Step Ups

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Best Use For Improving Vertical Jump

Step ups are an excellent exercise for building strength in all the leg muscles. They are also an underrated alternative to the squat. Their best use for jumping athletes is in developing general leg strength.

Technique Tips

There are a number of useful technique points. Keep your back straight and stand tall. Ensure you are looking forward and that your feet are also facing forward. The higher the bench the more you will recruit your glutes and hamstrings. Before you start your upward motion it is also a good move to lift the heel of the back foot off the ground. This prevents you from cheating and pushing off from the back foot.

Alternative Exercises

Some good alternatives to Step Ups are

Lunges

Split Squats

Low Box Lunge into Step Up