7 Best Quad Strengthening Exercises For Knee Pain
A collection of the best quad strengthening exercises you can do at home for knee pain! Strong quads are a crucial part of helping and preventing knee pain; these seven exercises are the best way to do it! Presented by a physical therapist from easiest to hardest so you’ll certainly find something that works for you.
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Your quadriceps femoris (or “quad” for short) is a group of 4 muscles that sits on the front of your thigh. When this muscle contracts, it extends your leg out straight.
This motion is crucial for simple activities like standing, walking, and ascending/descending stairs, but also essential in higher-level activities like squatting, jumping, and running.
It’s crucial that we keep this muscle group strong in order for the knee to be able to perform its proper functions.
In fact, as a physical therapist this is one of the areas that I focus on the most with knee pain rehab. Most people respond really well to focused application of quad-based exercise.
In this video, I wanted to share with you seven of my favorite exercises to strengthen your quads at home. These exercises require no equipment and are a great routine to help minimize your knee pain.
I’ll present these exercises in order of simplest to hardest, so hopefully you’ll be able to find an exercise appropriate for your strength, pain, and function.
The “beginner series” takes place in a seated position. Not the most functional as there’s no weight-bearing going on, but a crucial starting place to establish a good neural connection with the quads.
Exercises 4-7 are weight-bearing and can be progressed with resistance per your tolerance.
THE BEST QUAD EXERCISES FOR KNEE PAIN
0:00 INTRODUCTION
1:15 BEGINNER SERIES
1:42 QUAD SET
2:24 SHORT ARC QUAD
3:09 LONG ARC QUAD
4:09 FUNCTIONAL SERIES
4:16 SQUATS
5:37 REVERSE LUNGES
6:28 WALKING LUNGES
7:49 SPLIT SQUATS
Did these help? I would LOVE to hear about it! Leave me a comment down below and let me know your experience with the exercises in this video.
Never miss a new video from Tone and Tighten when we put one out when you SUBSCRIBE to my channel here on KZread!
Looking for more great knee rehab workout ideas? Here are some videos you may enjoy…
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✅ STOP KNEECAP PAIN: • STOP Pain Under Knee C...
✅ FIX PATELLAR TENDONITIS: • No More Knee Pain! Fix...
✅ EXERCISES TO INCREASE KNEE STRENGTH: • 10 Exercises To Increa...
Пікірлер: 348
Selfless people like you are legends. Thanks for your time showing these vital Quad excercises.
@toneandtighten
Жыл бұрын
I appreciate your comment, Adam!
Exercises 1, 3, 4, and 7 are some of my personal favorites for the quad muscles! Which exercises did you feel the most? Leave me a comment below and if you're interested in exercises for ALL the muscles that control your knee be sure to check out this video: kzread.info/dash/bejne/pI6e1sqAh7nXZ7Q.html
@Maylbitarr88
3 жыл бұрын
Hello actually i did the split squats but my knees start to hurt again why is that?
@andipaje4378
3 жыл бұрын
When I did exercise #6 my knee hurts
@aishwaryawane6610
3 жыл бұрын
Can you make video on exercises for chondromalacia!
@susieneves9596
3 жыл бұрын
I feel the difference just started doing your workout ty please keep it up 👍 it really helps
@manjudatta5854
2 жыл бұрын
Thanks
Perfect timing exactly what I needed! Just finished exercises one through four, definitely felt the squats the most
@toneandtighten
3 жыл бұрын
Great to hear, David! I hope they continue to help you and thanks for commenting!
I had an operation a month ago and your 1 to 4 exercises are very helpful for myself. Thank you
I appreciate how Clear You are and how Your videos are straight to the point for People with very time restricted demanding lives I'm a caretaker so I definitely am very Grateful God Bless You Always 😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊
@toneandtighten
2 жыл бұрын
Thanks so much, Sweet Caramel! I appreciate your support!
Thank you for making this video for all of us with knee issues. Great job with presentation and demonstration. Looking forward to getting stronger with your help!
@toneandtighten
Жыл бұрын
You are welcome! I hope you find these effective!
