Step-Ups

Setup

Stand facing a sturdy box or bench at knee height, holding a dumbbell in each hand at your sides. Position yourself close enough that your foot can plant fully on the surface without reaching forward.

How to do it

1. Drive through the heel of your elevated foot to lift your body up onto the box.
2. Bring your trailing leg up to meet the working leg, standing fully upright on top.
3. Step down with the same leg that stepped up first, controlling the descent.
4. Keep your torso upright and core braced throughout the entire movement.
5. Complete all reps on one leg before switching sides.

Watch out for

• ✗Pushing off the ground with the bottom foot instead of driving through the top leg.
• ✗Leaning forward excessively or letting the knee cave inward during the step-up.
• ✗Using momentum or bouncing off the box rather than controlling each rep.