Exercise Summary
| Exercise Name: | Dumbbell Step Up |
| Main Muscle: | Quadriceps |
| Secondary Muscle(s): | Calves, Glutes, Hamstrings |
| Exercise Type: | Compound |
| Equipment Required: | Dumbbells, Bench |
Dumbbell Step Up Description:
Dumbbell Step Ups are a a great fat burning exercise because they work all of your leg muscles and also force you to stabilize the weights with your upper body during the lift. This exercise can also be used to build muscle mass, but is less effective than Barbell Step Ups in this regard.
How to Do a Dumbbell Step Up
- Stand up straight while holding a dumbbell on each hand (palms facing the side of your legs).
- 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.
- 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.
- Repeat with the right leg for the recommended amount of repetitions and then perform with the left leg.
Note: This is a great exercise for people with lower back problems that are unable to do stiff legged deadlifts.
Variations: Just like lunges, this exercise can also be performed by alternating between the right and the left leg every time until all repetitions have been performed for both legs. Also, a barbell can be used for resistance. Beginners can start with only the bodyweight, especially if they have balance issues.
Dumbbell Step Up Video