ACE Group Fitness Instructor Practice Exam

Which exercise primarily targets the rectus femoris muscle?

1. Squats

2. Deadlifts

3. Leg curls

4. Leg raises

The correct answer is: Squats

The rectus femoris muscle, one of the four quadriceps muscles located in the thigh, plays a crucial role in knee extension and hip flexion. When considering exercises that target this muscle, squats are particularly effective. During a squat, the rectus femoris is activated as the hip flexes and the knees bend to lower the body. As you rise from the squat position, this muscle contractively extends the knee to return to a standing position. This compound movement is not only effective for targeting the rectus femoris but also engages other muscles in the legs and glutes, contributing to overall strength and stability. In contrast, deadlifts primarily engage the posterior chain, including the hamstrings, glutes, and lower back, while leg curls specifically target the hamstrings rather than the quadriceps. Leg raises focus on the hip flexors and abdominal muscles rather than directly impacting the rectus femoris. Hence, squats clearly stand out as the most effective exercise for specifically engaging the rectus femoris muscle.