Exercise

Step-up with Knee Raise

Also known as: step up with knee raise, step up knee drive, knee up step up, high knee step up

Step-up with Knee Raise is a compound exercise for the glutes. Main target: gluteus maximus. Also works: biceps femoris and vastus lateralis. No equipment needed — just your bodyweight.

EquipmentBodyweight

TypeCompound (multi-joint)

MovementPush

CategoryStrength

Muscles worked

Primary

Gluteus maximus

Secondary

Biceps femoris Vastus lateralis

How to do it

Stand facing a box or bench of an appropriate height with your feet together. This will be your starting position.
Begin the movement by stepping up, putting your left foot on the top of the bench. Extend through the hip and knee of your front leg to stand up on the box. As you stand on the box with your left leg, flex your right knee and hip, bringing your knee as high as you can.
Reverse this motion to step down off the box, and then repeat the sequence on the opposite leg.