The Best Step-Up Platforms

Aerobic exercise can boost your physical health in a variety of ways. It prevents arterial stiffening as you get older, helps preserve your vascular endothelial function and reduces oxidative stress. But running and walking can feel boring to some people, and others find it tough to keep up an outdoor exercise routine in extreme weather conditions.

There are a variety of aerobic exercises you can do at home, along with video-based exercise classes that let you follow along. By adding a few small, affordable tools like hand weights and resistance bands, you can take your home workout to the next level.

One valuable tool is the step-up platform. Made from plastic, these tools rest on your floor, giving you a slight incline. Most have at least two separate heights, with leg extensions you remove and attach when you need to adjust your workout. This can help you gradually increase the intensity of your exercise routine, preventing those plateaus that happen as your body adjusts to your new activity level.

Another benefit of step-up platforms is that they force you to work different leg muscles. The effort to move your body weight even a few inches works leg muscles you don’t use while doing ground-level exercises. You may find your calf and thigh muscles have a little more tone after you’ve used a step-up platform for a while.

Step-up platforms aren’t just for the lower body. Some use the stepper as a tool for upper body workouts. You can give yourself a little extra elevation while doing pushups. You can also place your feet on them and head on the floor to take your core exercises to the next level.

You can also use the stepper for lunges to work out your glutes, as well as muscles of your leg that can be neglected in some aerobic routines.

• Most step-up platforms can adjust between different heights. Four inches and six inches are the most common options, but you can find step-up platforms that go all the way up to eight inches for an extra level of challenge.
• Step-up platforms come in a variety of colors. If you want to make a statement in your home gym or workout classes, go for one that’s bold and bright. But you might opt for one in a more neutral color like black or gray so that it blends with your room décor.
• Most step-up platforms are designed specifically to resist damaging flooring. If you have floors that can be susceptible to scratches, look for a platform with legs designed not to damage floors, or purchase a mat to use beneath it.
• If you won’t be following along with a video, shop for a step-up platform that comes with exercises that will get you started. You can also find workout suggestions online.
• Plastic is the most common material for step-up platforms. Look for one made from sturdy, durable plastic like polyethylene if you want a stepper that will last a while.
• Steppers have a weight limit to provide the stability you expect. This weight capacity should be listed on the product.
• For those who are eco-conscious, look for step-up platforms built with recyclable materials.
• If you plan to use your step-up platform for upper-body workouts, pay close attention to the nonskid surface on top. While this can help with stability while stepping, you won’t feel the ridges through the soles of your shoes like you will with your bare hands. Those ridges can make upper-body workouts painful.
• Step-up platforms can be portable, allowing you to take them to class or a friend’s house for a fun workout session. But you’ll want one that’s lightweight enough to carry without sacrificing stability during your workout. It can be tough to strike that balance.