Step-Up

The technique.

1. 01

   Stand in front of a sturdy box or bench, holding a dumbbell in each hand.

2. 02

   Place one foot entirely on the box, ensuring your entire foot is stable.

3. 03

   Drive through the heel of your elevated foot, stepping up onto the box.

4. 04

   Bring your trailing leg up, either tapping the box or driving the knee up.

5. 05

   Slowly lower yourself back down to the starting position with control, alternating lead legs.

What goes wrong.

• ×Pushing off the ground with the trailing leg, reducing work on the lead leg.
• ×Using a box that is too high, compromising form and increasing injury risk.
• ×Leaning too far forward, putting stress on the knee.
• ×Not fully extending the hip at the top, limiting glute activation.
• ×Rushing the movement, sacrificing control and proper form.