Thigh Help

Can anyone suggest an exercise to strengthen thighs? When I walk after awhile my upper thighs start feeling very fatigued making it difficult to go any distance. I have very tight hamstrings and I was thinking that might be part of the problem and I'm sure being overweight does not help. Squats hurt my knees so I have to be careful doing them. Do you think strengthening the thigh muscle will help me and what exercise ?

If you're just trying to walk further I would suggest that you gradually build up to doing more rather than going until you're 'feeling very fatigued'. Also, alternate days that you walk at an even, comfortable tempo, with days that you walk a shorter distance but go faster.

Step-ups would be ideal: they helped me strengthen my patellar tracking when squats hurt.
http://www.exrx.net/WeightExercises/Quadriceps/ DBStepUp.html

The step in this demo is too high for many people, and the motion should be simplified: leave the foot of the lifting leg on the top of the step, and don't bother placing the feet together at the top of the motion. Start with a lower step, like an ordinary stair step, and work without adding weight. Concentrate on not pushing off with the non-lifting leg, and try to let yourself down without 'letting go' with the lifting leg as you approach the bottom. Gradually increase the step height until it's as high as the step in the demo.

My knees get a little irritated with Squats but they seem to handle deadlifts just fine.

I have a suggestion for you to try. Hopefully you'll find it simple and effective.

Find a kitchen chair or someone of similar height that will not move - back your kitchen chair against a wall, or find a low table or a high box. Stand about 1 foot in front of this chair, feet shoulder width apart and, while looking straight ahead, try to sit down on the chair, near the edge. If you do this properly, your shins will remain nearly vertical; if you start out too close or use a chair that is too low for you, your shins and knees will come forward. Keep your feet fully on the ground at all times. Once you've touched down, just stay for a second of two and get back up again, following the same groove you did to sit down.

You may start a little closer to the chair than one foot if you need, and you may, over time, lower the object upon which you sit. You may hold your arms out in front of you to help with balance, and you may bend forward but try to bend at top of your thighs, not at your waist - keep your waist straight. Looking straight ahead will help you bend in the right place, and do not cheat by bending your neck up as your waist bends down. Bend only at the top of your thighs.

Remember, only sit on the chair for a second or two. It is best if you take a breath before you start, hold it while you sit for your one second, and exhale as you finish returning to the standing position.

When you stand back up, try to pinch an imaginary penny between your butt cheeks and also lock your knees. These steps are important as well.

Repeat as you wish but make sure your form is good every time you do it. Do not look down, look straight ahead. Make sure your feet stay firmly planted on the ground at all times, and make sure your knees and feet are pointing in the same direction at all times.

You should find this movement loosens your hamstrings and strengthens your thighs. If you try it, please be kind enough to report back on how you feel it's working for you or with any questions.

Thanks for all the input I will try these suggestions and report back.