Bodyweight Step Up
Unilateral lower body exercise using dumbbells and a box that targets quads and glutes to build strength, power, and balance; commonly used for leg hypertrophy and athletic conditioning.
About Exercise
Equipment
Dumbbells, Plyometric Box
Difficulty
3/5 • Intermediate
Primary Muscle Groups
Quads, Glutes
Secondary Muscles
Calves
Popularity Score
7
Goals
Training Style
Setup Requirements
Requires Rack
No
Requires Bench
No
Requires Spotter
No
Space Needed
Medium
Noise Level
Low
Muscle Breakdown
View Muscle MapQuads
9/10Rectus Femoris, Vastus Lateralis, Vastus Medialis
Glutes
8/10Glute Max
Hamstrings
6/10Biceps Femoris
Calves
4/10Gastrocnemius
Programming
Typical Rep Range
6-12 reps
Rest Between Sets
60-90 seconds
How to Perform
Stand holding dumbbells at sides with a sturdy box or bench at knee height in front. Place one foot fully on the box.
- Drive through the heel of the lead foot to step up, extending knee and hip fully.
- Bring the trailing leg up to meet the lead foot on top.
- Step down controlled with the trailing leg, keeping the lead foot on the box.
- Repeat for reps on one leg before switching sides.
Coaching Tips
Form Cues
- Drive through heel
- Knee tracks over toes
- Torso upright
- Opposite knee up high
Breathing
Inhale as you step down; exhale forcefully as you drive up and brace your core.
Tempo
2-1-1
Range of Motion
Step up until lead thigh is parallel or above, full hip and knee extension at top; lower until trailing knee nearly touches floor.
Safety
Safety Notes
- Use stable, non-slip box
- Avoid if knee instability
- Start with bodyweight if new
- Secure footing to prevent slips
Spotting
Spot from behind for balance; assist by supporting lower back on descent if needed.
Common Mistakes
- Pushing off trailing foot
- Leaning forward excessively
- Partial extension at top
- Uneven box height
When to Avoid
- Acute knee pain
- Balance issues
- Recent lower body surgery
Flexibility Needed
- Adequate ankle dorsiflexion
- Hip flexion mobility
Build Up First
- Mastered basic squat
- Single-leg balance competency
Also known as
Weighted Step Up, Box Step Up, Step-Up
Found this helpful?
Share your thoughts or help us improve this guide.
Similar Exercises
Goblet Step-Up
Dumbbells, Kettlebell
Quads
Barbell Step Up
Barbell, Plyometric Box
Quads
Dumbbell Step Up
Dumbbells, Plyometric Box
Quads
Bodyweight Lunge
Bodyweight
Quads
Bodyweight Squat
Bodyweight
Quads
Burpee Box Step-Up
Plyometric Box
Quads
Kettlebell Step-Up
Kettlebell, Plyometric Box
Quads
Smith Machine Step Up
Smith Machine, Plyometric Box
Quads
Resistance Band Step-Up
Bands, Plyometric Box
Glutes
Barbell Lateral Step-Up
Barbell, Plyometric Box
Quads
Master your movement.
Experience automatic exercise detection and rep counting - powered by the motion of your Apple Watch.
subscribe to our newsletter
ProductContact Us
hello@trainfitness.aiFind Us
130 Spadina Avenue, Toronto,
Ontario, M5V 0H4, Canada
©2025 All Rights Reserved
