Lateral Step-Up
How to do it
Starting position
- Stand alongside the box.
- Place your entire foot closest to the box on top of the box.
- Keep your chest up and brace your abs.
- Start with a low box at first.
Movement
- Push through the foot on the box to lift your body sideways.
- Don't kick off the floor with the opposite foot; let it follow along.
- At the top, squeeze your glutes and pause briefly.
- Slowly lower down while controlling with the elevated leg.
Breathing
Exhale as you step up, inhale as you step down.
Cautions
- If your knee caves inward, align it with the direction of your toes.
- If you push off the floor with your bottom foot to come up, it stops being a leg exercise.
- If the box is high, your hips collapse to the side, so lower it.
Exercise info
| Primary muscles |  Quads |
|---|---|
| Secondary muscles | Glutes · Adductors · Abs |
| Equipment |  Box or step Flat bench |
| Movement pattern | Lunge |
| Rep range | 10–15 reps (one side at a time) |
7 similar exercises
Representative exercise: Lateral Step-Up
Related exercises
Bodyweight Lateral Step-upHarderStep-up opposite elbow to knee twistHarderBodyweight Reverse LungeSimilar exerciseDumbbell Goblet Split SquatSimilar exerciseBarbell LungeSimilar exerciseBand Split SquatSame muscle · different equipment
This information is based on our analysis of public content from evidence-based training experts in Korea and abroad. It is not a substitute for medical advice.
Weights and sets differ from person to person. The GYMKC app uses the sets you log to calculate the weight and reps for your next set.