11 Step Platform Exercises That'll Boost Your Strength & Stability

While step platforms may look like a relic from the past, this simple piece of gym equipment is actually incredibly versatile, says trainer Tierni Eaton. Read on for 11 step platform exercises that can train a variety of muscles, build your endurance, and boost your stability.

March

Start with this warm up.

- Adjust the step to a height that feels right.

- March by stepping your right foot firmly on the center of the platform.

- Follow with your left.

- Step down one foot at a time and repeat.

- Alternate and keep stepping till you’re warmed up.

Hop & Squat

Eaton says this works your legs, lower back, and core.

- Stand behind small end of step.

- Jump onto step, land in middle with both feet.

- Jump feet out, one foot on either side.

- Squat to touch one hand to box, then other.

- Jump back on box.

- Repeat for 30 secs.

Plank Walk-Up

Walk ups engage your core, glutes, and shoulders, Eaton says.

- Get into a high plank perpendicular to step.

- Move one hand up onto step, then other.

- Walk each hand back down again.

- Repeat, alternating which hand leads each time.

- Go for 30 seconds.

Walking Bridge

Eaton recommends raising your step higher for a challenge.

- Lie on back with feet close to long side of step.

- Hands by sides.

- Lift hips up into a glute bridge.

- Walk right foot onto step, then down.

- Walk left foot on step, then down.

- Repeat 8 to 10 reps.

Curtsy Squats

Trainer Whitney Berger says these squats work every part of the butt.

- Straddle platform.

- Place one foot on platform, toes forward.

- Bend standing leg.

- Squat and curtsy with back leg, touch it to the ground.

- Raise back up.

- Do 30 seconds, 4x per side.

Mountain Climbers

Berger also likes mountain climbers for arms, abs, and cardio.

- Place hands shoulder-width apart on platform.

- Keep wrists and shoulders in line.

- Look forward.

- Drive knee to chest one at a time as fast as you can.

- Go for 30 seconds, repeat 4x.

Side Plank Lifts

Pilates pro Janet Li recommends this exercise to challenge your obliques.

- Lie perpendicular to step.

- Prop up on forearm.

- Stack your feet on the platform, legs straight.

- Lift and lower top leg.

- Do 8 to 10 reps per side.

Split Squat

Trainer Jonathan Ho says this exercise hits the glutes, legs, and core.

- Step one leg back.

- Rest top of foot on step.

- Lunge other foot forward 2 to 3 feet.

- Lower hips to tap knee to floor.

- Drive through front foot to rise.

- Repeat 3 sets of 10 to 15 per leg.

Incline Push-Up

Ho suggests this move to reach the arms, chest, and obliques.

- Place hands shoulder-width apart on platform.

- Keep straight line from head to toes.

- Lower chest 1 inch from platform.

- Push into hands, raise up.

- Do 3 sets of 10 to 12 reps.

Tricep Dips

Dips work your chest, shoulders, and triceps, says Ho.

- Sit on platform, legs extended in front of you.

- Grasp edge of platform, fingers forward.

- Push into platform to raise up, elbows extend.

- Lower back down to start.

- Aim for 3 sets of 10 to 12 reps.

Raised Split Lunge

Trainer TJ Mentus says raising your front foot improves your range of motion.

- Front foot on step.

- Balance on back toes.

- Lower back knee, bend front knee.

- Keep back straight.

- Tap knee to floor.

- Press into front heel to rise.

- 3 sets of 10 per leg.