Recovering from a fractured Tibia, and I've found your videos to be really helpful! Been doing the exercises of your other video "No Knee Pain" and have found some improvement being made! Thanks for your knowledge on the subject.
@toneandtighten
3 жыл бұрын
Great to hear! You are welcome and thanks for commenting!
Jared, My knee is getting worse again so you’re my life saver :) Your vids are amazing! Thanks for all you do :) I still do my band exercises you gave me!
@toneandtighten
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks so much, Brianne! I appreciate your support!
Super comprehensive, easy to follow demonstrations. I’m definitely going to be using these in my personal training
@toneandtighten
2 жыл бұрын
Glad you like them and find them helpful, jackieechan111!
Thank you so much . I’m 73 and I can do these starting out slowly 😇
@toneandtighten
2 жыл бұрын
Yes, absolutely! I hope they help!
Great exercises. Two days later I am 80% pain free. I took the dog for a walk! Thank you, thank you, thank you!❤
@toneandtighten
Жыл бұрын
Wonderful! You are welcome!
Great demonstration. Just what I needed.
@toneandtighten
3 ай бұрын
Glad it was helpful!
Thank you so much! I'm 25 and I injured my knee three years ago while doing a deep yoga squat badly. It did not get better with time as others told me. I'm a runner an my gym instructor told me if I don't remedy it now, I may not be able to run ten after 30. I do some exercises as she told me with machines for strengthening my quads. However, I've decided to stop since I notice pain in my caps with even the lightest weights. I don't know exactly what to do but now I think starting with these light exercises at home and without weights and machines, I may be improving my quads without aggravating my caps injury. Thank you😊
@toneandtighten
8 ай бұрын
Thanks for sharing!
Love the gentle approach! Am healing injury and nit ready to do weight bearing exercises so the first few were perfect!
@toneandtighten
2 жыл бұрын
Great to hear!
Excellent, I have watched many clips about recovery of quadriceps after surgery, however by far this one is the best.
@toneandtighten
Жыл бұрын
I appreciate that and am glad this helped!
Super exercises Dr Jared... keep uploading really useful... being doing it
@toneandtighten
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks so much! Thats the plan!
Your video was excellent, so well explained, showing why the proper method is needed. Recovering from TKR, just trying to expand on my own pt. Thanks
Thank you. This video was well explained and demonstrated. My friend recently graduated as a PT and it was a lot of education, lots of work. Congrats to you.
@toneandtighten
2 жыл бұрын
You are welcome! Thanks so much for your comment.
These exercises are very helpful. I’m 49 and training for my 40+ soccer league. I pulled my right quadriceps while sprinting. Did some ice and rest for 3 days. These exercises are great for helping me know where I stand with the injury and to helping me regain strength! Thank you!
@toneandtighten
10 ай бұрын
My pleasure! So glad they are helping!
Good stuff! Exactly what I am looking for! Thanks!
@toneandtighten
Жыл бұрын
Glad I could help!
You are a good instructor ! New fan and subscriber. Love it !
@toneandtighten
2 жыл бұрын
Thanks so much, Sumit Saini! I appreciate your support!
Thanks for sharing very helpful information
@toneandtighten
3 жыл бұрын
You're very welcome, Aamer Rana! I hope they help you! Thanks for commenting.
You are a really good instructor! New fan and subbie! Love it!
@toneandtighten
3 жыл бұрын
Stoked to have you on board! Thanks so much for watching and subcribing!
These exercises helps me. Good instructor. Thank you for these videos
@toneandtighten
Жыл бұрын
You're very welcome!
GOOD quad muscle exercises ! Concise, Detailed & thorough THANKS, delighted To subscribe
@toneandtighten
9 ай бұрын
Thanks for the sub!
Best exercises to strengthen quads simply but effectively 👏❤️
@toneandtighten
2 жыл бұрын
Glad you like them!
Very thanks dear..I am also done my ligement surgery and ready to do some exercises like this .. TNX
Love these easy exercises!❤
@toneandtighten
3 ай бұрын
Glad you like them!
