what are quads

The quadriceps, or quads for short, are a group of four muscles located at the front of your thigh. They are the vastus lateralis, vastus medialis, vastus intermedius, and rectus femoris. Together, they form the main bulk of the thigh and are one of the most powerful muscle groups in the body. The quadriceps femoris is a hip flexor and a knee extensor. You use your quads to perform a variety of movements, including kicking, running, jumping, and walking. The quadriceps are joined to form the patella tendon, which connects the kneecap with the femur. The quadriceps contract when moving your leg, and the hamstrings relax. These two muscle groups work together to prevent strains and worse injuries. Your quads are vulnerable to injuries, such as contusions (bruising) from blows to the front of your thigh, and quad strains or “pulled quads” can occur. To maintain quad muscles, it’s critical to provide them with sufficient stretching and exercise.