Barbell Step-Ups

Technique

How to perform Barbell Step-Ups

1. Stand behind a stable box with the barbell supported across your upper back and your torso braced.
2. Place your entire lead foot on the box.
3. Press through the lead foot and extend that hip and knee to raise your body, minimizing push-off from the trailing leg.
4. Bring the trailing foot onto the box once you are standing tall.
5. Step the trailing foot back to the floor while the lead leg controls the descent.
6. Return the lead foot to the floor and reset without dropping from the box.
7. Complete the planned repetitions, then repeat with the other leg leading.

Programming relevance

Muscles involved

Primary targets: Gluteus Maximus, Vastus Lateralis, Vastus Medialis.