I have knee pain and these exercises helped me a lot. Thank you 🙏🏽.
@toneandtighten
3 жыл бұрын
You're so welcome! I am happy to hear they helped!
I am 74 & have a knee problem but don't want to go for surgery, this is helpful
@toneandtighten
3 жыл бұрын
I am glad you found this video helpful, Julie! I hope your knee improves soon!
@Narcostic
Жыл бұрын
Julie, did these help?
@matkuan89
11 ай бұрын
how you squat when have a knee pain? 😅 i cannot do half of squat because too much pain 😢
@greenbutterflygarden9819
3 ай бұрын
I am 29 years old & I'm suffering from pain for few days in my lower part of left knee, is there any solution I can go to
@marionbaker4168
9 күн бұрын
I am 74 years old and have always done some form of exercise. I developed a pain at the back of my knee whilst visiting the ruins in Greece a year and a half ago . It felt like the tendon was tight. For the last six months my quads are very tight and aches and walking I have pains from my heal up the back and top of the leg all the way up to my buttocks. I would appreciate your thoughts on what stretches would be suitable. Sorry for the long message. I am in the UK
Thanks, an informative video with progression from easy to challenging (or weak to strong). Subscribed!
@toneandtighten
7 ай бұрын
Thanks for the sub!
Thank you. It was so helpful
@toneandtighten
Ай бұрын
Glad it was helpful!
Always enjoy your videos. Any good tips for dealing with De Quervain?
Recently been Surfskating everyday and starting to feel a little strain right above my knee. The squats definitely fired up the muscles and I will keep doing that for now. Thank you :D
@toneandtighten
2 жыл бұрын
You are welcome, Brian Soon! I hope it helps!
Love the video great explanation
@toneandtighten
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks so much, Diya Singh! I am glad you found these helpful!
Please make more video really helps my legs ty again
Yes, it was a good demonstration, It helped my knees when I tried it !
@toneandtighten
2 жыл бұрын
Great to hear! I am so glad it helped!
thank you. this is very helpful
@toneandtighten
Жыл бұрын
You're welcome!
These were great excercises thankyou
@toneandtighten
3 жыл бұрын
You're so welcome! I am glad you found them helpful!
Thanks alot.. This helped me..totally forgot abt knee pain.. Alhamdulillah
@toneandtighten
Жыл бұрын
Wonderful news! You are welcome.
Great stuff, thanks
@toneandtighten
2 жыл бұрын
My pleasure!
you are a good instructor; great!
@toneandtighten
2 жыл бұрын
Thanks so much!
Oh yes i need this as my knees paining sooooooooo much do you have shoulder and back exercises as been paining sooooooooooooo much at work love your channel soooooooooooooo much love your exercises sooooooooooooooo much Thanks Ramya
@toneandtighten
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks so much, Ramya! Always great to hear from you and I hope the things I share help you to feel better soon!
Ty so much I am great full for your tips they really work ty
@toneandtighten
3 жыл бұрын
You are welcome, Susie! I am glad they are helping and thank you for commenting!
As someone that doesn't go to a local gym, this has given me some great inspiration to do these exercises at home in order to strengthen my quad muscles
@toneandtighten
Жыл бұрын
Great to hear!
Thank you very helpful
@toneandtighten
3 жыл бұрын
You're welcome, Almaz Abraha! I am glad you found this video helpful and thanks for commenting!
Thank you very much sir 🙏
@toneandtighten
2 жыл бұрын
You are welcome! I hope you find these exercises beneficial.
Thanks for sharing, very useful one all the best. I feel mild pain with my inner left knee when I do alot of bridges exercise ONLY to strengthen back n cores, is it ligament, Would these exercises work to eliminate this problem? Thanks for ur help. I wish you were my PT here
New Subscriber - I had a growth removed and filled in my knee cap. It is all healed now but I cannot do a leg extension (exercise #3). I am praying the other exercises will help me. Thanks so much for making this video.
@toneandtighten
2 жыл бұрын
You are welcome! Thanks so much for your support!
