Why do squats only hurt my thighs?

Author: Camryn Hettinger  |  Last update: Saturday, November 22, 2025

This occurs due to microtears in the muscle fibers during squatting, which is quite intense for the thighs. Moreover, factors such as improper squat technique—like allowing the knees to cave inward or using excessive weight—can exacerbate soreness.

Why do only my thighs hurt after squats?

Muscle Imbalance: If one leg is stronger or more dominant than the other, it may take on more load during the squat, leading to soreness. Form Issues: Poor squat form can cause uneven distribution of weight. If you're favoring one leg, it can lead to soreness in that leg.

How come when I do squats I only feel it in my thighs?

Most people get sore thighs when they perform squats, and very rarely isolate the glutes or the hamstrings. So don't worry, you aren't alone. This is because they are concentrating on dropping to the ground and standing back up.

Why do squats hurt my thighs, not my bum after?

You probably have tight hip flexors and possibly inhibited glutes, both caused by sitting a lot. Stretching your hip flexors and activating your glutes before squatting will help. A lot of people, including me, start out with programs like Strong Curves that address these imbalances.

How do you get rid of thigh pain from squats?

These 10 research-backed methods can help you get rid of sore muscles after a workout and boost muscle pain relief.
  1. Practice active recovery. ...
  2. Opt for ice or heat therapy. ...
  3. Try foam rolling. ...
  4. Consider massage therapy. ...
  5. Wear compression gear. ...
  6. Use kinesiology tape. ...
  7. Apply essential oils. ...
  8. Add anti-inflammatory foods to your diet.

Fix Knee Pain Fast (3 Proven Steps)

Are squats good for belly fat?

Squats are excellent for improving mobility, building muscle, and boosting metabolism, making them great for weight loss and reducing belly fat when combined with a healthy diet. Most people can perform squats, but those with knee or back issues should consult a professional first.

Will doing 100 squats a day make my bum bigger?

Will doing squats every day make my bum bigger? Squats will not make your bum bigger. However, if you want to improve your bum's shape and size, squats can help. To see results with squats, it is crucial to be consistent and to do them correctly.

How many squats a day to lose belly fat?

When performed regularly, squats can significantly reduce body fat, including belly fat. The recommended number of squats per day to lose weight and reduce belly fat is 4 sets of squats with 25-30 repetitions or doing 90 squats a day for 30 days.

How to activate glutes not quads?

Hip Thrust
  1. Sit on the ground with your upper back against a bench and feet hip-width apart. ...
  2. Drive through your heels and lift your hips until your body forms a straight line from your shoulders to your knees.
  3. Squeeze your glutes at the top, then slowly lower back down. ...
  4. Do 10-12 reps.

How do I know if I'm glute or quad dominant?

If your quad muscles feel especially tight and sore post-run, you're hit with knee pain when you increase mileage, or you just don't feel the burn in your glutes when doing squats, there's a good chance you're quad dominant (or, overusing your quads).

Do squats give you smaller thighs?

WILL SQUATS MAKE YOUR THIGHS SMALLER: SUMMARY. Squats increase the size of your leg muscles (especially quads, hamstrings, and glutes) and don't do much to decrease the fat, so overall your legs will look bigger. If you're trying to decrease the muscles in your legs, you need to stop squatting.

Does 100 squats a day work?

Yes, performing 100 squats a day will tone your thighs. They will help enhance your muscle strength and definition. You will also witness an increased fitness level and reduced body fat.

Should I stop doing squats if my legs hurt?

Firstly, if you're experiencing any pain or discomfort during or after squatting, listen to your body and stop. Pain never occurs for no reason – it is our body's way of letting us know that something is wrong and that we need to change what we're doing – so please listen to it.

How many squats should you do a day?

Squats work your quads, hamstrings, glutes, and core, improving balance and mobility. Beginners should aim for 3 sets of 12-15 reps, focusing on form. Gradually increase reps and add variations or weights.

Where should you be sore after squats?

Good squats build the thigh muscles evenly. The day after squatting you should note that your quads, hamstrings, glutes, and adductors(the muscles of your groin/inner thigh) are all sore.

What will 30 squats a day do?

Squats are like sculptors for your glutes, hamstrings, and quads. Daily engagement with these exercises will progressively sculpt and define these muscle groups. Get ready to see a perkier backside, toned legs, and a more aesthetically pleasing overall physique.

How long do squats take to show results?

To fully realize all of the benefits of squats, you need to do them consistently for longer than 30 days. However, you may not need to do 100 squats every day, as even doing 100+ squats three days a week is enough to produce increases in strength and muscle size.

What will 100 pushups a day do to your body?

Completing 100 Push Ups a day can lead to increased muscle mass and upper body strength, specifically in the chest, shoulders, triceps, and core. It can also improve endurance and cardiovascular health.

Do squats help lose love handles?

Squats is an amazing overall body workout that engages your core, lower back, and thigh muscles. It may help you lose love handles.

What exercise burns the most belly fat in a female?

Activities like running, cycling, and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) burn more calories and fat throughout the body, including the upper belly, lower belly, and obliques. So, while ab exercises can help define your core, it's a holistic approach that will help you lose the fat covering those muscles.

Why am I not losing belly fat even after exercise and diet?

Too many starchy carbohydrates and bad fats are a recipe for that midsection to expand. Instead, get plenty of veggies, choose lean proteins, and stay away from fats from red meats. Choose healthier fats in things like fish, nuts, and avocados. Even a moderate cutback on carbs (grains, pasta, sugars) can help, too.

Previous article
Should I wash my hair the night before my appointment?
Next article
Who is famous for a beauty mark?