1. The Bigger, The Better
Your quadriceps are the largest muscle group in your body. They do more work than any other, in terms of load bearing movements. Your upper legs or thighs have to carry your full body weight and oftentimes, gravity is not an ally.
2. The Four Horsemen
The reason your quadriceps are the largest (and hence the name) is because they are actually made up of a group of four muscles: the Vastus Medialis, Vastus Intermedius, Vastus Lateralis and Rectus Femoris. They act as extensors and hip flexors and are very prone to pulls and strains if not exercised properly. When they are exercised properly, the result is stronger knees and hips and less injuries to those areas.
3. Gain More to Lose More
Muscle burns calories even while at rest, whereas fat never burns calories. The more muscle mass, the more efficient your body will burn fat. Since your quadriceps are the largest muscle group, it is extremely advantageous for weight loss to build these muscle up. You will also notice a revved up metabolism and an increase in energy levels after a good leg workout.
4. More Gain, Less Pain
Although muscle growth inherently coincides with muscle soreness, bigger quadriceps will ease your body aches and pains elsewhere. Strong quadriceps will take on more of the work that your feet, ankles and lower back would normally take. This equates to less lower back and foot pain and greater endurance.
5. Bigger Legs Will Not Make Your Butt Look Big
Many people shy away from building muscle in their legs because they are afraid it will make them look chunkier in their posterior. The opposite is actually true. Huge quadriceps will actually give the appearance of a smaller behind and waistline, effectively hiding those love handles.
Your quadriceps are the largest muscle group in your body. They do more work than any other, in terms of load bearing movements. Your upper legs or thighs have to carry your full body weight and oftentimes, gravity is not an ally.
2. The Four Horsemen
The reason your quadriceps are the largest (and hence the name) is because they are actually made up of a group of four muscles: the Vastus Medialis, Vastus Intermedius, Vastus Lateralis and Rectus Femoris. They act as extensors and hip flexors and are very prone to pulls and strains if not exercised properly. When they are exercised properly, the result is stronger knees and hips and less injuries to those areas.
3. Gain More to Lose More
Muscle burns calories even while at rest, whereas fat never burns calories. The more muscle mass, the more efficient your body will burn fat. Since your quadriceps are the largest muscle group, it is extremely advantageous for weight loss to build these muscle up. You will also notice a revved up metabolism and an increase in energy levels after a good leg workout.
4. More Gain, Less Pain
Although muscle growth inherently coincides with muscle soreness, bigger quadriceps will ease your body aches and pains elsewhere. Strong quadriceps will take on more of the work that your feet, ankles and lower back would normally take. This equates to less lower back and foot pain and greater endurance.
5. Bigger Legs Will Not Make Your Butt Look Big
Many people shy away from building muscle in their legs because they are afraid it will make them look chunkier in their posterior. The opposite is actually true. Huge quadriceps will actually give the appearance of a smaller behind and waistline, effectively hiding those love handles.
