Barbell Step Ups
How to do the Barbell Step Ups
- 1
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.
- 2
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.
- 3
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.
- 4
Repeat with the right leg for the recommended amount of repetitions and then perform with the left leg.
How to program the Barbell Step Ups
Sets and reps
As a compound movement, the Barbell Step Ups responds well to heavier loading. For strength, work in the 3–5 sets of 4–8 reps range with 2–3 minutes of rest between sets. For muscle growth, 3–4 sets of 8–12 reps with 90 seconds of rest is the classic hypertrophy zone. Place it early in your session, when you're freshest, and leave 1–3 reps in reserve on most sets.
Progression
The Barbell Step Ups is rated intermediate. Earn the right to progress: only add load when every rep of every set moves with consistent technique. Video your sets or use a mirror to check positions, and use double progression (add reps to the top of your range, then add load and reset) rather than jumping weight.
Secondary muscles worked
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Frequently asked questions
What muscles does the Barbell Step Ups work?
The Barbell Step Ups primarily targets the Quadriceps. It also recruits the Calves, Glutes, Hamstrings, Quadriceps as supporting muscles.
What equipment do I need for the Barbell Step Ups?
You need Barbell. Difficulty level: Intermediate.
How many sets and reps of the Barbell Step Ups should I do?
For strength, do 3–5 sets of 4–8 reps with 2–3 minutes rest. For muscle growth, do 3–4 sets of 8–12 reps with about 90 seconds rest.
