Dumbbell Step Ups

What it is

This is a compound strength movement where you step onto an elevated platform while holding dumbbells. It primarily builds strength in your quadriceps, with significant engagement from your glutes, hamstrings, and calves. This exercise improves lower body power and stability, making it excellent for functional fitness.

Technique tips

• Drive through your lead heel to ascend.
• Exhale on the way up, inhale on the way down.
• Control your descent; do not drop quickly.
• Maintain an upright torso throughout the movement.
• Avoid pushing off with your trailing foot.

How to track your progress

Log the weight and reps of each set. Straddly turns every set into an estimated one-rep max, so a heavier single and a strong set of eight both count as progress, and it flags a personal record the moment you beat your best.