Step-Ups
beginner Compound
Primary Quads
Secondary
Glutes Hamstrings
Equipment
dumbbells box
Table of Contents
Hold a dumbbell in each hand and stand facing a sturdy box or bench at roughly knee height. Place one foot fully on the box and drive through that heel to step up until your leg is straight. Lower yourself back to the floor with control, keeping the working leg on the box.
Pro Tips
- Drive through the heel of the working leg — avoid pushing off with the trailing foot on the ground
- Keep your torso upright and core braced to avoid leaning forward
- An excellent functional exercise that mimics real-world stair climbing and hiking
Variations & alternatives
Useful tools
Track Step-Ups in SteelRep
Log every set, track progressive overload, and get automatic rest timers — all built around the exercises you actually do.
