Cardio exercise · body weight
Back and Forth Step
The back and forth step is a bodyweight exercise that targets your heart and lungs, with the quadriceps, hamstrings and glutes assisting.
- Target muscle
- Cardiovascular system
- Also works
- Quadriceps, hamstrings, glutes, calves
- Equipment
- Body weight
- Body part
- Cardio
How to do the back and forth step
- Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart.
- Step forward with your right foot, bending your knee and lowering your body into a lunge position.
- Push off with your right foot and step back to the starting position.
- Repeat the movement with your left foot, alternating legs with each step.
- Continue stepping back and forth, maintaining a steady pace.
- Repeat for the desired duration or number of repetitions.
Sets and reps
Work in intervals — for example 30–45 seconds on and 15–30 seconds off for 6–10 rounds — or keep a steady pace for 10–20 minutes.
Muscles worked
The main muscle is your heart and lungs. The quadriceps, hamstrings, glutes and calves work as secondary muscles. See all cardio exercises or every bodyweight exercise.
