Exercise guide

Dumbbell Step Up.

Equipment
Dumbbell
Movement
Compound
Level
Intermediate

Muscles at work

Front
Back
PrimaryQuads
SecondaryCalves, Glutes, Hamstrings

Make every rep count.

  1. 01

    Stand tall facing a sturdy bench/platform about knee height, feet hip-width apart. Hold a dumbbell in each hand with arms straight at your sides, shoulders down and back.

  2. 02

    Place your entire foot on the platform (start with one leg). Keep your chest up and core braced—don’t lean excessively or round your back.

  3. 03

    Drive through the heel/midfoot of the foot on the bench to lift yourself up. Keep your knee tracking in line with your toes (avoid letting it cave inward).

  4. 04

    Stand fully on top by straightening the working leg and bringing the other foot up to meet it—try not to push off hard with the back leg.

  5. 05

    Step down under control: non-working foot first, then the working foot. Stay balanced and avoid “dropping” off the bench.

  6. 06

    Repeat, alternating legs, or finish all reps on one side before switching.

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