Thread: Step ups?

Do any of you know the exact muscles used when doing high box step ups?

Some people I talk to say they hit your quads more than your hams. I feel them mostly in my hams, butt and a little bit in my hips. But I am not sure if this is because my quads are stronger from my years of cycling.

I need to work on my hams... but I don't like doings stiff legged deadlifts all the time because it aggrevates an old lower back ingury. Any ideas?

Thanks. I am new to this forum. The advice here, for the most part, seems pretty solid. Pfunk seems to have consistently sound advice. I am a former semi pro cyclist but would like to get more seriously into strength training.

Stats: Age 34
140lbs
5' 7"

Originally Posted by Bakerboy

Yeah that make sense... So do you vary how high you step up?
It seems that when I step up higher my hams get more of the action.

Do low deep DB squats activate your hams more that 90 degree squats???
Or it still mainly a quad exercise???

Generally stepups are considered hamstring-dominant. Making the box higher should only increase the emphasis on your posterior chain.

Going deeper on squats definietly calls on more butt and hamstrings, yes. Taking a wider stance also achieves the same effect.