StrengthBeginner
Step-Up
A unilateral lower-body exercise where you step onto an elevated surface. Develops single-leg strength, balance, and carries over directly to stair climbing and running.
How to do it
- 1Place one foot fully on a box or bench, knee over toes
- 2Drive through the heel of the top foot to stand up
- 3Bring the trailing leg up, standing tall on the box
- 4Lower the trailing leg back down with control
Common mistakes
- Pushing off the back foot instead of driving through the lead leg
- Using a box that is too high, causing rounding of the back
- Leaning excessively forward
Muscles worked
quadricepsgluteshamstringscalvescore
Variations
Easier
Lower box height or use a stair
Harder
Weighted step-up with dumbbells or barbell
Used in
Related exercises
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