Does Running Exercise Your Thighs?

Running is an easily accessible form of aerobic activity that is practiced both recreationally and competitively. You can run anywhere, and the only equipment required is running shoes. Running specifically targets the muscles of your lower body. Your thighs contain large muscle groups that supply the majority of power needed and are the main muscles worked while running.

Quadriceps

The quadriceps are the collection of muscles that make up the front of your thighs. The muscles include the rectus femoris, vastus lateralis, vastus medialis, and vastus intermedius. The vasti cross the knee joint, and the rectus femoris crosses the knee and hip joint. The vasti and rectus femoris are responsible for extending your knee joint during the pushing off phase of running. They also work to stabilize your knees. The rectus femoris flexes your hip joint and allows you to lift your knees higher while running. Your quadriceps supply most of your power when running uphill and act as stabilizers while running downhill.

Hamstrings

The hamstrings are the group of muscles located on the back of your thighs. The muscles include the semimembranosus, semitendinosous and biceps femoris. Collectively, the muscles flex your knee and hip joints. The hamstrings are worked during the pull-back phase of running, after your foot hits the ground. The hamstrings also prevent the trunk from flexing at the hip joint and leaning forward.

Stabilizing Muscles

Various other thigh muscles act as stabilizers and accessory muscles while you are running. The adductor magnus, adductor brevis and adductor longus, which are muscles located on your inner thighs, assist in knee stabilization. The gracilis contributes to flexing your knee joints as well as providing stabilization.

Miscellaneous

Running builds muscular endurance more than it builds muscular strength. It is important to incorporate lower body strength training exercises into your training regimen to prevent any muscular imbalances. Runners with over- or underdeveloped quadriceps or hamstrings risk injuries due to compromised form. In addition to strengthening these muscle groups, it is also important to maintain flexibility. Combine stretching exercises such as yoga with your running training to ensure muscular balance.