d.b. step ups

A leg exercise that most anyone can do. Over the years, I have even had many clients with "bad knees" able to do this movement to strengthen their hips and thighs. The key is finding the appropriate height. Start using a platform 6-12" off the ground. Make sure both feet are pointing straight ahead throughout the movement. As you step up, take care to step up by pushing through the heel of the foot on the box. Pushing through the heel (versus the toes) keeps the majority of the stress in the hamstring and hip and typically out of the knee itself. Height of the platform is dictated by ability but once my clients reach a height that puts the top of their thigh parallel to the ground, I start making the exercise more difficult by adding weights versus more height.