Barbell Step-Up

Setup

1. 01Set a sturdy box about knee height.
2. 02Take the bar from a rack onto the upper traps.
3. 03Stand a short step behind the box.
4. 04Place one full foot flat on the box.

Execution

1. 01Drive through the top foot to stand on the box.
2. 02Bring the trailing foot up beside it.
3. 03Step the trailing foot back down under control.
4. 04Finish reps on one leg, then switch.

Checkpoints

• -The top-leg heel does the work, not a push-off.
• -The knee tracks in line with the toes.
• -The torso stays tall under the bar.
• -The whole foot stays flat on the box.

Common mistakes

• -Bouncing off the bottom leg to cheat the drive.
• -Using a box so high the torso pitches forward.
• -Letting the working knee dive inward.
• -Dropping off the box instead of lowering with control.