StrengthReps

Barbell Side Step Up

Stand beside a sturdy elevated surface such as a box or bench, and position a barbell securely across your upper back and shoulders.

Exercise details

Primary muscle

Quads

Also works: Glutes, Hamstrings

Equipment
Box,Barbell
Tracking
Reps and weight

Execution

How to do it

  1. Stand beside a sturdy elevated surface such as a box or bench, and position a barbell securely across your upper back and shoulders. Place the foot closest to the box on top of it, ensuring your entire foot is flat and stable.

  2. Engage your core muscles, press firmly through the heel of your elevated foot, and drive your body upward until your working leg is fully extended and both feet are on top of the box.

  3. Pause briefly at the top while maintaining an upright posture with your shoulders pulled back and your spine neutral.

  4. Lower your trailing foot back to the floor with control to return to the starting position. Complete the desired number of repetitions before switching sides.

Form tips

  • Drive through the heel of the elevated foot to maximize glute and hamstring engagement.

  • Perform the exercise with slow and controlled movement to avoid using momentum.

  • Choose a step height that allows you to perform the exercise with proper form and full range of motion.

Workout tracker

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Add it to a plan or to your current session, log sets, weight and reps, keep the instructions and tips at hand while you train, and check your previous results, records and volume.

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