Barbell Step Up Exercise Form Guide with Video & Pictures

Barbell Step Up Instructions

Note: Pictures coming soon!

1. Starting Position

• Use a wide overhand grip to grasp bar; support bar on upper traps.
• Unrack bar from outside of power rack.
• Stand ~12-18 inches in front of box, with feet hip width apart.
• Raise leg and put foot on box such that thigh is parallel to floor (keep foot here until you switch sides).
• Assume a neutral spine and upright torso for the duration of the lift.

2. Concentric Repetition

• Extend leading knee and hip to step up on box, bringing trailing foot down next to leading foot.

3. Midpoint

• Don’t pause. Once trailing foot has landed on box, immediately commence eccentric rep.

4. Eccentric Repetition

• Flex leading knee and hip while reaching trailing leg back to step down into the starting position.

5. Repeat

• Repeat the motion for the desired number of reps. Then switch legs and complete the same number of reps. Once both sides are done, you’ve finished one set.
• I’ve found that 5-12 reps yields the best results. I stay below 5 reps since heavier loads interfere with balance, which makes using good form increasingly difficult.

Common Barbell Step Up Errors to Avoid

Barbell Step Up Tips

1. Drive through the heel of your leading foot; not throught the ball of the foot. This provides the most efficient transfer of energy from your body and into the box.
2. The knee and foot of the front leg should be straight forward throughout the step up movement. Don’t turn them inward or outward.
3. Vary the distance between you and the step to emphasize different muscles. A longer stride targets the glutes more, while a shorter stride focuses more on the quads.
4. Change the height of the box to emphasize different muscles. A higher step works the glutes more, while a shorter step hits the quads harder.
5. Use a bench if you don’t have a box. Just make sure it’s stable and can safely hold your weight plus the weight of the bar.
6. Use the barbell step up as an assistance movement for the squat. Implement in your routine after squats; or have it be your main leg exercise during a “light” lower body training session.

Is This Exercise Right for You?

This exercise is best for intermediate & advanced lifters looking for increased leg mass, strength and symmetry.

It also has applications for experienced lifters looking to bust squat plateaus and improve balance.

Beginners, on the other hand, should stick to basic leg exercises. Master squats and lunges before trying step ups. Unfortunately, as a beginner, you lack the base strength, balance and proprioception needed to get a worthwhile results from the movement.

You should think of avoiding the barbell step up if you have any inhibitive ankle, knee or lower back issues as well as any other leg-related hinderances (e.g. hamstring strain).