— ARCHIVES —
Exercise of the Month - April 2007: “Single-leg Step-ups”
One of life’s daily movements is going up and/or down stairs. Whether it is at work, home, or the gym, climbing stairs is a simple activity that some people (typically the de-conditioned ones) actually find challenging. A quality exercise program contains strengthening movements that facilitate activities of daily living (ADLs). An exercise that improves lower body strength and endurance is step-ups.
To perform the step up, select a step of some sort (i.e. a Reebok step or a flat bench that is not too high will do). Begin by placing one foot (i.e. left foot) on the step. Push through the left foot and bring the right foot onto the step so both feet are on the step. Next, lower the right leg to the floor then bring it back up to the step. Keep the left leg on the step for a set of 15 repetitions as the right leg is brought up onto and down off of the step. After one set, switch legs so that the right foot stays on the step the whole time while the left leg is moving on and off the step.
