What is the quad, you ask? The quadriceps muscle is placed in the top part of your leg and on the front of your thigh. It's the large, powerful muscle that runs from the top of your knee to your waist, and overworking it during a workout can cause pain, fatigue, and make for a difficult day.
If you're afraid that your workout is causing more pain than benefit, and you're feeling weary and unproductive at work and in your personal life, some quad stretching will help. If your doctor has granted you permission to exercise, quad stretches will provide you with the boost and energy you need in your daily life.
While stretching will not totally heal muscular discomfort, quad stretches may provide some relief. You may do these stretches at work, home, or the gym.
So lets get started. Here are the top 9 most effective quad stretches to assist you relieve muscular soreness after a strenuous workout.
1. Lying Side Quad Stretch
The laying side quad stretch is excellent if you have knee problems or prefer to recline rather than stand up, whether for balance or comfort. To complete this quad stretch effectively, follow the steps below.
- Lie on each side, supporting your head up with one hand and a bent elbow. Pull your outside foot toward your head until the quad muscle activates. If you're having difficulties maintaining steady, bend your bottom knee to assist maintain overall balance.
- Hold the lying quad stretch for 30 seconds, then swap sides and repeat with the other quad muscle.
2. Easy Quad Stretch
The simple quad stretch may be performed anywhere and at any time, although it takes a bit more balance than the previously discussed laying stretch. It's one of the most popular stretches you'll see people perform, and it's simple enough to do at work to make your day seem better. To reach this stretch, complete the instructions below:
- Stand straight on one leg. If you're having trouble balancing, try using a wall, a chair, or an inconspicuous buddy to help you.
- Grab your non-balancing foot with the matching hand and bring it up toward your body. Keep your chest upright. Keep your attention on getting a decent stretch from this quad and you'll notice a difference in your daily efficiency the next day.
- Hold for around 30 seconds, then extend the opposite leg in the same way.
3. Kneeling Quad Stretch
The kneeling quad stretch, unlike the reclining and standing stretches, also relaxes muscles just above your knee.
This stretch is great for pregnant or elderly people since it relieves strain and balance on the remainder of the body. If the floor makes you uncomfortable, place a soft cushion or pillow beneath your knee.
To obtain this quad stretch, follow the instructions below:
- Begin in a high lunge stance with your right foot forward. Lower your left knee slowly to the ground.
- Take a deep breath and slowly adjust to maintain equilibrium. Once you've stabilized, reach back and hold your toes with your left arm.
- Hold this quad stretch for approximately 30 seconds. When time is over, carefully release your grip on the left foot and return to a high lunge position. Switch sides and repeat the procedures for the opposite knee.
4. Pigeon Twist
This yoga stance stretch is more difficult than the previous ones, but it is excellent for stretching quadriceps and providing you with more energy and less workout soreness throughout your busy day.
To obtain this quad stretch, follow the instructions below:
- Begin in the downward-facing dog position. Bring your right knee forward, between your hands, to form a pigeon stance.
- Place your right hand near to your right chin and bend your left knee.
- Reach for your left foot with your left hand and softly massage the sole towards your left hip.
- Place your right foot on top of your left, twisting slightly to the left. Wrap your left hand over your back, as seen in the figure above. If possible, grip your upper right thigh, which is placed in front of your hip.
- Using your hands, press into your body to deepen the twist. Hold for five breaths before releasing your hands and straightening your left leg.
- Twist your body back to the right, placing your palms on each side of your right knee.
- Step your right leg back and assume the downward facing dog pose for one full breath. Bring your left knee forward, between your hands. Rinse and repeat on the opposite side.
5. Frog Pose
The frog stance stretches both quadriceps at the same time, which is useful for relieving fatigue quickly. However, this technique will also provide a great stretch for your shoulders and chest.
To create this position, perform the following steps:
- Lie down on your stomach, lift your torso up with your elbows, and then bend your knees, stretching your hands out back to grasp onto your feet.
- Now, turn your fingers in the same direction as your toes and elevate your elbows to point toward the ceiling. You may then raise your torso as far as possible to feel the muscles engage.
- If you have knee discomfort during this exercise, avoid putting your foot down too forcefully. If this quad stretch is too difficult for you, try doing one side at a time.
- Hold on here for around five deep breaths before releasing.
6. Straight Leg Raises
If your knee hurts after a workout, try this easy quadriceps strengthening stretch. Straight leg lifts will provide little or no pressure on your knees.
To reach this stretch, follow the instructions below.
- Lie on the floor with your back against any other flat surface. Using a yoga or gym mat will make this more pleasant.
- Bend one knee and rest the other flat and straight on the floor.
- Keep your other leg bent on the floor and elevate the flat leg to the height of your bent knee.
- To get the most out of this technique, repeat it 10 to 15 times for three sets. You'll feel amazing the next day.
7. Hamstring Curls
The hamstrings are muscles on the rear of your thighs, the opposite side of your quads. A hamstring curl primarily stretches that muscle, although it also engages the quadriceps. Two birds with one stone!
This is how you do it:
- Begin by resting flat on your stomach.
- Bring your heels up slowly, as near to your back hip as possible. Hold this position.
- Perform three sets of fifteen.
- This maneuver may also be performed standing up, grasping a chair and elevating one leg at a time. If you find this too easy, try adding a weight on your ankle, gradually increasing it from one to five pounds.
8. Prone Straight Leg Raises
The prone straight leg raise incorporates many of the things we've discussed so far in quad stretches. You'll also need some flexibility to execute this effectively and reap the advantages.
To obtain this quad stretch, follow the instructions below:
- Lie down on your stomach with your legs extended out.
- Tighten the hamstring muscles in both legs, then lift one leg toward the ceiling.
- Hold this posture for around 5 seconds. Lower your elevated leg, then repeat.
- Perform 10 to 15 lifts on one leg before switching to the other. You may gradually increase the weight on your ankles as you acquire strength.
- Remember that you should not have back discomfort throughout this stretch. If you do, consider decreasing the height you elevate your leg or switching to one of the other quad stretches described.
9. Wall Squats
The wall squats are an advanced quad stretch that also engages several other muscles.
To obtain this quad stretch, follow the instructions below:
- Stand up with your feet on the floor and shoulder-length apart, back against the wall.
- Bend your knees slowly while keeping your pelvis and back against the wall.
- Hold this posture for approximately 10 seconds. Don't bend too low. If you experience discomfort or pressure in your knees, try lessening the bend and relieving the pressure in the stretch.
- Repeat this technique 3-5 times, attempting to keep the sitting position for a few seconds each time.
Are These Quad Stretches Worth It?
The benefits of quad stretching are undeniable. Feeling fatigued and unable to perform what you want to do after a strenuous workout does occur.
Quad stretches improve your range of motion and reduce muscular tightness. This will improve your muscles' ability to resist effort following a tough workout.
Tendons and muscles do not function correctly when they are not stretched. This may increase the likelihood of you having a specific tear or strain.
If you are experiencing significant muscular discomfort, it is recommended that you consult your doctor. However, if the discomfort is manageable, you should follow the basic guideline RICE: "Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation." Also, avoid the movements till the discomfort is manageable.
