Lateral Step Pull | Illustrated Exercise Guide

Primary muscles: Glutes, quads, hip flexors
Secondary muscles: Legs, abs, shoulders
Equipment: No equipment

LATERAL STEP PULL INSTRUCTIONS

1. Start with your feet a little wider than shoulder-width apart and bring both hands above your head.
2. Take a big step back with your left leg, crossing it to the right, bend the front knee and pull your arms back.
3. Return to the starting position and repeat on the opposite side.

PROPER FORM AND BREATHING PATTERN

Keep a steady pace, engage your core muscles and breathe in as you bring both hands together above your head. Maintain your upper body nice and tall, face front, and keep your back straight. Breathe out as you pull your arms back, and keep your toes pointing in the same direction as the knees.

EXERCISE BENEFITS

The lateral step is a cardio move that keeps your heart rate up, warms up the muscles and joints, and boots the metabolism. This exercise activates all muscle groups, improves muscle endurance and promotes relaxation.

DEMONSTRATION

SETS AND REPS

Do 2 or 3 sets of 30 seconds to 1 minute and, to thoroughly warm up the body, pair the lateral step pull with ankle hops, side to side shuffle and plank jacks.

CALORIES BURNED

To calculate the number of calories burned doing the lateral step pull, enter your weight and the duration of the exercise:

RELATED WARM UP EXERCISES

Try these other warm up exercises to increase your heart rate and prepare your body for a workout:
Side to side hops
Arms cross side lunge
Fingertip to toe jacks
Scissor skier

WORKOUT ROUTINES