Exercise library
Quads
Dumbbell Step-Up
- Primary muscle
- Quads
- Also works
- Glutes, Hamstrings
- Equipment
- Dumbbell
- Movement pattern
- Squat
- Role in a program
- Primary
How to do it
Hold a dumbbell in each hand and plant one foot on a knee-height box. Drive through the top foot to stand fully upright, minimizing push from the trailing leg, then lower under control.
Video demo coming soon.
Similar & swap-friendly exercises
Missing the equipment, or does this one aggravate something today? These also train the quads — pick a substitute that feels strong and pain-free. For an actual injury, get it assessed by a professional.
- Dumbbell Bulgarian Split SquatDumbbellSquat
- Dumbbell Forward LungeDumbbellSquat
- Dumbbell Goblet Reverse LungeDumbbellSquat
- Dumbbell Goblet SquatDumbbellSquat
- Dumbbell Lateral LungeDumbbellSquat
- Dumbbell Lateral Step-UpDumbbellSquat
No-equipment alternatives
Training at home or on the road — bodyweight options for the quads: