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Walking Quadricep Stretch

Beginner
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A dynamic, bodyweight stretch involving walking while pulling the heel toward the glutes. It primarily targets the quadriceps and hip flexors to improve mobility and prepare the lower body for activity.

About Exercise

Equipment

Body Weight

Difficulty

1/5 • Beginner

Primary Muscle Groups

Quads

Secondary Muscles

Glutes, Hamstrings

Popularity Score

7

Goals

Mobility
Stability
Conditioning

Training Style

Mobility Flow
Warm-up

Setup Requirements

Requires Rack

No

Requires Bench

No

Requires Spotter

No

Space Needed

Medium

Noise Level

Low

Muscle Breakdown

Quads

10/10

Rectus Femoris, Vastus Lateralis, Vastus Medialis

Hip Flexors

7/10

Iliopsoas

Glutes

4/10

Glute Max, Glute Medius

Hamstrings

3/10
Programming

Typical Rep Range

10-20 reps

Rest Between Sets

10-30 seconds • Rest between sets, or transition directly to next exercise.

How to Perform

Stand tall with feet hip-width apart in an open space that allows for walking. Ensure you have enough room to take several steps forward while maintaining balance.

  1. Step forward with one leg, initiating a walking motion.
  2. Bend the knee of the trailing leg and reach back with the corresponding hand.
  3. Grasp the ankle or shin and gently pull the heel toward your glutes.
  4. Feel the stretch across the front of the thigh and hip.
  5. Release the foot and immediately step forward.
  6. Alternate the stretch to the other leg and continue walking throughout the set.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Stay tall and upright
  • Pull heel to glute
  • Keep hips level
  • Alternate sides smoothly

Breathing

Breathe continuously and deeply; do not hold your breath while maintaining the stretch or during the transition.

Range of Motion

Pull the heel close to the glutes until a moderate stretch is felt in the quadriceps, without excessive arching of the lower back.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Stop immediately if sharp knee pain occurs.
  • Only pull to a comfortable stretch, never pain.
  • Ensure clear path to avoid tripping while walking.

Spotting

Not applicable; this is a self-regulated dynamic stretch.

Common Mistakes

  • Leaning torso forward
  • Arching the lower back excessively
  • Rushing the transition between steps
  • Losing balance during the stretch phase

When to Avoid

  • Acute knee injury or pain
  • Severe hip flexor strain
  • Significant balance issues

Flexibility Needed

  • Basic standing balance

Build Up First

  • Ability to stand and walk unassisted

Also known as

Quad Walk, Dynamic Quad Stretch, Walking Heel To Glute

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