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.
Workout 1
Quadriceps

Barbell Step Up
12reps45lbs22reps45lbs32reps45lbs42reps45lbs52reps45lbs
Bulgarian Split Squat
18reps40lbs28reps40lbs38reps40lbs
Bodyweight Bulgarian Split Squat
18reps28reps38reps48reps58reps
Loop Band Leg Extension
14reps24reps34reps
Dumbbell Bulgarian Split Squat
112reps30lbs212reps30lbs312reps30lbs
Dumbbell Step Up
112reps25lbs212reps25lbs312reps25lbs
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 LOGGED572,806Quadriceps Strength89 mScoreQuadriceps
Barbells
Flat BenchThe 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
- Set the barbell just below your shoulders and stand with your back facing it.
- Bend your knees slightly to get under the barbell and lift it onto your neck.
- Step forward 3-6 inches in front of a plyo box.
- Put your weight on your left leg, then lift your right foot onto the box.
- Shift your weight onto your right leg, bringing your left foot next to it on the box.
- To return, step back down with your left foot first, then your right.
Sets, Reps, Weight18reps30lbs28reps30lbs38reps30lbs2. Bulgarian Split Squat
Bulgarian Split Squat demonstration video — proper form for this exercise. SETS LOGGED822,003Quadriceps Strength96 mScoreQuadriceps
Barbells
Flat BenchThe 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
- Stand with your right foot in front and your left foot elevated on a bench behind you.
- Keep your torso upright and lower your back knee towards the ground.
- Once your knee is just above the floor, push through your front heel to return to the starting position.
- Switch legs and repeat the exercise.
Sets, Reps, Weight18reps35lbs28reps35lbs38reps35lbs3. Dumbbell Step Up
Dumbbell Step Up demonstration video — proper form for this exercise. SETS LOGGED1,108,481Quadriceps Strength93 mScoreQuadriceps
Dumbbells
Flat BenchThe 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
- Stand tall with your feet hip-width apart, holding a dumbbell in each hand with palms facing in.
- Face a plyo box, keeping a small gap (3-6 inches) between your toes and the box.
- Shift your weight to your left leg and lift your right foot over the box, placing it firmly on top.
- Maintaining an upright posture, transfer your weight to your right leg and step up with your left foot to join it on the box.
- Step back down by lowering your left foot first, followed by your right foot, returning to the starting position.
Sets, Reps, Weight18reps25lbs28reps25lbs38reps25lbs4. Bodyweight Bulgarian Split Squat
Bodyweight Bulgarian Split Squat demonstration video — proper form for this exercise. SETS LOGGED45,758Quadriceps Strength53 mScoreQuadriceps
Flat BenchThe 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
- Stand a few feet in front of a flat bench, facing away from it.
- Lift one leg and place your foot on the bench behind you.
- Engage your core, keep your chest up, and slowly bend your front knee.
- Lower until your back knee is close to the ground, then push through your front leg to return to standing.
- Switch legs and repeat the exercise.
5. Dumbbell Bulgarian Split Squat
Dumbbell Bulgarian Split Squat demonstration video — proper form for this exercise. SETS LOGGED880,352Quadriceps Strength97 mScoreQuadriceps
Flat Bench
DumbbellsThe 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
- Stand straight holding a dumbbell in each hand, palms facing in.
- Place your left foot on a bench behind you.
- Bend your knees and lower your left knee toward the floor, keeping your body upright.
- Push back up to the starting position and switch to the other leg.
Sets, Reps, Weight18reps25lbs28reps25lbs38reps25lbs6. Loop Band Leg Extension
Loop Band Leg Extension demonstration video — proper form for this exercise. SETS LOGGED2,037Quadriceps Strength67 mScoreQuadriceps
Loop Bands
Flat BenchThe 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
- Sit on a flat bench and place a loop band around both ankles.
- Tighten your thigh muscles and extend one leg straight out in front of you.
- Lower your leg back and switch to the other leg; repeat the movement.
Alternative Workouts
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Alternative Quadriceps Workouts to Build Strength
- Best Quadriceps Workouts With Medicine Balls To Build Strength
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- Best Quadriceps Workouts With Barbells To Build Strength
- Best Quadriceps Workouts With Weight Machines To Build Strength
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- Best Beginner Quadriceps Workouts To Build Strength
- Best Quadriceps Workouts To Build Strength For Women
- Best Quadriceps Workouts With Bodyweight To Build Strength
- Best Quadriceps Workouts To Build Strength For Men
- Best Quadriceps Workouts With Dumbbells To Build Strength