of Dumbbells
    Dumbbells

    The Dumbbell Lunge is a way to make lunges more challenging by adding dumbbells. It mainly works your thigh muscles (quads) while also helping with balance and strength.

    How to do it

    1. Stand straight with your feet hip-width apart, holding dumbbells at your sides.
    2. Shift your weight onto one leg and step forward with the other leg.
    3. Land heel-first and keep your back heel lifted.
    4. Lower your back knee towards the ground while keeping your front heel down.
    5. Once your front thigh is parallel to the floor, push off your front foot to return to standing.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    25lbs
    2
    8reps
    25lbs
    3
    8reps
    25lbs
  • 4. Dumbbell Squat

    Dumbbell Squat demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    3,249,788
    Quadriceps Strength
    98 mScore
    Quadriceps
    Photo of Dumbbells
    Dumbbells

    The Dumbbell Squat is a modified version of the standard squat that uses dumbbells instead of a barbell. This exercise mainly works your thigh muscles and offers more freedom of movement, making it easier for those with mobility issues. It also helps improve squat stability and build strength for advanced exercises.

    How to do it

    1. Stand with your feet a little wider than shoulder-width and point your toes slightly out.
    2. Hold a dumbbell in each hand at shoulder height, palms facing inward and elbows pointing forward.
    3. Keep your weight on your feet as you slowly bend your knees and push your hips back.
    4. Ensure your knees follow the direction of your toes as you lower yourself, keeping your core tight and back straight.
    5. Go down as low as you can while keeping your back neutral, then push back up to the starting position.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    25lbs
    2
    8reps
    25lbs
    3
    8reps
    25lbs
  • 5. Dumbbell Squat To Shoulder Press

    Dumbbell Squat To Shoulder Press demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    2,183,541
    Quadriceps Strength
    97 mScore
    Quadriceps
    Photo of Dumbbells
    Dumbbells

    The Dumbbell Squat to Shoulder Press combines a squat and a shoulder press to strengthen your legs and shoulders. It helps build functional strength and is a good foundational exercise for more advanced movements.

    How to do it

    1. Stand with feet shoulder-width apart.
    2. Hold a dumbbell in each hand at shoulder height with palms facing inward.
    3. Keep your weight balanced on your feet.
    4. Lower your hips back into a squat, keeping your knees aligned with your toes.
    5. Maintain a neutral spine; go as low as comfortable without losing form.
    6. Stand back up while pressing the dumbbells overhead until your arms are aligned with your ears.
    7. Lower the dumbbells back to the starting position.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    20lbs
    2
    8reps
    20lbs
    3
    8reps
    20lbs
  • 6. Dumbbell Step Up

    Dumbbell Step Up demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    1,108,481
    Quadriceps Strength
    93 mScore
    Quadriceps
    Photo of Dumbbells
    Dumbbells
    Photo of Flat Bench
    Flat Bench

    The Dumbbell Step Up is an exercise that strengthens your thighs while holding weights. It helps you improve stability and balance by targeting your leg muscles effectively.

    How to do it

    1. Stand tall with your feet hip-width apart, holding a dumbbell in each hand with palms facing in.
    2. Face a plyo box, keeping a small gap (3-6 inches) between your toes and the box.
    3. Shift your weight to your left leg and lift your right foot over the box, placing it firmly on top.
    4. Maintaining an upright posture, transfer your weight to your right leg and step up with your left foot to join it on the box.
    5. Step back down by lowering your left foot first, followed by your right foot, returning to the starting position.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    25lbs
    2
    8reps
    25lbs
    3
    8reps
    25lbs
  • 7. Jump Squat

    Jump Squat demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    1,475,912
    Quadriceps Strength
    56 mScore
    Quadriceps

    Jump Squat is a powerful version of the regular squat that helps strengthen your leg muscles, especially your quadriceps. It adds a jump to the squat, making it a fun and challenging way to improve your fitness without extra weights.

    How to do it

    1. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, toes turned slightly out.
    2. Lower your body into a squat, keeping your chest up and heels on the ground.
    3. Make sure your knees point outward as you squat down to parallel.
    4. Jump up explosively, straightening your knees and hips.
    5. When landing, bend your knees and hips to absorb the impact.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    2
    8reps
    3
    8reps
    4
    8reps
  • 8. Lunge

    Lunge demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    3,165,912
    Quadriceps Strength
    95 mScore
    Quadriceps

    Lunges are a great exercise for strengthening your legs, especially the quadriceps. By stepping forward with one leg, you can focus on improving balance and strength on both sides of your body.

    How to do it

    1. Stand tall with feet hip-width apart.
    2. Shift weight to your right leg as you step forward with your left leg.
    3. Land on your left heel, keeping your back heel lifted off the floor.
    4. Lower your back knee towards the ground while keeping your front heel down.
    5. Once your front thigh is parallel to the floor, push off your front foot to return to standing.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    2
    8reps
    3
    8reps
    4
    8reps
  • 9. Mountain Climber

    Mountain Climber demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    1,930,231
    Quadriceps Strength
    62 mScore
    Quadriceps

    Mountain Climber is an exercise that strengthens your core while improving stability. You start in a plank position and alternate bringing your knees toward your chest, which makes the workout more intense.

