2 STEP UPS
WHY TH THIS EXERCISE
STEP ups are one of the best exercises for improving all aspects of your fitness. This routine is great for building your cardiovascular fitness and overall strength. They generate a lot of power in the lower half of your body and key for developing muscular strength and endurance. This workout targets many large muscle groups including your hips, quadriceps, hamstrings, calves and abdominal muscles. As an added bonus, it also helps to strengthen your lower back. Not many exercises that target all these muscle groups have that benefit. Using all these larger muscles, it burns a lot of energy if one of your target goals is fat loss. Step Ups are a unilateral exercise. While performing the movement, one leg carries the load of your entire body, making this drill more beneficial again for improving balance and stabilisation.
HOW TO DO
To perform this exercise, start in a standing position with both feet shoulder width apart. Place your entire left foot on the bench. Your leg should be positioned at a 90 degree angle as you drive through your left heel to step up. Bring your right foot up directly after and stand straight on the bench. Doing the same in reverse, step back with your left foot first then followed by your right foot. Repeat this form for several repetitions. Once completed, perform the same movement on the opposite leg.
HOW MUCH
Beginners: Perform the exercise for 15 repetitions on each leg | 2 sets | Rest 1 minute
Intermediates: Perform the exercise for 20 repetitions on each leg | 3 sets | Rest 1 minute Intermediates can perform this exercise holding 1 dumbbell (8-10kg) with both hands. Hold the weight at chin height and at the midline of the body.