Tip: Heel-Elevated Step-Up

The vastus medialis muscle often lags behind in strength. Use this exercise to bring it up and prevent injuries.

The vastus medialis or VMO is the tear-drop shaped muscle on the inside of the knee. Unless specifically targeted in training, it commonly falls behind in strength compared to the well-developed lateral (outside) muscles.

This exercise will keep the VMO from lagging behind. It's something all athletes should be doing at some point during their workouts. Not doing so leaves them vulnerable to knee problems and future injury, like ACL tears.