The step-up targets your butt and upper hamstrings. You are basically performing a lunge while stepping upward. Have access to a sturdy platform like a bench or chair? You can do this leg exercise!

It's no secret that leg day is my favorite. It's also no secret that step-ups are my favorite exercise. Yes, those are both true statements!

There are many different ways that you can perform a step-up. I wanted to share a few here with you today. Step-ups are incorporated into all of our workout plans and I even created a 30-day step-up challenge! Try incorporating these into your next leg day routine!

Let us be your personal trainers with our detailed 4, 6 and 12-week She Sweats Workout plans! We guide your workout each day, telling you exactly what to do and what intensity to work at. We have everything you need! Find out more!

HOW TO DO STEP-UPS

1. Stand in front of a bench holding weights by your side (or use an EZ bar across your shoulders)
2. Simply step up onto the bench with one leg and step back down again

• You can either alternate legs or finish all listed repetitions on one leg before moving on

Variations:

• Step-Up with Knee Lift (center picture) - Perform a regular step-up and then lift your opposite leg as seen in the middle picture
• Step-Up with Rear Leg Extension (right picture) - Perform a regular step-up and then lift the opposite leg behind you, really squeezing your glute muscles
• Lateral Step-Ups (not pictured) - Stand to the side of a bench or platform and step up laterally onto the platform with the leg that is closest to the platform

Tips:

• If you are a beginner you can make this exercise easier by not using any weight and stepping onto a low platform.
• If you would like to make this exercise harder, you can do these weighted on a high platform.

Now that you know how to do step-ups are you ready for a challenge?

• 30-Day Step-Up Challenge