Quads · Barbell

Barbell quad exercises

11 exercises from the diary's catalog, all with photos. Below are the list and a sample quad workout: compounds first, then isolation.

11 exercises

Barbell SquatBarbell SquatBarbellFront SquatFront SquatBarbellBarbell LungesBarbell LungesBarbellBarbell Walking LungeBarbell Walking LungeBarbellBox SquatBox SquatBarbell
Barbell Full SquatBarbell Full SquatBarbell
Wide-Stance Barbell SquatWide-Stance Barbell SquatBarbell
Narrow-Stance Barbell SquatNarrow-Stance Barbell SquatBarbell
Barbell Hack SquatBarbell Hack SquatBarbell
Barbell Step-UpsBarbell Step-UpsBarbell
Elevated Barbell Rear LungeElevated Barbell Rear LungeBarbell

Sample workout

Templatequad workout

Four exercises from the list: compounds first, then isolation. It's a template for one day; how many sets a muscle needs per week is in the volume guide, and how to progress is in the progressive overload guide.

Why a barbell

A barbell lets you lift the most and add the smallest steps — from 1 kg with 0.5 kg plates. That's why the heaviest quad exercises with the clearest progress are barbell ones: the weight in your log climbs right in front of you.

The price is technique and safety. Do heavy sets in a rack with safeties or with a spotter, start light and film a set if you're unsure of your form. The warm-up calculator will lay out the sets up to your working weight.

Log your workouts — I'll show how many sets a week you give this group.

Read next