Super Shotguns and chainsaws are all well and good, but few demon killin’ instruments are as fine-tuned and effective as the DOOM Slayer himself. While we (thankfully) have no need to rip apart demons by hand, we can still break down the science of the Slayer’s impressive physique and see what we can apply to our own. This is Ripped & Tear!

The DOOM Slayer does not wobble. Even with his bulked-up new Praetor Suit – not to mention a full arsenal of weapons, equipment and ordnance – equipped, he navigates the battlefield with effortless speed and a steady aim.

How can the Slayer bear so much weight and yet stride so powerfully? After consulting an expert, the secret may be in the quadriceps femoris, a collection of four muscles in the upper leg consisting of the vastus lateralis, vastus medialis, vastus intermedius and rectus femoris – better known as your quads.

Quadception

“You call upon your quads whenever you straighten the knee,” says personal trainer and fitness expert Phillip Durity. The quads are an essential part of leg extension, especially when it comes to inclines, Durity explains, adding that three of the major muscles in your quads also aid in adduction (AKA helping move your legs back toward your body’s natural midline).

This means that strong quads help kick off DOOM Slayer’s hastened gait even with a heavy load, but also assist with leaping and strafing around unsuspecting hellspawn. Of course, there’s so much more to the Slayer’s trademark speed, such as his cardiovascular prowess and intense agility, but all that’s research for another day.

What can you do to improve your own quads? Tune in next time as we investigate quad-creating techniques that will increase your speed and stability – whether you plan on outrunning demons when Hell on Earth arrives or just need some leg training for moving furniture. We’ll see you then!

DISCLAIMER: Always consult your physician before beginning any physical fitness regimen or rigorous activity. Stop immediately if you feel faint, dizzy, pain or shortness of breath while exercising. This series is intended for entertainment purposes and does not replace the advice of healthcare professionals. ZeniMax Media and its partners are not responsible for any injuries that may occur from attempting exercises shown on this website.