Step-Up-And-Over

Stepping up onto a low step, over the top and down the other side with control. Rehearses stair and kerb mechanics with a deliberate pause in single-leg support.

DIFFICULTY
Intermediate
EQUIPMENT
Step · Wall
PRIMARY MUSCLES
Quads · Gluteus Maximus
ALSO WORKS
Gluteus Medius · Calves
HOW TO DO IT
  1. 01Set a low step beside a wall, rail or counter you can reach with one hand throughout.
  2. 02Step up with the right foot, pressing through the whole foot until you stand tall on the step.
  3. 03Pause for one second balanced on the step before bringing the left foot up beside it.
  4. 04Step down the far side with the left foot, landing softly and quietly, then bring the right foot down.
  5. 05Regression: use the lowest step available, keep one hand on the rail, and step up and back down the same side.
  6. 06Progression: remove the hand support, then pause two seconds on the single leg before the second foot arrives.
COACHING CUES
  1. 01Hand on the rail — you only remove it when the step is easy.
  2. 02Whole foot on the step, not just the ball.
  3. 03Land quietly coming down — noise means you dropped.
COMMON MISTAKES
  1. 01Practising away from a rail — a mis-step from a raised surface has further to fall.
  2. 02Pushing off the back toes to get up — the working leg is assisted and the balance element disappears.
  3. 03Dropping down the far side — landing heavily removes the control the drill is meant to build.

Note: Reference material, not a prescription. Load, volume and whether this movement suits you at all depends on your assessment — if something hurts, stop and get it looked at.

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