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Step-Up

BeginnerStrengthTier T2

Unilateral hip and leg strength exercise using stairs or step platform.

Targets: Hip
Muscles: Quadriceps, Gluteus Maximus

Stop if

Choose an easier exercise if pain reaches 6 out of 10 or becomes sharp. Stop and rest if pain reaches 8 out of 10.

This is the general ClapMove rule. This exercise has no extra stop rule of its own.

  • Pain 6 out of 10 or more: choose an easier exercise.
  • Pain 8 out of 10 or more: stop and rest.

Equipment needed

  • Works at home
  • Works at the gym

Home Options

  • stairs or step + stair rail or handrail

No equipment? Try: Stair, Sturdy box, Step platform

Dosage

3

Sets

10

Reps / Time

60 sec

Rest

2 up / 2 down

Tempo

Step-by-Step Guide

Set up

  • Stand facing step or stairs
  • Start with low step height (6-8 inches)
  • Hands on hips or use railing for balance
  1. No image for this step. Follow the written instruction.

    Step 1 of 4

    Place entire foot on step

  2. No image for this step. Follow the written instruction.

    Step 2 of 4

    Push through heel to stand up

  3. No image for this step. Follow the written instruction.

    Step 3 of 4

    Bring other foot to step, stand tall

  4. No image for this step. Follow the written instruction.

    Step 4 of 4

    Step down with control, same leg leads

Breathing

  • Exhale as you step up
  • Inhale as you step down

Form Cues

  • Push through the heel of top foot
  • Don't push off with bottom foot
  • Stand fully upright at top
  • Control the step down

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Pushing off too much with bottom foot
  • Not standing fully at top
  • Dropping down instead of controlling
  • Knee collapsing inward

Safety Information

Use stable surface. Hold railing if needed.

Progressions

Higher step, add dumbbells, slow tempo

Lateral Step-UpIntermediate

Regressions

Lower step, use railing for balance