PETERSON STEP UPS

The Peterson Step Up exercise is used to increase terminal knee extension strength and function. Start by stepping onto a stepper, stair step, or weight plate to elevate one leg off the floor. Then go up on your toes with the elevated foot and proceed to raise your body up by extending the knee. Once at the top of the movement you may lower the heel to rest it. Raise the heel back up before lowering the hovering leg back to the floor. Isolate the movement to the elevated leg by not pushing off of the floor with the lowered foot. To really challenge the knee extensors, raise your body up without using momentum as well.

Muscles Involved:

• Quadriceps

  • Vastus Medialis Oblique

Related Conditions:

• Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome

• Medial Collateral Ligament Sprain (MCL)

• Meniscus Tear

• Post-Surgical Knee Pain

• Patellar Tendinitis / Patellar Tendinopathy

• Quadriceps Tendinitis / Quadriceps Tendinopathy

• Runner’s Knee / Jumper’s Knee

• Osgood Schlatter’s Disease

Related Exercises