Boost Your Workouts With Plyo Boxes
You can step up any workout routine with the use of a plyometric jump box — a piece of equipment that you might also call a platform stepper, step-up platform or plyo box. You can use plyo boxes in your home gym for both strength training and aerobic exercise.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What’s a step-up platform?
A: A plyo box, or step-up platform, is a piece of fitness equipment that you can use for upper- and lower-body workouts. It looks essentially like a horizontal step with vertical supports. Plyo boxes come in different heights to accommodate different exercises, and some are adjustable. Many plyo boxes have a metal frame inside to support your weight, while others are solid foam.
Q: What are plyo boxes good for?
A: Plyo boxes are great for jump training. You can also use a plyo box as a prop for all sorts of other exercises, such as upper-body dips, elevated pushups and asymmetric squats. Use the longest side of the box as a support for tricep dips, and then use the shortest side for box jumps. Plyo boxes also make excellent aerobics steps. Consider an adjustable platform so you can customize the step height.
Several benefits of plyo boxes come from their small size. They’re far more portable than a stair machine or elliptical trainer, and you can store them easily under a bed, in a closet or in a gym shed.
Learn more about setting up a home gym by checking out our guide on Home Gym Ideas From Monica Mangin.
Q: Are step platforms good for weight loss?
A: You can use step platforms as part of an aerobic exercise routine to help you lose weight. You can also use them for strength-building exercises, such as pushups and dips.