Vastus Lateralis

Situated to the outer area of the front of the thigh, creating the classic sweep of the thigh, the vastus lateralis is a leg muscle which is one of four which together are referred to as the quadriceps, and commonly responsible for extension of the knee.

Often referred to as the king of lower body exercises, the squat is a compound movement which recruit's the quadriceps, and other muscles to stabilise and aid the lift. The squat is very effective although taxing, and may not be suitable for trainers who suffer from lower back injuries or have other troublesome areas.

The leg extension exercise is an isolation exercise which recruit's the quadriceps effectively, and may be a suitable route for those with lower back issues who may not be able to perform the squat, or similar exercises.

When training for muscular size it is often best to train in a rep range of 6-12 repetitions, although there is often much debate on the optimal rep range. It would be advisable to experiment with different ranges to see which suits you.

Vastus Lateralis courtesy of Fitness Uncovered - Bodybuilding & Fitness

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