Step Up Exercise Benefits.
- STEP UP EXERCISE. Improve Symmetry & Balance. The step up is a unilateral leg exercise. And which means that you train each leg independently. As a result you improve the symmetry of your leg musculature. And as I’m sure you can imagine, doing an exercise on one leg also improves your balance.
- Increase Your Squat Strength. Want to improve your squat? Step ups can help. First off, they increase your overall leg strength. Second, it’s is a unilateral exercise. In addition, to fixing muscle size imbalances, it fixes strength imbalances that are holding back your progress on bilateral leg exercises (i.e. squats). You see, it’s common to hit plateaus on bilateral exercises because you can unknowingly favor your stronger side. So then, your weaker side becomes your weakest link and retards your overall progress.
- Save Your Lower Back. You use a whole lot less weight with step ups than you do with squats. This is obvious considering that step ups involve the same basic movement as squats, except you use just one leg. So this exercise can be clutch if you have lower back issues; or if you are simply trying to work your lower body without hitting your lower back.
- Develop Explosive Leg Power. Step ups train explosiveness of the leg muscles. This of course translates to a general increase in lower body strength. But the benefits extend that. You’ll be able to move faster.
- Cardio: Because stepping up and onto something gets your heart rate up, step-ups will help you burn more calories. So then, by adding step-ups between sets when weight training to keep your heart rate high will increase your calorie burn. Hence, you reduce weight.
What muscles do step ups work?
Step-ups primarily work your quadriceps, the muscles in the front of your thighs, and involve your knee and hip joints. However, other muscles involved include your glutes, calves and hamstrings, which assist in the movement.
Step up Video
Ankle Weights Video
In Conclusion
Step-Ups are a way to build leg strength if you have issues with doing squats. Step-Ups are easier on the knees and ankles which may be a better option for some older adults, In addition, ankle weights are another option that builds strength in legs and is easier on joints.
Important Note *
Remember that everyone is different, and it is ultimately YOUR RESPONSIBILITY to find what your body responds to. So please do your due diligence before trying anything new, including getting Medical Advice to ensure your safety and peace of mind.
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