LEG DAY #4: Step-Ups

By all appearances, men and women have vastly different priorities when it comes to working out: Men focus on building strength and bulk in their upper bodies, while women put more effort into strengthening and toning their lower bodies.

While it’s natural to gravitate toward whatever exercise brings the quickest, most noticeable improvements, fitness experts agree that, male or female, neglecting the lower body is a problem.

Step-ups

A good basic move that works all the leg muscles, glutes and core. Step up with one foot on a box or block (about 12 inches high), then step back down with the same foot. Increase the intensity by adding dum­bbells, using a higher box – some go up to 20 inches or more – adding more repetitions and speeding up the tempo.

Originally published November 2019