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Dumbbell Balance Trainer Step-Up

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A weighted unilateral variation of the step-up performed on an unstable balance trainer with dumbbells, targeting the quads and glutes to build strength and stability.

About Exercise

Equipment

Dumbbells, Balance Trainer

Difficulty

4/5 • Advanced

Primary Muscle Groups

Quads, Glutes

Secondary Muscles

Forearms, Calves, Abs

Popularity Score

4

Goals

Strength
Hypertrophy
Stability
Conditioning

Training Style

Functional Training
Balance Training
Sports Performance

Setup Requirements

Requires Rack

No

Requires Bench

No

Requires Spotter

No

Space Needed

Medium

Noise Level

Low

Muscle Breakdown

Quads

9/10

Rectus Femoris, Vastus Lateralis, Vastus Medialis

Glutes

8/10

Glute Max, Glute Medius

Hamstrings

6/10

Biceps Femoris, Semitendinosus

Forearms

4/10

Flexors

Calves

4/10

Gastrocnemius, Soleus

Abs

4/10

Rectus Abdominis

Programming

Typical Rep Range

6-12 reps

Rest Between Sets

60-120 seconds • Allow full recovery for stability.

How to Perform

Stand behind the balance trainer holding a dumbbell in each hand at your sides, feet shoulder-width apart and core engaged.

  1. Place one foot firmly on the center of the dome.
  2. Drive through the heel to lift your body, extending the hip and knee.
  3. Bring the trailing foot up to meet the lead foot or hover near it while balancing.
  4. Pause briefly at the top with an upright posture.
  5. Lower the trailing foot back to the floor with control.
  6. Step down completely before repeating or switching sides.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Drive through heel
  • Shoulders back
  • Control the descent
  • Core tight
  • Knee over toe

Breathing

Inhale as you lower down; exhale as you drive up through the step.

Tempo

2-1-1

Range of Motion

Step up until the lead leg is fully extended; lower until the trailing foot touches the floor.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Ensure balance trainer is stable
  • Use a weight you can control
  • Keep surface dry
  • Stop if ankle pain occurs

Spotting

Not recommended; drop weights safely if balance is lost.

Common Mistakes

  • Swinging weights for momentum
  • Pushing off the back leg
  • Knee collapsing inward
  • Rounding the shoulders

When to Avoid

  • Acute ankle injury
  • Severe balance disorders
  • Lower back pain

Flexibility Needed

  • Ankle dorsiflexion
  • Hip flexion

Build Up First

  • Bodyweight balance trainer step-up competency
  • Dumbbell lunge competency

Also known as

DB Bosu Step Up, Weighted Stability Step Up, Dumbbell Unstable Step Up

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