Step-Ups
Muscles worked
- Rectus Femoris
- Vastus Lateralis
- Vastus Medialis
- Vastus Intermedius
- Gluteus Maximus
- Adductor Magnus
- Gastrocnemius
- CategoryLegs
- Default target4 sets × 8–10 reps
- EquipmentDumbbells, Bench (optional)
- Movement patternLunge
- Training stylesStrength, Hypertrophy
- LevelBeginner-friendly
Technique
Setup
Stand in front of a sturdy box or bench. Hold dumbbells at your sides or a single dumbbell in a goblet hold.
Movement
Step one foot onto the bench. Drive through that heel to lift your body up until both feet are on the bench. Step back down slowly.
Form Tip
Focus on the lead leg doing all the work. Avoid 'pushing off' with the bottom foot to ensure maximum muscle recruitment.
Increase Difficulty
Use a higher bench or add a knee drive at the top of the movement.
Decrease Difficulty
Use a lower step or perform the movement without weights.
Hear the cue
The trainer's spoken setup and form tip for this exercise — the same clips Flex plays in a session.