Major Muscles: Quadriceps Hamstrings Gluteus Maximus Rectus Abdominis

 

Rationale Behind Utilization of the Step-Up (shoulder):

The Step-Up (shoulder) is an excellent exercise for developing lower body strength and stability. By utilizing the sandbag it requires the athlete to control their body that much more when driving up onto the box. Using a sandbag is another variation to the Step-Up, which can also be done with one's own bodyweight, dumbbells or even a barbell. By using a sandbag, this is a very tough exercise to control the weight of the sandbag on one's shoulder while stepping-up onto the box to full extension. Therefore, it is recommended an athlete first master how to do a Step-Up with one's own bodyweight and with a dumbbell before moving onto this variation. The Step-Up does not only increases lower body strength and stability, but it also mimics the entrance of the axel in terms of how one steps up into the jump.