Step ups are a great exercise for your lower body. They can strengthen the legs, hips, and butt, while trimming and toning the same areas. They are a great exercise to do if you are looking to get a firm behind. For some reason, though, step ups are commonly forgotten about as being a great lower body exercise. Most people think of squats and lunges, but adding in step ups into your workout routine can greatly benefit your body.

To do step ups, you will need an exercise step or just a sturdy, stable step in your home. If you advanced or would like more of a challenge you can also use a workout bench to step up on.

Here is how to do a basic step up exercise:

1. Stand in front of a step and place one foot completely on the step.

2. Step up onto the bench as you bring your other foot up onto the step as well. Be sure that you straighten your legs out with them slightly bent at the knees and actually stand on the step completely.

3. Step back down on the ground behind you with your lead foot.

4. Bring your other foot back to the ground as well. Repeat these steps using the same lead foot and then switch your lead legs after the desired amount of repetitions.

If you find that basic step ups are not challenging enough, you can add weights to your exercise. You can hold dumbbells in your hand down by your sides or place a barbell on your shoulders. By adding weight you will make the exercise more challenging as your body needs to lift and lower more than just your body weight now.

Step ups can be a strength training exercise or you can add them to your cardiovascular or circuit training workout. By doing step ups at a continuous, steady pace, you get your heart rate higher, which burns calories. If you do step ups for a continuous 15 minutes, you can get an awesome cardiovascular workout that will work your muscles to trim and tone your legs, butt, and thighs. You will be wearing that mini skirt in no time!