    How to do it

    1. Start in a high plank position with your hands shoulder-width apart.
    2. Pull your right knee toward your chest while keeping your left leg straight.
    3. Quickly switch legs: push the right leg back and bring the left knee toward your chest.
    4. Continue alternating legs for the desired number of repetitions.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    9reps
    2
    9reps
    3
    9reps
    4
    9reps
  • 10. Dumbbell Sumo Squat

    Dumbbell Sumo Squat demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    1,413,487
    Quadriceps Strength
    89 mScore
    Quadriceps
    Photo of Dumbbells
    Dumbbells

    The Dumbbell Sumo Squat is an exercise that targets your legs and glutes using dumbbells. You stand with your feet wide apart and squat down while holding the weights to strengthen your lower body.

    How to do it

    1. Stand tall with your feet wider than shoulder-width and toes turned out.
    2. Hold a dumbbell vertically in front of your hips.
    3. Keep your weight evenly on your feet.
    4. Push your hips back and squat down, ensuring your knees track outward over your toes.
    5. Lower yourself until your spine stays straight, then push through your heels to stand back up.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    25lbs
    2
    8reps
    25lbs
    3
    8reps
    25lbs
  • 11. Walking Lunge

    Walking Lunge demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    1,338,423
    Quadriceps Strength
    82 mScore
    Quadriceps

    Walking Lunges are a great exercise that works your thighs, glutes, and hamstrings. You step forward into a lunge, then continue walking, which helps improve your balance and strength.

    How to do it

    1. Stand up straight with your feet hip-width apart and arms at your sides.
    2. Shift your weight to one leg as you step forward with the other leg.
    3. Land heel first with the stepping leg and lift your back heel off the floor.
    4. Lower your back knee towards the ground, keeping the front heel down.
    5. Raise your back knee once your front thigh is parallel to the ground, then step it forward, repeating with the opposite leg.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    2
    8reps
    3
    8reps
    4
    8reps
  • 12. Mini Loop Band Squat

    Mini Loop Band Squat demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    133,352
    Quadriceps Strength
    52 mScore
    Quadriceps
    Photo of Mini Loop Bands
    Mini Loop Bands

    The Mini Loop Band Squat is a squat variation that uses a mini loop band to strengthen your legs, especially the quadriceps. The band helps stabilize your knees while you squat, improving your form and preparing you for heavier squats.

    How to do it

    1. Put a mini loop band around your thighs, just above your knees.
    2. Stand with your feet wider than shoulder-width apart, ensuring the band is tight.
    3. Slightly bend your knees and engage your core.
    4. Hinge your hips back and squat down, keeping knees aligned with toes and resisting the band.
    5. Pause at the bottom of the squat, evenly distributing your weight on your feet.
    6. Push through your heels and return to standing position by extending your legs.
  • 13. Back Squat

    Back Squat demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    5,271,502
    Quadriceps Strength
    99 mScore
    Quadriceps
    Photo of Barbells
    Barbells
    Photo of Squat Rack
    Squat Rack

    The Back Squat is a popular lower body exercise that builds strength and muscle, especially in the legs. It's an important move in powerlifting and overall fitness routines.

    How to do it

    1. Set the barbell just below shoulder height and grip it with hands outside shoulder-width.
    2. Squeeze your shoulder blades and brace your core by tightening your stomach muscles.
    3. Squat down slightly to place the barbell on your neck before standing up and stepping back into a shoulder-width stance.
    4. Keep your heels flat and your chest up as you lower your body by bending at your hips.
    5. Ensure your knees move outward slightly as you squat down, keeping your back straight.
    6. Once your thighs are parallel to the floor, push back up to the starting position.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    65lbs
    2
    8reps
    65lbs
    3
    8reps
    65lbs
  • 14. Balance Trainer Mountain Climber

    Balance Trainer Mountain Climber demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    281,320
    Quadriceps Strength
    30 mScore
    Quadriceps
    Photo of BOSU® Balance Trainer
    BOSU® Balance Trainer

    The Balance Trainer Mountain Climber is a challenging cardio and core workout that uses a BOSU balance trainer. It helps improve your balance, core strength, and endurance while getting your heart rate up.

    How to do it

    1. Place your hands on the BOSU balance trainer with the flat side facing up.
    2. Lift your body weight off the ground, balancing on your hands and toes.
    3. Quickly bring your left knee toward your chest while extending your right leg back.
    4. Switch legs by bringing your right knee to your chest and extending your left leg back.
    5. Repeat this movement for several reps.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    2
    8reps
    3
    8reps
    4
    8reps
  • 15. Balance Trainer Squat

    Balance Trainer Squat demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    550,232
    Quadriceps Strength
    29 mScore
    Quadriceps
    Photo of BOSU® Balance Trainer
    BOSU® Balance Trainer

    The Balance Trainer Squat adds an unstable surface to the standard squat, helping to improve balance and coordination while targeting your thighs. This exercise challenges your muscles more than regular squats, leading to better results.

    How to do it

    1. Stand on the Balance Trainer with the flat side down.
    2. Place your feet shoulder-width apart and slightly turned out.
    3. Keep your heels pressed down and lower your body by pushing your hips back and keeping your chest up.
    4. Make sure your knees move outward as you squat down, maintaining a straight back.
    5. When your thighs are parallel to the ground, push back up to the starting position.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    2
    8reps
    3
    8reps
    4
    8reps

Alternative Workouts

Alternative Workouts to Get Lean and Burn Fat

Alternative Quadriceps Workouts

Alternative Quadriceps Workouts to Get Lean and Burn Fat