ex_AX2DSV

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Upper Legs · Body Weight

Standing Quadriceps Stretch

beginnerflexibilityMale & female model

Standing Quadriceps Stretch is a beginner isolation flexibility exercise that works the quads (upper legs), with the hip flexors assisting. It needs no equipment beyond your own body weight. A typical prescription is 2-3 sets of 30-60-second holds, and it burns about 3.1 calories per minute.

Target
Quads
Body part
Upper Legs
Equipment
Body Weight
Category
Flexibility
Mechanic
Isolation
Force
Static
Sets × reps
2-3 × 30-60 sec hold
Calories / min
≈ 3.1 kcal

Primary muscles

  • Quadriceps · Quadriceps Femoris

Secondary muscles

  • Hip Flexors · Iliopsoas

How to do Standing Quadriceps Stretch

  1. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and find a stable surface to hold onto for balance if needed.
  2. Bend your right knee and bring your heel towards your glutes. Grasp your right ankle with your right hand.
  3. Keep your knees close together and lightly pull your right ankle upward, feeling a stretch along the front of your right thigh.
  4. Hold the stretch for 20-30 seconds, then release your right ankle and return to the starting position. Repeat the stretch on the left leg.

Form tips

  • Perform the stretch slowly and with control to maximize muscle flexibility and reduce injury risk.
  • Ensure your supporting leg remains slightly bent to maintain balance.
  • Focus on keeping your torso upright and avoid leaning forward or backward.

Standing Quadriceps Stretch alternatives

More quads exercises

Standing Quadriceps Stretch FAQ

What muscles does Standing Quadriceps Stretch work?

Standing Quadriceps Stretch mainly works the quads in the upper legs (Quadriceps Femoris). The hip flexors work as secondary muscles.

What equipment do you need for Standing Quadriceps Stretch?

None. Standing Quadriceps Stretch is a body weight exercise, so you can do it at home or anywhere with enough space.

How many sets and reps of Standing Quadriceps Stretch should I do?

Start with 2-3 sets of 30-60-second holds. Pick a load or variation where the last one or two reps are hard but your form stays clean.

Is Standing Quadriceps Stretch good for beginners?

Yes. Standing Quadriceps Stretch is rated beginner, so it's a sound choice while you learn to train the quads.

How many calories does Standing Quadriceps Stretch burn?

About 3.1 calories per minute for a person of around 70 kg, based on a MET value of 2.5. Ten minutes of work is roughly 31 calories; heavier people burn more.

What is a good alternative to Standing Quadriceps Stretch?

Other exercises for the quads include Exercise Ball Seated Quad Stretch, Cable Standing Leg Extension, Foam Roller Quads- and Foam Roller Lateral Quads.

For developers

Use Standing Quadriceps Stretch in your app

Get this exercise and 1,900+ others from the WorkoutX API: 720p MP4 animations at 30 fps without the watermark, male and female models, muscles, instructions and form tips in 7 languages.

# One request returns the exercise and its 720p media links
curl "https://api.workoutxapp.com/v2/exercises/ex_AX2DSV" \
  -H "X-WorkoutX-Key: YOUR_API_KEY"

{
  "id": "ex_AX2DSV",
  "name": "Standing Quadriceps Stretch",
  "model": "male",
  "counterpartId": "ex_CWLQWA",
  "target": "Quads",
  "equipment": "Body Weight",
  "media": {
    "mp4": "https://…/ex_AX2DSV/mp4-720.mp4?…",
    "poster": "https://…/ex_AX2DSV/poster.jpg?…"
  }
}