This marks the beginning of a new series we have started on Girls Guide To to help you look and feel great. Every week there will be a new exercise of the week. To kick start this week off the exercise of the week is Step Ups so read this article to ensure you do this exercise right!

Starting Position 

• Hold dumbbells in each hand or place a weighted bar on your upper back. (Note: You can also do these with no weights.)
• Keep your chest up and out while keeping your shoulders back. Stand in front of the bench or step with your feet shoulder-width apart.

Upward Movement 

• Step up with one leg placing the entire foot onto the step or bench.
• Keep your back straight and avoid leaning forward.
• Push yourself up using the leg that is on the step. Don’t push-off with the leg that is on the floor.
• Extend your hip and knee and push your body upward placing the trailing foot onto the step.

Downward Movement 

• Step off the bench with the trailing leg.
• Try to place the trailing foot at least 12 inches behind the base of the step.
• Bring the lead foot off and place it next to the trailing foot.

Repeat 

• Stand in the starting position and step up with the opposite foot.
• Keep alternating legs throughout the exercise.

Trainer Tip 

Remember to keep your whole foot on the bench or step rather than just the front or the heel. The natural tendency in this exercise is to lean forward as you begin the upward movement, but don’t do it! Keep your back straight.

Repetitions, Sets, and Weight 

The number of repetitions (reps) and sets you should do depends on your strength goals. In general, muscle strength works to increase basic function of the muscle and is the typical workout choice. Muscle endurance is important to people who participate in endurance activities such as running or biking, and muscle power is beneficial for athletes who need to use sudden quick movements (eg, sprinting, basketball, football). Beginners should begin with a basic routine and gradually move toward a strength, endurance, or power routine.

Beginner : 1 set of 8 to 10 reps

Muscle Strength : 1 to 3 sets of 5 to 8 reps

Muscle Endurance : 1 to 3 sets of 15 to 20 reps

Muscle Power : 1 to 3 sets of 3 to 5 reps

Use a weight that is heavy enough to perform the desired number of reps and sets for your skill level using good form. Once you are able to perform more reps and sets than is outlined in your category, try to increase the weight you lift by 5% to 10%. Your strength goals may change as you progress

This is not an exercise to do daily. You must give rest between weight lifting. Start with 2 days a week.