Barbell Step Ups

Barbell Step Ups — Start position
Start position
Barbell Step Ups — End position
End position
Region
Knee & Thigh
Equipment
Barbell
Category
Strength
Level
Intermediate
Mechanic
compound
Force
push

Muscles worked

  • quadriceps
  • calves
  • glutes
  • hamstrings
  • quadriceps

Filled = primary · Outlined = secondary

Source: Free Exercise DB (public domain)

How to perform

  1. Stand up straight while holding a barbell placed on the back of your shoulders (slightly below the neck) and stand upright behind an elevated platform (such as the one used for spotting behind a flat bench). This is your starting position.

  2. Place the right foot on the elevated platform. Step on the platform by extending the hip and the knee of your right leg. Use the heel mainly to lift the rest of your body up and place the foot of the left leg on the platform as well. Breathe out as you execute the force required to come up.

  3. Step down with the left leg by flexing the hip and knee of the right leg as you inhale. Return to the original standing position by placing the right foot of to next to the left foot on the initial position.

  4. Repeat with the right leg for the recommended amount of repetitions and then perform with the left leg.

Related movements