Atlas
Step-Up with Knee Drive: starting position Step-Up with Knee Drive: end position

Unilateral · Glutes

Step-Up with Knee Drive

A unilateral exercise that works the glutes. Beginner level, using bodyweight, box or hurdle.

BeginnerBodyweightBox or hurdleGym

Muscles worked

PrimaryGlutes
SecondaryHamstrings, Quads

Glutes, quads, and hip flexors.

Setup and loading

Box at knee height.

How to do the step-up with knee drive step by step

  1. Facing a box, step up with one foot.
  2. Straighten that leg and drive the other knee up to hip height.
  3. Step down and alternate.

Form cues

  • Drive with the top leg
  • Stay tall

Common mistakes

  • Pushing off with the bottom leg
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Sets and reps for your goal

Hypertrophy

3-4 x 8-12 · rest 60-90 s

3-4 sets of 6-12 reps (up to 15-20 on isolation exercises) at 65-80% of your max. Rest 1 to 2 minutes.

Get close to failure (0-3 reps in reserve) and control the lowering for 2-3 seconds. Accumulate 10-20 sets per muscle per week.

Max Strength

4-5 x 3-6 · rest 2-3 min

3-6 sets of 1-6 reps at 80-90% of your max (1RM). Rest 2 to 5 minutes.

Leave 1-3 reps in reserve. If your technique breaks down, lower the weight: strength is built with good reps.

A guide for healthy adults. Adjust the load to your level and see a professional if you have an injury.

Check your form

Film yourself from the side or ask someone to watch, then tick what you get right.

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Sports it suits

Gear for this exercise

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Variations and similar exercises

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