The general rule of thumb with step-ups is height before load: determine the appropriate height first, then choose an appropriate load to accomplish the reps you plan to perform. With the side step-up in particular, the maximum height is determined by how far forward you can move the working knee, or put simply, how much…
There are certain exercises that are simply too uncomfortable or seem to fatigue everything but the target muscle. Usually, you just stay away from them, but with some ingenuity, you can often find a solution to the problem. Here are five examples that are common in the gym: Front Squat Problem: Hard on wrists Solution:…
A common mistake during step-ups is to push off with the non-working side either by extending the knee or ankle. To correct this “cheat” tendency, keep the knee locked, the ankle in dorsiflexion (i.e., toes up), and tap the floor with the heel only. I picked up this tip many moons ago from strength and…