Step-Up Height - JP Fitness Forums

tall_drinka_h20 · 04-30-2008, 02:49 PM

Any rule here for how high to build my steps when doing step-ups?

cappuccino · 04-30-2008, 03:32 PM

not sure if there is a rule, per se, but I would think bench height.

I prefer the shorter benches

But generally they're just below the knee.

tall_drinka_h20 · 04-30-2008, 04:23 PM

I am almost 6'5" - so knee height for me would be around 22"... isn't this a bit agressive!

Bill2380 · 04-30-2008, 04:39 PM

Why not make it adjustable?

eastcoastsurfer · 05-01-2008, 11:52 AM

Adjustable if you can. Start with a low step then work your way up. There are some guys in my gym who use a step nearly waist high...

missjane · 05-01-2008, 12:00 PM

I'm 5'8" and I use 20". The higher the step, the bigger ROM on the movement.

shark · 05-01-2008, 12:26 PM

knee-height is not excessive, i don't think, even if at your height that means 22"

GG300 · 05-01-2008, 02:27 PM

I think the standard circus stool that they have at my gym is between 18 and 20 inches and that seems perfect. Then again I am only 5' 7".

Ogedei · 05-01-2008, 05:15 PM

I am 6'5" as well. I have always just done them off a bench. My thigh is essentially parallel to the ground at the start position.

Og.

tall_drinka_h20 · 05-03-2008, 04:15 AM

Thanks, gave it a go today at just below knee height and it was good.

gobbla · 05-03-2008, 07:03 AM

As high a box as you can find assuming that you keep your hips and spine neutral. Bigger ROM = more ass involved = good. Wrenching your back\ass to get more ROM = bad

Aiken Steve · 05-03-2008, 05:39 PM

I use a staircase and take two steps at a time. I have come to believe that the "forward motion" associated with actually climbing hits the calves much harder that a straight up and down movement. Doing it this way helps condition my legs for actual hiking in hilly country.

Q. · 05-03-2008, 07:39 PM

I've been doing them pretty high trying to prep for one legged squats/pistols. I'm 6'3" and was doing them on a desk on Friday. Don't know how high that is but it's well above horizonal thigh level.

justinbass · 05-06-2008, 02:45 PM

The box I step up onto is above my knee level. It is a killer lift this way, and it took me a few times doing it to be comfortable trying more that just body weight.

My vote is for "as high as you can without usings bad form"

EricLikesLifting · 05-07-2008, 08:29 PM

I use a standard bench at a gym, and find it to be a little short. I usually throw 2 25 pound plates on the bench and step onto those to raise it up a few extra inches.