Dumbbell Step-Up

Step onto the box with the whole foot and drive up through the leading leg; alternate legs.

Dumbbell Step-Up, illustrated

How to do it

Setup

Dumbbells at the sides, whole working foot on a knee-height box.

Steps

  1. Drive through the top foot to stand on the box.
  2. Touch the other foot lightly, step back down.
  3. Finish the set on one leg, then switch.

Common mistakes

Bouncing off the floor leg: the bells make cheating tempting; the top leg lifts. Torso folding: tall chest against the load. Knee caving: track the toes.

Breathing

Exhale stepping up, inhale down.