
Factors to Consider When Deciding on Outer Quad Exercises This is made up of the vastus lateralis which is anatomically the largest of the four quadricep muscles. The outer quad sweep is the broad lateral aspect quadriceps that provides width and fullness to our upper legs. The TFL is responsible for movements such as abduction, flexion, and internal rotation of the hip.
The VL is responsible for the extension of the knee.Ĭovering this is the tensor fasciae latae (TFL) which sweeps down from the iliac spine and inserts down into the iliotibial tract, and into the tibial tuberosity.
The outer quad is made up of the vastus lateralis (VL) which originates at the greater trochanter of the femur and inserts into the tibial tuberosity. It’s the lateral aspect of the quadriceps muscle that is made up of the vastus lateralis (VL) and is sheathed by the iliotibial tract (ITB). The outer quad is one of four quad muscles. The quadriceps are the muscles on the front of your thighs. Today, I am going to share the 10 best outer quad exercises for strong and defined quads. It’s a question I have been asked countless times over my career as a trainer. They’re essential to that head-turning athletic physique.īut have you ever wondered what it takes to build strong outer quads, specifically developing that bold outer quad sweep? Like the biceps of the upper arm, strong quads will showcase your dedication. After all, the quadriceps are some of the most impressive muscles of the body, especially the lower half.
Quad sweep development pro#
Pro Tips for Training the Outer Quad EffectivelyĪs you’re improving your physique, it’s an inevitable question. 10 Best Outer Quad Exercises to Include in Your Workout Routine. Main Benefits of Exercising the Outer Quad. Factors to Consider When Deciding on Outer Quad Exercises. A vertical torso split squat is a better choice for someone with a TON of external rotation (e.g. If I’m using a split squat for force production, I’ll want to choose a variation that works in one’s available motion. For example, a lightweight hinged split squat might improve limited internal rotation. If my goal is to increase range of motion, I’ll choose the variation that biases a particular rotation. Hinged torso promotes sacral nutation and internal rotation demandsĭepending on what adaptation I’m going for, I can choose one or the other. Vertical torso promotes sacral counternuation and external rotation demands. How are the biomechanics between the two different? Whereas a forward lean increases posterior chain activity. How trunk position influences biomechanics and loadingĪccording to this split squat study, vertical trunk position increases quadriceps loading. Weight distribution shifts more toward the front legĪs you can see, the #majorkey to loading the front leg is rotating the pelvis towards it.īut there’s one thing that can COMPLETELY change how the exercises work. Increased internal rotation occurs both sides of the pelvis. The sacrum progressively turns more toward the front leg. External rotation is occurring on the ipsilateral (front) side pelvisĪs one descends into the split squat, the following changes happen:. A post shared by Movement, Fitness, and Biomechanics Tips Sacrum faces away from the front leg