How to do it
Keep your chest tall and eyes forward throughout each step-up.
- 1
Stand facing a bench or step, holding a dumbbell in each hand at your sides.
- 2
Place one foot on the bench, making sure your entire foot is on the bench.
- 3
Press through your heel to lift your body up onto the bench, bringing your other foot to meet the first.
- 4
Step back down with the same leg you stepped up with.
- 5
Complete the desired number of reps before switching to the other leg.
Expert tip
Drive the movement from your hips rather than your toes to ensure maximum engagement of the glutes and hamstrings.
Common mistakes
- ✕Pushing off the bottom foot to help up
- ✕Letting the working knee cave inward
- ✕Dropping down off the bench too quickly