high step-ups

[Q.]

It was suggested that I do high step-ups as a part of improving my deads... augment my glute workout. I was wondering what constitutes a "high" step-up? The place I usually do them is slightly under knee high so I found another place and that's about mid-thigh. It's pretty challenging and I haven't even used additional weight yet but I was just curious if anyone had any thoughts on this. I just figured, in the end, it's all good!

[cappuccino]

I use a bench for step ups, about knee height.

I can't imagine doing them mid-thigh, but it could be fun as long as you're not afraid of heights.

[Southpaw]

Q - Try standing on a platform when deadlifting for a more difficult variation to your deads. The only thing hard than pulling weight off the floor is pulling weight from beneath the floor. It's helped me tremendously.

[Adam H.]

Step-ups rule, whether they are to a bench or high box. It is very important to remember to take your back leg out of the movement (keep it dead) and focus on firing the glutes and hammies. The quads will do their thang regardless.

Adam

[Q.]

Originally posted by Southpaw:
Q - Try standing on a platform when deadlifting for a more difficult variation to your deads. The only thing hard than pulling weight off the floor is pulling weight from beneath the floor. It's helped me tremendously.

Oh, year, thanks for reminding me. I really do that once in a while but don't have it written down so I forget. You're right, it's a great exercise. In this case, however, the reason that I wasn't simply just doing DL's was because I pulled a muscle in my back and was looking for something I could do until it got better. I'm feeling pretty good now so I'm going to go write down that one before I forget... again!

[Terry Monk]

I do em on a bench about knee high Q. Thigh high has got to be more of a challenge. Good for you looking for other ways to improve.

[Craig]

I've done them that high before. They are an effective hypertrophy exercise for the glutes, however I don't put them into programs b/c they are a little risky.

And will it improve your deadlift? I seriously doubt it.