Reviewed exercise · beginner

Dumbbell Step-Up

A secondary lunge movement for quadriceps, glutes.

Equipment

dumbbells, bench

Typical range

6–15 reps

Also trains

hamstrings, core

Set up

Choose a stable platform height that permits a level pelvis.

Execute

Place the whole working foot on top and drive up through it.

Step down deliberately without dropping onto the trailing leg.

Coaching cues

• Top leg does the work.
• Control the descent.

Common mistakes

• Pushing hard from the floor leg.
• Using a platform too high to control.

Modify or stop when relevant discomfort is reported. Educational content does not diagnose injury.