Step-up with Knee Raise
A beginner compound strength exercise that works the glutes, needing no equipment.
Starting position
End position
How to Do Step-up with Knee Raise
- Stand facing a box or bench of an appropriate height with your feet together. This will be your starting position.
- Begin the movement by stepping up, putting your left foot on the top of the bench. Extend through the hip and knee of your front leg to stand up on the box. As you stand on the box with your left leg, flex your right knee and hip, bringing your knee as high as you can.
- Reverse this motion to step down off the box, and then repeat the sequence on the opposite leg.
Muscles Worked
Alternatives to Step-up with Knee Raise
10 movements that train the same primary muscle, closest substitutes first — same kind of training, then variations of the movement itself, then a similar difficulty.
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1
Squats
The squat is the king of lower body exercises, targeting the quadriceps, glutes, and hamstrings while building core stability. It's a fundamental movement pattern that translates directly to everyday activities.
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2
Hip Extension with Bands
A beginner compound strength exercise that works the glutes, using a resistance band.
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3
Physioball Hip Bridge
A beginner compound strength exercise that works the glutes, using an exercise ball.
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4
Pull Through
A beginner compound strength exercise that works the glutes, using a cable machine.
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5
Lunges
Lunges are a versatile unilateral leg exercise that builds strength, balance, and coordination. They closely mimic natural movement patterns and are excellent for addressing muscle imbalances.
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6
Monster Walk
A beginner compound strength exercise that works the glutes, using a resistance band.
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7
Thigh Abductor
A beginner isolation strength exercise that works the glutes, using a machine.
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8
Butt Lift (Bridge)
A beginner isolation strength exercise that works the glutes, needing no equipment.
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9
Deadlifts
The deadlift is a fundamental compound exercise that builds strength across the entire posterior chain. It's one of the best movements for developing raw strength, muscle mass, and functional fitness.
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10
Flutter Kicks
A beginner compound strength exercise that works the glutes, needing no equipment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What muscles do step-up with knee raise work?
Step-up with Knee Raise primarily works the glutes. The hamstrings and quads assist as secondary muscles.
What equipment do I need for step-up with knee raise?
None. Step-up with Knee Raise is a bodyweight movement you can do anywhere you have floor space.
Step-up with Knee Raise: is it suitable for beginners?
Yes. Step-up with Knee Raise is rated beginner. Movements you can learn in a session, with a low skill floor and a forgiving failure mode.
What can I do instead of step-up with knee raise?
Squats, Hip Extension with Bands, Physioball Hip Bridge train the same primary muscles and are listed with 7 more alternatives above.
Can Fitnit count my step-up with knee raise reps automatically?
Not automatically yet. Fitnit's AI rep counting covers push-ups, squats, dumbbell curls, crunches and pull-ups today; step-up with knee raise can be logged manually in the app, and tracked movements are added over time.
Photographs and step-by-step instructions from free-exercise-db, a public-domain exercise dataset. Muscle mapping and alternatives by Fitnit.
Track Your Step-up with Knee Raise with AI
Fitnit automatically tracks push-ups, crunches, squats, pull-ups, and curls with advanced body tracking technology — and you can manually input any other workout too. Start free — Pro is $8.99/month.