Thank you! 😊👍
@toneandtighten
2 жыл бұрын
You are welcome! I hope you find these exercises beneficial!
Very nicely explained sir.
@toneandtighten
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks so much! I hope you find these exercises helpful!
So helpful exercises
@toneandtighten
2 жыл бұрын
Glad you like them and are finding them helpful!
THANKYOU !!
@toneandtighten
2 жыл бұрын
You are welcome, Kao Gloria! I hope these exercises help you out!
Im 14 and im going through a rought time with my knee operation and this helps a lot thanks❤❤
@toneandtighten
Жыл бұрын
I am glad to hear this is helping and thanks for sharing.
@zyulo3521
11 ай бұрын
me as well bro
Thanks for posting all these videos. They are useful! And I'm using them ----I am wishing to strengthen my quads as part of an overall program to heal my left knee. I used to be able to pull the left foot all the way back to buttocks; but now it won't go that far. X-ray and expert Dr. says it's loss of cartilage, so now bones are closer, so less movement is possible. Solution: None, he said. It's like you drive a car, eventually the tires get balder and balder. My knees, thus, after decades of use, are "bald," or loss of cartilage. He had no program to reverse this..... Well, true, or not? Maybe. Maybe not. Are my knees like tires, or not? I'm not sure Maybe the knees are troubled because I've had some imbalance, some tightness, and some weakness in left leg / hip, and then I walked and ran on that leg for decades! After that amount of time, an imbalance eventually causes problems. So I'm going to try to get the knee more flexible by strengthening the weak muscles, and stretching the tight muscles. What do you think?!
Thanks!
@toneandtighten
5 ай бұрын
You are so welcome! Thank YOU for your kindness and generosity!
Very informative.... Please continue to make more such videos
@toneandtighten
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks so much! I will!
@NishaSharma-me3ew
3 жыл бұрын
@@toneandtighten any advice for Partial ACL tear... Please give!
Great stuff interesting and helpful 👍
@toneandtighten
3 жыл бұрын
Glad it was helpful!
I have EDS and squats and lunges are a no go even with proper form. The 3rd exercise is a good balance and I can do it with weights. Thanks
I just had hip replacement 6 wks ago and need my knee next so I’m going to try the non weight bearing exercises you showed to hopefully give me the strength I will need in my quads for my future knee replacement plus my knee is Knock knee’d and bone on bone
Thanks.
@toneandtighten
3 жыл бұрын
You're welcome! I hope these are helpful for you!
Thank you
@toneandtighten
3 жыл бұрын
You are welcome! I hope these exercises are helpful for you!
Great video, great tips! I tried the test at the beginning and felt like I did well, but then I found the first abduction exercise very challenging! Question: How often can/should I do these exercises? How many times/week? THANKS!
This is really cool 😎
Beginner Exercises 1:41 Quad Set 2:24 Short Arc Quad 3:11 Long Arc Quad Weight Bearing Exercises 4:16 Squats 5:55 Reverse Lunges 6:30 Traveling/Walking Lunges 7:50 Split Squats
a great thankful dear
Full MCL and ACL tear here. Hope this helps. Thanks for the video
@toneandtighten
Жыл бұрын
Best of luck!
very usefull
@toneandtighten
Жыл бұрын
Glad you think so!
Great 👍
@toneandtighten
Жыл бұрын
Thanks so much!
Good stuff
@toneandtighten
Жыл бұрын
Appreciate it!
I had to stop what I was doing to watch this video. Nice one 👍 much appreciated
@toneandtighten
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks so much, Duncan! Hope it helps you!
@ras5393
3 жыл бұрын
@@toneandtighten helps alot 👍
@christianemiller707
3 жыл бұрын
You are really quite good at PT. I go to a good one also. Sometimes I was feeling discomfort in left meningitis that’s why I asked my husbands knee doc about squats. Where I go for pt they are also great. I’ve gone for a few things, starting 3 months after spine surgery (successful). 2 of the owners are also teachers at a good university. You’ve also helped with a lot of exercises to be strong. I also go to my pets recommended personal trainer who is awesome too. I’m 73. Got a keep moving. 🙌😊
@christianemiller707
3 жыл бұрын
I meant my PT’s where my personal trainer is. I wrote my pets person T. 😂. Silly me
Thanks
@toneandtighten
Жыл бұрын
My pleasure!
