Exercise of the Week - Barbell Step-Up
/Instructions
Preparation
Stand facing side of bench. Position bar on back of shoulders and grasp barbell to sides.
Execution
Place foot of first leg on bench. Stand on bench by extending hip and knee of first leg and place foot of second leg on bench. Step down with second leg by flexing hip and knee of first leg. Return to original standing position by placing foot of first leg to floor. Repeat first step with opposite leg, alternating first steps between legs.
Comments
Keep torso upright during exercise. Lead knee should point same direction as foot throughout movement. Stepping distance from bench emphasizes Gluteus Maximus; stepping close to bench emphasizes Quadriceps.
Classification
Mechanics:Compound
Force:Push
Muscles
- Gluteus Maximus
- Adductor Magnus
- Soleus
- Gastrocnemius (second leg)
- Hamstrings
- Gastrocnemius (first leg)