Barbell Step Ups
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General info
How to perform exercise
- 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.
- 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, dumbbells can be used. Beginners can start with only the bodyweight, especially if they have balance issues.
Photos of the correct technique
What muscles work?
If the correct technique is followed, the following muscle groups work: Quads, and auxiliary muscles: Quads, Hamstrings, Calves, Glutes
Weight and number of repetitions
The number of repetitions and working weight depends on your goal and other parameters. But the general recommendations can be presented in the form of a table:
| Goal | Sets | Reps | Weight, %1Rm | Rest between sets |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Strength | 2-6 | 1-5 reps | 100-85% | 3-7 min |
| Mass gain | 3-6 | 6-12 reps | 85-60% | 1-4 min |
| Fat burning | 2-4 | 13-25 reps | 60-40% | 1-2 min |
In order to make the training more diverse and effective you have to change the number of repetitions and the working weight. It is important not to go beyond certain values!
*Specify the weight and the maximum number of repetitions that you can perform with this weight.
Best workout routines with this exercise
These programs with this exercise «Barbell Step Ups » are among the best rated by athletes.
Exercise substitutions
Workouts with «Barbell Step Ups »