Thanks!! Which of these exercises are good to do?
Very nice
@toneandtighten
2 жыл бұрын
Thanks so much! I hope it helps you out!
Excellent
@toneandtighten
Жыл бұрын
Thank you so much 😀
Love ❤️ this
@toneandtighten
2 жыл бұрын
Thank you, Bianca Why! I hope these are helpful for you.
It works well
Hi thanks a lot for the video Can PPL with varicose veins do this please tell doc
I just can’t do splitsquats without pain, so I have a always to go before my knees are ok. Thanks for the exercises and the explanation of why I get pain, I’ll try to not go over my toes for a while!
Great demonstration! Would it be helpful to use EMS on my quads for better strengthing while exercising?
Hello! I have chondromalacia patallae at 4th grade. Doctors recommend to gain cuadriceps muscles. Thanks for your advices! :)
@travelingwithhemant4616
Жыл бұрын
How's your pain nowadays?
Thanks for your lovely insightful videos Can you please suggest any food or exercise for knee/knee joints crackling issues? I hear it loud while trying to do say squats Many thanks
@vikramdalal9506
3 жыл бұрын
Me too
Knee alignment really useful reminder.
@toneandtighten
3 жыл бұрын
Glad it was helpful, Dorothy!
How regularly should we do these?( I’m really without any muscle at all and VERY bad knees) your explanations are so clear 🙂
@swejalgupta8400
Жыл бұрын
about 2 times a week
Thabk you for posting this video. What is the difference between short and long arc quad exercise 2 & 3? If you can do 3rd exercise, should you skip 2nd exercise? Or is there a benefit to 2nd exercise in addition to 3rd exercise?
Just what I am looking for since my knees have been so stiff and aching...only one I am iffy about is 7. Never done those. Thank you
@toneandtighten
3 жыл бұрын
You're so welcome, Gianna! I hope you find these effective!
Hi I was wondering if you can do a full video of all the exercise for us?
i’m 14 and already have bad knees however i still try to be active. thank you for this.
@toneandtighten
2 жыл бұрын
You are welcome, Pey! I hope it helps!
Hi good work
@toneandtighten
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks so much, Claudette! I hope these exercises help you out!
Heyyy thank u doc
@toneandtighten
3 жыл бұрын
You are welcome! I hope these exercises help!
I shattered my patella. 6 months out, I have 80-90 degrees flexion in the bad knee. I’m 70, and just looking to get a better gait so my good knee stops hurting so much due to compensation. If I get to where I can do #6 & #7, I will be thrilled.
Thank for this, some of theses exercises but my knee was hurting doing some of theses, should I carry on doing them, and im 65 year's old
i have ben having stiff knees recently, but i have been playing basketball at my park and it takes the pain away, and i also have been using a resistance band for squat sholder presses
I've always found that light isometrics have helped me with joint pains. It might not work for 100% of us out there, but try it. I hope it might help one person with discomfort out there!
@toneandtighten
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks for sharing!
The lunges do not work for me with my knees and just plain hurt! My ortho does not recommend them. Oh, how I miss being able to do lunges!
Tq sir ❤️
@toneandtighten
Жыл бұрын
My pleasure!
Hi Jared, Thanks for the videos. very useful for me. Just one point, would you please also add the reps to the description of each video ?
@toneandtighten
2 жыл бұрын
Thank you for the suggestion!
Acl surgery had done before 6 months.. I felt the muscles are weak.. Hope this will be helpful will follow tomorrow onwards...
@toneandtighten
2 жыл бұрын
I hope it is helpful too, Bruce!
Do you have any videos teaching quad stretches? I’ve searched your page and am having trouble finding it.
Can we do these exercises post acl reconstruction surgery? I have very weak quadriceps after the surgery . Thank you