The main muscle group listed for this exercise.
Dumbbell Step Ups
Dumbbell Step Ups is an intermediate-level leg exercise performed with dumbbells. It also involves the glutes.
The equipment listed for this variation.
The recorded setup and movement complexity.
Legs
Dumbbell Step Ups also involves glutes.
Strength
Movement pattern: general. This is a compound exercise.
Intermediate
This level reflects the setup and movement complexity recorded for this exercise.
How to do Dumbbell Step Ups
- Stand up straight while holding a dumbbell on each hand (palms facing the side of your legs).
- Place the right foot on the elevated platform. Step on the platform by extending the hip and the knee of your right leg. Use the heel mainly to lift the rest of your body up and place the foot of the left leg on the platform as well. Breathe out as you execute the force required to come up.
- Step down with the left leg by flexing the hip and knee of the right leg as you inhale. Return to the original standing position by placing the right foot of to next to the left foot on the initial position.
- Repeat with the right leg for the recommended amount of repetitions and then perform with the left leg.
Variations
Alternatives
Workout templates that use this exercise.
If you want to see this movement inside a more complete training session, start here.
Low-Impact Workout
A gentle full-body workout that stays lower impact while still training the main muscle groups.
View workout3-Day Full Body Split
A three-day split that spreads total weekly work across three full-body sessions.
View workout30-Minute Fat Loss Workout
A shorter full-body session designed to keep you moving and make consistency easier on busy days.
View workoutMore exercises in the same lane.
Use these when you want a similar movement pattern, a different setup, or more exercise options for the same target area.
Dumbbell Clean
Dumbbell Clean is an intermediate-level leg exercise performed with dumbbells. It also involves the arms, glutes, back, and shoulders.
View exerciseBarbell Step Ups
Barbell Step Ups is an intermediate-level leg exercise performed with a barbell. It also involves the glutes.
View exerciseClean
Clean is an intermediate-level leg exercise performed with a barbell. It also involves the arms, glutes, back, and shoulders.
View exerciseClean from Blocks
Clean from Blocks is an intermediate-level leg exercise performed with a barbell. It also involves the glutes, shoulders, and back.
View exerciseRelated calculators for this exercise.
Use these calculators when you want to connect the exercise itself to calories, protein, strength targets, or training volume.
Common questions about Dumbbell Step Ups.
What muscles does Dumbbell Step Ups work?
Dumbbell Step Ups primarily trains the legs and also involves the glutes.
Is Dumbbell Step Ups beginner-friendly?
It is listed as intermediate.
What equipment do I need for Dumbbell Step Ups?
This variation uses dumbbells.
Track this exercise for free in Logbook.
Once the movement is in your plan, use Logbook to record sets, reps, load, and progress without guessing what happened last week.