How do step ups help you

This is the most common step-up variation and one that even beginners will be able to progress to very quickly. Adding weight increases the difficulty and the benefits of the exercise, and the easiest way to do that is by holding dumbbells by your sides while you perform step-ups.

Approach the move from a whole new angle — and elist your inner thigh muscles as well — by stepping up from the side. Stand side-on to your bench, either with or without dumbbells, and place the nearer foot on the bench, leaving enough space on the bench for your other foot. Drive up and stand with both feet on the bench, then step down to the same side you came up from. Do all the reps on this side, then turn around and lead with the opposite leg. Stand facing the bench and step up but, instead of planting the trailing leg, drive your knee up towards your chest, and then step straight back down.

This more explosive version of the exercise builds power in your glutes and is especially useful for those using step-ups to train for sports. See more conditions. Request Appointment. Healthy Lifestyle Fitness. Products and services. Video: Step-up exercise. Thank you for Subscribing Our Housecall e-newsletter will keep you up-to-date on the latest health information. Please try again. Something went wrong on our side, please try again. Show references Laskowski ER expert opinion.

Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Krupa NL expert opinion. Focus on pulling your shoulder blades towards your back pockets to keep your torso upright. Type keyword s to search. Today's Top Stories. Exactly How J. Lo Gets Her Skin to Glow. Hex Dumbbell 10kg. Adjustable 20kg Dumbbells. Anchor's amazon. Umi Neoprene 1kg Dumbbells. Umi amazon. Learn more. By Alex. Last updated on March 23, The step up is a unilateral leg exercise, which means that you train each leg independently.

The result is that you improve the symmetry of your leg musculature. Want to squat and deadlift more? Step ups can help. First off, they increase your overall leg strength, as any leg exercise would.

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