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Burn fat and build muscle at home with these top exercise steps. Gym Ball Exercises
When you think of exercise steps, cheesy '70s aerobic workouts likely come to mind — but it's time to cast that stereotype aside. Adding an exercise step to your home gym is one of the easiest ways to level up some of your favorite workouts from the comfort of your home gym. And if you're short on space, today's best exercise steps come in compact versions that are easy to disassemble and store away when you're not using them.
"Using a step is one of the best ways to build muscle and burn fat," says NASM-certified personal trainer Holly Roser. "You'll strengthen your glutes, hamstrings, and quads with just the step," and you can engage your upper body by adding hand weights and incorporating bicep curls and shoulder presses. Ready to step up your at-home workouts? Here are the best exercise steps we love for 2024.
Why We Like It: Well-priced, well-made, and easy to clean and adjust.
It's Worth Noting: This model mimics the aerobic steps you've likely seen at the gym.
Dimensions: 42.5"L x 16"W x 4"H
Made from incredibly durable high-density polyethylene, our pick for best exercise step can be adjusted to 4-inch, 6-inch, and 8-inch heights to make workouts easier for beginners or more challenging as you gain stamina. This step has a larger surface than many others on the list, and the anti-slip platform makes gaining footing easy.
Why We Like It: This classic exercise step is a tried and true favorite that provides support and durability.
It's Worth Noting: It's one of the pricier workout steps on our list.
Dimensions: 43"L x 16"W x 4"H
Exercise steps need to handle some wear and tear, and this one stands up to the test. Made from a durable, high-density material that ensures shock absorption (your joints will thank you), the grippy top provides added support. This step is adjustable, with the option to purchase either 4-inch or 6-inch risers along with the step.
Why We Like It: Everything you'd want in an exercise step at a price you can't beat.
It's Worth Noting: We recommend using a workout mat underneath this step for added support.
Dimensions: 26.1"L x 10.38"W x 6"H
This incredibly affordable exercise step features a slightly smaller platform than our Best Exercise Step Overall winner, but this more compact version still gets the job done. Adjustable and lightweight, this exercise step features an anti-slip surface and two options for height settings (4 inches and 6 inches).
Why We Like It: This lightweight model is easy to carry outside to work out outdoors.
It's Worth Noting: This model comes with four risers and four additional rubber feet for added shock absorption.
Dimensions: 31"L x 11"W x 8"H
Need a change of scenery? Take your workout outside with this lightweight but incredibly durable exercise step from KLB Sport. Made with crack-resistant plastic, this exercise step features adjustable heights to take you from push-ups and planks to lunges and squats.
Why We Like It: Just the right size for stepping up on one foot — which helps with balance exercises.
It's Worth Noting: You can't fit both feet on this platform.
Dimensions: 16"L x 16"W x 12"H
If you're short on space but still want to work your lower half with glute and squat exercises, this compact exercise step is all you need to get started. This workout step has the highest riser capability than any other on this list, with its adjustable riser reaching up to 12 inches.
Why We Like It: This slip-resistant exercise step features circular markers and detail edging to aid spatial awareness during workouts.
It's Worth Noting: The risers click firmly in place on this step, but it can be difficult to take apart.
Dimensions: 40"L x 15"W x 13"H
All exercise steps on this list have slip-resistant capabilities, but Reebok's original aerobic step stands out due to its grooved pattern that offers additional grip. This step features rubber feet for extra support. "You can change levels very easily, and it's very stable!" says Roser. Though its price point is higher than others on the list, we think it's worth it for the quality and additional anti-slip protection.
Why We Like It: It's a workout step, weight bench, and plyometrics box all in one!
It's Worth Noting: This exercise step may be a bit too high for beginners.
Dimensions: 44.3"L x 13.4"W x 8"H
This three-in-one workout bench helps keep your workouts varied by offering three different modes of use. Flip up the bench to support your back during upper body weight training, then fold it down to easily transition into a cardio step workout. Of all the steps on this list, this one is the most challenging to move elsewhere, so set it up in a location you're sure about.
Why We Like It: Affordable and easily adjustable, this step is best for dynamic use.
It's Worth Noting: The plastic featured in this model is made from eco-friendly materials.
Dimensions: 31"L x 12"W x 8"H
If adjustability is most important for you to consider when searching for the best exercise step, look no further than this workout step from ZENY. It features three risers that easily lock into place, making transitions a breeze even while you're working out.
Why We Like It: This beginner-friendly workout step comes with a handy workout guide to get you started.
It's Worth Noting: The platform may slip on certain floors — we recommend using this with a workout mat underneath.
Dimensions: 27"L x 11"W x 6"H
First time on a workout step? This beginner-friendly exercise step is both budget-conscious and user-friendly. We love how easy it is to adjust, plus it comes in three fun color options to suit your preferences best.
Why We Like It: This state-of-the-art step equips you with everything you need for a full-body workout.
It's Worth Noting: It's the most expensive step on this list — and may not be the best option for beginners.
Dimensions: 44.5”L x 14.8”W x 17.9”H
This workout step comes with weights, resistance bands and even a workout app to provide everything you need to work out from home. Whether you're looking to build muscle, lose weight, increase flexibility or all of the above, the Technogym has workouts tailored to help meet any fitness goal.
Exercise Step Danielle Page has spent the past 13 years writing about health, fitness, and products that help fit personal preferences and needs. Evaluating options and using data, research, and expert commentary to find the best equipment for the job is all part of a day's work for her. As a cardio dance workout enthusiast, she's happy to help others find joy in sweating it out from the comfort of home.