What: Strength and endurance building movement that mimics hiking.
How: Alternate feet each step, and stand all the way up at the top of the bench/box, each rep. Don’t “skip” your feet on the top of the box, cut your hips or knees short, or lean far forward. Simply step up onto 16-18″ high box or bench, alternating feet each step. Add a loaded pack (15-40 pounds) for more resistance.
Why: To hit legs and lungs and to build strength for hiking.
Step Ups in a Session: Go for the total number of prescribed reps. For example, if the session says:
1) 500x Step-ups in 25# pack
Then do 500 Step-ups continuously (250x each leg), without rest, with a backpack loaded with 25 lb.