How to Do Poliquin Step-Up: Muscles Worked & Proper Form

Muscles Worked in Poliquin Step-Up

Primary muscles worked:

• Quads

How to Do Poliquin Step-Up

1. Stand on a low platform with one foot, and place a weight plate, wedge, or dumbbell under your heel to elevate it. Your toes should be pointing slightly downward, creating a sloped foot position.
2. Let the other leg hang freely in front of your body.
3. Engage your core and keep your torso upright throughout the movement.
4. Bend the working knee and lower yourself in a controlled manner until the heel of your free leg touches the floor.
5. Reverse the motion by pushing through the working leg to return to the start.
6. Complete all reps on one side before switching.

Commentary

Poliquin step-ups are a quad-dominant exercise that targets the vastus medialis. The elevated heel and downward-sloping foot position create a steep forward tibial angle that emphasizes the knee extensors.

This movement is commonly used to improve knee stability and support injury prevention.