Lateral step up exercise will help work the lower body while also improving your balance and agility. It’s also great for cardiovascular fitness thanks to the intensity of the exercise.
This exercise can be done with just your bodyweight or while holding a set of dumbbells at your sides or kettlebells.
Lateral step ups muscles worked include the entire lower body with particular emphasis on the quads, glutes and hamstrings.
How To Do Lateral Step Ups
- Position a step or bench directly to the side of you. Note that the higher the step or bench is, the more challenging this exercise will be.
- Lift the leg closest to the step or bench up and place the foot directly on the bench.
- Begin transferring the weight to this foot as you straighten the knee and bring the other foot up to meet it. Assume a standing position on top of the bench for the perfect lateral step up technique.
- Begin to step down to the same side you started, this time leading with the opposite leg.
- Continue until all reps are completed and then switch sides and repeat.
Form and Technique
For correct lateral step ups form, focus on keeping the core tight and make sure that your entire foot is up on the bench before you begin transferring your weight.
Routine for Strength: 5 sets x AMRAP (30 secs rest between sets)
Routine for Muscle Gains: n/a
Lateral Step Ups FAQs
What do side step ups work?
Side step ups exercise (aka. Lateral Step Ups) work the entire lower body, primarily the quads, glutes and hamstrings.
Lateral step up benefits include muscle strengthening, toning and cardiovascular fitness.
Is Step ups a good exercise?
Step ups are a good exercise because they’ll not only strengthen and tone your lower body but also develop cardiovascular fitness due to the intensity of the exercise.
How tall should a step up box be?
It depends on your height, so as a rough guide, anywhere around the height of your upper shin to your knee will be a good height to work with.
For lateral step ups at home, either use a weight bench, some stairs or other suitable stable surface.
How do I make my step ups harder?
You can make step ups harder by holding a pair of dumbbells or kettlebells during the exercise.
For lateral step ups dumbbells, start light to build your strength and balance before progression to a heavier weight.
How To Do Lateral Step Ups (1:39 Min Video)
Lateral Step Up Alternatives
You Won't Believe Our Weird Car Exercises!
Exercises.com.au is Australia’s premier exercise and fitness website with over 1100 pages, 600+ exercise videos, 500+ articles on exercise, fitness, muscle building, strength training, toning, weight loss, nutrition, supplements and more!
