Barbell Step-ups

Equipment required

Barbell / EZ-Bar

Primary muscle group(s)

Glutes & Hip Flexors, Quadriceps

Secondary

Abs, Calves

1. Set up a barbell in a rack at shoulder height.
2. In front of the rack, place an aerobic or exercise step on the floor.
3. Position yourself under the barbell so it is resting across your shoulder. Not on your neck.
4. Stand up straight to lift the barbell from the rack and walk forward to the step.
5. Place one foot on the step and push down through your heel while straightening your leg to lift yourself up onto the step and place your other foot flat on the step.Hold fora count of one.
6. Step down with the opposite leg to the one you started the movement with.
7. Repeat all the repetitions of the set for your chosen lead leg befor changing to the other.

For novices or people with balance problems, this exercise can be performed using only body weight or dumbbells until you are confident and your strength has increased. You can also perform this movement by alternating between legs.

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Related exercises to discover

Battle Rope Squatting Alternating Waves

Bulgarian Split Squats

Bosu Ball Plank Leg Lifts

Barbell step-ups is a gym exercise that targets glutes & hip flexors and quadriceps and also works abs and calves. Use the illustration and instructions above to learn how to perform this exercise with proper form. Related exercises that work similar muscle groups include Battle rope squatting alternating waves, bulgarian split squats and bosu ball plank leg lifts. Browse our free illustrated exercise directory for more exercises.

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