Step up knee lifts

Activates muscles of the legs and hips and develops strength and balance used in everyday movements like climbing stairs.

Intensity: Moderate
Recommended repetitions: 15-20 each leg

Before you get into your workout it’s important to warm up. Just 5 minutes of light activity is all you need. Things like:

Walking
Jogging on the spot
Pumping your arms
Shoulder rolls
Controlled punches
Circular ‘windmill’ arm movements in the air.

  1. Lift one foot and position it in the middle of the step
  2. Step up with the opposite leg and, without touching the step, bend your knee and bring it up towards your chest
  3. Step straight back down again, and bring other foot off the step, returning both feet down to the ground
  4. Repeat on opposite leg

After your workout, cool down by following any of the above activities, again for 5 minutes. This is also a great time to stretch your muscles holding each stretch for 20-30 seconds. Make sure you hold at a point where you can feel the stretch but you shouldn’t feel discomfort or pain. Don’t bounce through these, just slow steady movements.

Disclaimer: If you have been inactive for a while, have heart disease, or a close relative with heart disease or if you have other major health problems, or are pregnant, please check with your doctor before following these workouts.

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