Building the quads near the knee without machines

[ProtoBuilder]

I'm looking for ways to improve quad size at the knees, without access to machines like leg extensions or hack squats.

Back squats work my hips and upper thighs but the muscle near the knees is pathetic. I need to bring it up. I'd like to do deep hacks and leg extensions but don't have access to those machines.

Suggestions? My only thoughts are front squats as deep as possible, high bar back squats as deep as possible, and single leg stuff like split squats.

Any other thoughts?

Thanks

[Joe P.]

googled leg extension exercises:

http://www.livestrong.com/article/543687-leg-extension-dumbbell-exercises/

[Big R]

I'm looking for ways to improve quad size at the knees, without access to machines like leg extensions or hack squats.

Back squats work my hips and upper thighs but the muscle near the knees is pathetic. I need to bring it up. I'd like to do deep hacks and leg extensions but don't have access to those machines.

Suggestions? My only thoughts are front squats as deep as possible, high bar back squats as deep as possible, and single leg stuff like split squats.

Any other thoughts?

Thanks

You nailed it - high bar olympic squats and front squats, both done deep, will accomplish what you want. High step-ups, where the top of your knee is above the top of your hip when you support your foot on the platform, can be good as well, but you probably don't need to go too crazy with variety.

[13B-T]

You nailed it - high bar olympic squats and front squats, both done deep, will accomplish what you want. High step-ups, where the top of your knee is above the top of your hip when you support your foot on the platform, can be good as well, but you probably don't need to go too crazy with variety.

I second this.. I do not squat heavy but I go down as far as my ass being as low as my ankles and my quads are pretty well developed overall compared to others squatting twice as much going to parallel.

[theroymccoy]

barbell hacks...I even found Dusty doing them, hehe...

[JWALL]

I used to use extension machines but took a whole year off from all machines period. I ended up only doing front squats, high barbell squats (both ATG), and dumbbell step ups for legs. I gained size. Good luck!

[dakota1981]

barbell hacks...I even found Dusty doing them, hehe...

Something about that picture doesnt look right...