When going uphill, skating skiers use an uphill step, also known as the two-beat step, which does not require too much effort. It alternates an arm push for two leg pushes with a pole planting when setting down the first ski and a long enough arm push to allow the skier to push sideways with both legs. For maximum energy savings, the arm exterior to the pushing side should be slightly off-center and the skier's hands at face height.