How to Do Step Up Exercises

Targeting the glutes and hamstrings, step-up exercises work both areas in addition to strengthening the calves. It’s important to retain good posture during this exercise with a straight back, head pointing straight-ahead, and aligned shoulders. Your “step up” bench needs to be at least 8 inches high to get the maximum benefit from this exercise. Weight lifters often use a weight lifting bench to perform this workout. However, a step aerobics bench or even your bottom stair will work fine.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Step aerobics bench or stair
• 2 pound weights (optional)

1. Stand straight in front of your step. Your arms should be at your sides with feet parallel.
2. Lifting your right foot, step onto the bench and straighten your leg. You should be in a straightened position balancing on one foot on the bench. Don’t place your left foot on the bench. Keep it behind you.
3. Lower yourself back to the floor, landing on your left foot.
4. Raise yourself again, balanced on the right foot, onto the bench. Pick up your tempo, raising and lowering the body on and off the bench using just one foot.
5. Repeat 15 times and switch legs.

Tips & Warnings

• For added resistance and strengthening, add light hand-held weights to increase the intensity of this workout.