Dumbbell Step-Ups: How to Do It, Muscles Worked & Form Tips

Muscle group: Legs
Primary muscles: Quadriceps
Secondary muscles: Calves, glutes and hamstrings
Equipment: Dumbbell
Type: Compound
Level: Intermediate

Video: “Dumbbell Step Ups - Leg Exercise - Bodybuilding.com” by Bodybuilding.com on YouTube.

How to do the Dumbbell Step-Ups

Stand up straight while holding a dumbbell on each hand (palms facing the side of your legs).
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.
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.
Repeat with the right leg for the recommended amount of repetitions and then perform with the left leg.

Muscles worked

The Dumbbell Step-Ups mainly works your quadriceps, with help from your calves, glutes and hamstrings.

Dumbbell Step-Ups start and finish positions

Dumbbell Step-Ups: Starting position — Starting position

Dumbbell Step-Ups: Ending position — Ending position

Track your Dumbbell Step-Ups progress

Getting stronger means beating last time. GymGod shows your last weights and reps for every exercise, including this one, so you always know what to beat.

More legs exercises

Front Squat Goblet Squat Good Morning Hack Squats High Step-up Hip Thrust Jump Squat Leg Curl Leg Extension

Browse all 173 exercises →