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Best Quadriceps Workouts With Flat Bench To Build Strength

About

A flat bench is a versatile piece of equipment, often combined with free weights, cables, or resistance bands, to optimize body positioning for effective exercises.

Strength-focused workouts aim to increase maximal effort capacity by incorporating higher weights with lower repetitions, featuring both compound and isolation movements to target the muscles dynamically.

Quadriceps, located at the front of the thigh, are engaged in knee extension and hip flexion, being critical for numerous functional lower body actions.

The 6 Best Quadriceps Exercises with Flat Bench to Build Strength

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

  • 1. Barbell Step Up

    Barbell Step Up demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    572,806
    Quadriceps Strength
    89 mScore
    Quadriceps
    Photo of Barbells
    Barbells
    Photo of Flat Bench
    Flat Bench

    The Barbell Step Up is a great exercise for building strength in your thighs, glutes, and hamstrings while improving balance. By using a barbell, you add extra resistance, which helps build muscle endurance in your lower body.

    How to do it

    1. Set the barbell just below your shoulders and stand with your back facing it.
    2. Bend your knees slightly to get under the barbell and lift it onto your neck.
    3. Step forward 3-6 inches in front of a plyo box.
    4. Put your weight on your left leg, then lift your right foot onto the box.
    5. Shift your weight onto your right leg, bringing your left foot next to it on the box.
    6. To return, step back down with your left foot first, then your right.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    30lbs
    2
    8reps
    30lbs
    3
    8reps
    30lbs
  • 2. Bulgarian Split Squat

    Bulgarian Split Squat demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    822,003
    Quadriceps Strength
    96 mScore
    Quadriceps
    Photo of Barbells
    Barbells
    Photo of Flat Bench
    Flat Bench

    The Bulgarian Split Squat is a lower-body exercise that targets your quadriceps and helps build strength, power, and stability. By placing your back leg on a bench, it challenges your balance and enhances the workout.

    How to do it

    1. Stand with your right foot in front and your left foot elevated on a bench behind you.
    2. Keep your torso upright and lower your back knee towards the ground.
    3. Once your knee is just above the floor, push through your front heel to return to the starting position.
    4. Switch legs and repeat the exercise.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    35lbs
    2
    8reps
    35lbs
    3
    8reps
    35lbs
  • 3. 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
  • 4. Bodyweight Bulgarian Split Squat

    Bodyweight Bulgarian Split Squat demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    45,758
    Quadriceps Strength
    53 mScore
    Quadriceps
    Photo of Flat Bench
    Flat Bench

    The Bodyweight Bulgarian Split Squat is a lower body exercise that works your thighs and glutes. By placing one leg on a bench behind you, you enhance balance and focus on strength without using weights.

    How to do it

    1. Stand a few feet in front of a flat bench, facing away from it.
    2. Lift one leg and place your foot on the bench behind you.
    3. Engage your core, keep your chest up, and slowly bend your front knee.
    4. Lower until your back knee is close to the ground, then push through your front leg to return to standing.
    5. Switch legs and repeat the exercise.
  • 5. Dumbbell Bulgarian Split Squat

    Dumbbell Bulgarian Split Squat demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    880,352
    Quadriceps Strength
    97 mScore
    Quadriceps
    Photo of Flat Bench
    Flat Bench
    Photo of Dumbbells
    Dumbbells

    The Dumbbell Bulgarian Split Squat is a leg exercise that works your quads using dumbbells for added resistance. It helps build strength while allowing a good range of motion and proper posture.

    How to do it

    1. Stand straight holding a dumbbell in each hand, palms facing in.
    2. Place your left foot on a bench behind you.
    3. Bend your knees and lower your left knee toward the floor, keeping your body upright.
    4. Push back up to the starting position and switch to the other leg.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    25lbs
    2
    8reps
    25lbs
    3
    8reps
    25lbs
  • 6. Loop Band Leg Extension

    Loop Band Leg Extension demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    2,037
    Quadriceps Strength
    67 mScore
    Quadriceps
    Photo of Loop Bands
    Loop Bands
    Photo of Flat Bench
    Flat Bench

    The Loop Band Leg Extension is a simple exercise that focuses on strengthening the front muscles of your thighs, called quadriceps. Using a loop band adds resistance, allowing you to build strength effectively without needing special equipment.

    How to do it

    1. Sit on a flat bench and place a loop band around both ankles.
    2. Tighten your thigh muscles and extend one leg straight out in front of you.
    3. Lower your leg back and switch to the other leg; repeat the movement.

Alternative Workouts

Alternative Workouts with Flat Bench to Build Strength

Alternative Quadriceps Workouts to Build Strength

Alternative Quadriceps Workouts with Flat Bench