The quadriceps, or “quads”, are a group of four muscles located on the front (anterior) of the thigh. The four muscles include the rectus femoris, the vastus lateralis, the vastus medialis, and the vastus intermedialis.
All of these muscles attach on their bottom (distal) end to the tibial tuberosity by the patellar ligament. On their top (proximal) end, the vastus medialis and lateralis attach to the back of the femur. The vastus intermadialis attaches to the anterior surface of the femur. The rectus femoris is the only muscle that crosses the hip joint.
All four muscles participate to straighten (extend) the knee joint and support the patella.
Yoga Poses
You might see the quads working, or contracting, in chair pose, warrior I, or standing from the squat position. Great postures to lengthen the quads include frog pose, dancers pose or hero pose.
Common Injuries
Common injury to the quad can include various levels of contusion. This occurs when force is hit up against the quad to press it against the femur. If this occurs, an individual may feel symptoms similar to a strain or tear, including sharp immediate pain. Swelling and bruising typically occur depending on the severity of the hit.
Another common injury is petellofemoral joint syndrome. This is thought to be caused by weakness or fatigue of the vastus medialis. Symptoms include front or back knee pain especially when squatting or going down a stair case. Strengthening the vastus medialis is typically part of the recovery process, along with legs up the wall (as always)!
On-Demand Yoga & HIIT Classes
Strengthen your quads with slamballs, mountain climbers, cycling, and more! Lengthen your quads with yoga!
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Here's a 4-minute video clip from the 19-minute section about the Science of Stretching from the Yoga Coaching Course!
Here's an 8-minute video about athletes from the Yoga Coaching Course!
Here's a 7-minute introduction video for the Yoga Coaching Course.
This course will give you a better understanding of the importance of yoga and how to apply it to the athletes you currently work with.
