Single Leg Step-Ups: The Underrated Power Move for Golfers

When it comes to building strength and power for the golf swing, most golfers look to flashy med ball throws or rotational band work. But if you’re ignoring the fundamentals—like single leg step-ups—you’re missing one of the most effective ways to improve hip extension, balance, and lead leg posting.

Whether you’re looking to hit the ball farther, increase control in your downswing, or move better overall—this is a must-have lower body exercise for your golf workouts.

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Why Single Leg Training Matters for Golf

Golf is a unilateral sport. You’re constantly shifting weight, posting on one leg, and driving rotational force from an asymmetrical base.

The step-up teaches your body to:

• Generate power from a single leg
• Control your balance and stability in motion
• Mimic lead leg posting during the downswing
• Train hip extension for power without spinal compression

This is not just a “leg day” move. It’s a golf performance enhancer.

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How to Do a Proper Single Leg Step-Up

1. Set up a sturdy box or bench at knee height or below
2. Stand side-on or in front of the box (depending on variation)
3. Drive through the heel of your lead leg (the one on the box)
4. Stand tall at the top, squeezing the glute of the working leg
5. Control the descent and avoid pushing off the back foot

✅ Keep the torso tall
✅ Avoid rotating the hips
✅ Don’t let the trailing leg do the work

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Progressions and Variations for Golf Fitness

1. Traditional Step-Up (Weighted or Bodyweight)

Foundational for building hip drive and control, especially for beginners or seniors. Can be loaded with dumbbells for strength development.

2. Step-Up with 90° Turn

Place the box to your side. Step up with the leg closest to the box, and rotate at the top. This mimics lead leg posting and rotation in the downswing.

3. Superset with Step-Downs

Improve eccentric control and time under tension. Focus on the slow lowering phase to build durability and tendon strength around the knee and hip.

4. Contrast Training with Jumps

Pair a heavy or slow step-up with an explosive jump variation (box jump, skater hop). This enhances the power-to-speed transfer, ideal for golfers seeking more swing velocity.

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How Step-Ups Improve Your Golf Swing

Single leg step-ups translate directly into:

• Stronger lead leg posting
• More efficient hip rotation
• Improved weight transfer mechanics
• Greater vertical force production (key for clubhead speed)

Because the movement mimics the hip extension and stability required in the downswing, step-ups are a natural choice for golfers looking to boost performance from the ground up.

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Great for Senior Golfers Too

Single leg step-ups are scalable, making them ideal for older adults:

• Can be done bodyweight
• Step height can be lowered
• Builds lower body strength and balance safely

Plus, it’s joint-friendly when performed with proper form.

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Programming Tips for Golf Fitness

We typically place this in:

• A Block (Movement Prep) when done unloaded for mobility
• B or C Block when loaded for strength or paired with a jump

Sample Prescription:

• 3–4 sets of 6–8 reps per leg
• For power: contrast with jumps
• For strength: add dumbbells or kettlebells
• For balance: slow tempo and controlled descent

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Golf-Specific? You Bet.

While it doesn’t look like a swing, this exercise is deeply functional for golf:

• Stronger legs = more stable base
• Improved posting = better rotation
• Single leg strength = injury prevention

You don’t need to mimic the swing—you need to train the movement systems that support it.

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Build a Better Swing from the Ground Up

The golf swing starts from the ground. And if you want to unlock more speed, more control, and more longevity in your game—you need to train with intention.

The single leg step-up is one of the simplest, most effective ways to do just that.

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Ready to Train Smarter?