Step-up
Step by step
How to perform
- Step up onto the bench with your right foot, pressing through your right heel as you lift your left foot to meet your right so you are standing on the bench.
- Maintain your balance, keep your body upright and ensure your core is engaged.
- Slowly lower your left foot back down to the ground, followed by your right foot, returning to your original standing position.
- Repeat the exercise by alternating the leading foot each time, ensuring to keep your movements controlled and steady.
Overview
About this exercise
The Step-up is a versatile exercise that primarily targets the muscles in your legs and glutes, providing strength, balance, and stability. It's an excellent workout for both beginners and advanced fitness enthusiasts since it can be modified to different fitness levels by adjusting the height of the step or adding weights. People would want to do step-ups because they mimic real-life movements, making them functional, while also helping to correct muscle imbalances, improve coordination, and boost overall lower body power.
Coaching cues
Form tips
Keep your chest up and shoulders back throughout the exercise. This will help you maintain balance and prevent hunching, which can lead to back strain or injury. Make sure to engage your core muscles to help maintain this upright posture.
Avoid the temptation to use momentum to propel yourself upwards. Instead, focus on using your leg muscles to drive the movement. This ensures that you're getting the most out of the exercise and not risking injury by losing control.
When you step up, make sure not to lock your knee at the top of the movement.
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