Lateral Step-Ups

Lateral Step-Ups are an exercise for the gluteus medius. This is a common exercise in physical therapy.

The gluteus medius is positioned more on the side of your hip, whereas the gluteus maximus is located more in the rear of hip. The gluteus medius provides a stabilizing force on the hip, whereas the glutes maximus is more raw power.

In this exercise, if you put your hand on the side of the standing leg hip, you should be able to feel the glutes medius contract as you push off the ground.