How to Build an Exercise Step Bench

An exercise step bench is a versatile piece of exercise equipment that allows you to practice a variety of total body exercises in minimal time. It is compact, durable and gives you an effective workout for cardiovascular and strength-training exercises. These factors alone make it a valuable asset to your workout routines. Burn fat and calories, and shape and tone muscles in your legs and arms by using this simple, yet effective piece of exercise equipment. Save money and get into shape by making an exercise step bench from scratch.

Things You'll Need

  • Grip tape or sandpaper
  • Slab of birch wood measuring 2 inches by 14 inches
  • Two pieces of 4-by-4 birch wood
  • Gorilla glue
  • Heavy-duty scissors
  • Measuring tape
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Instructions

    • 1

      Make the traction on the step by cutting some grip tape to match the measurements on the surface of the birch wood step. Use the measuring tape to measure the sections of the grip tape, and cut the grip tape into sections measuring 2 inches thick and 14 inches long. Use the scissors to cut the strips of grip tape. Make four of these strips.

    • 2

      Take the birch wood that measures 2 inches by 14 inches and place it in front of you. Grab one of the strips of grip tape and align the strip with to the bottom edge of birch wood, so that the bottom edge of the strip aligns with the top part of the edge of the birch wood. Do this for all four pieces of strip tape. This ensures that each piece of strip tape is cut the right length.

    • 3

      Apply glue to the back of one of the strips of grip tape and place it onto the bottom of step, with the glue side facing down. Continue gluing each piece of strip tape along the surface of the step. Space each strip 2 inches apart. Allow the glue to set and dry for three hours.

    • 4

      Place one of the birch wood 4-by-4s under the step. Take the other 4-by-4 and place it on the opposite side of the step. This is to ensure that both pieces of wood are the correct height. Once you assess that both of the 4-by-4s are the correct height and width, proceed to Step 5.

    • 5

      Apply gorilla glue to the bottom of one of the 4-by-4s. With the glue-side facing the bottom part of the step, hold the 4-by-4 in place, until it adheres to the step. Repeat this same procedure to adhere the second 4-by-4 on to the opposite side of the step.

    • 6

      Set a heavy object on top of the step bench to ensure that the 4-by-4s adhere to the bottom of the step. Placing additional weight on top of the step provides extra reinforcement and ensures that the legs adhere to the step.