Lidl fitness board: a compact alternative to Pilates classes

For anyone hoping to become more active, the usual choice often seems to be between costly gym memberships and uninspiring workouts at home. A compact training board from Lidl shows there is another option: effective, space-saving and considerably cheaper than regular Pilates classes or other sessions.

What the Lidl fitness board offers

At the heart of the product is a Step platform from Lidl’s own Crivit brand, priced at €22.99. Although it initially resembles a standard aerobic Step, it can do far more than that.

Rather than serving solely as a raised surface for cardio exercise, the board can be used as:

• a Step board for endurance training
• a balance board for stability exercises
• a sturdy base for strength and support exercises
• upper-body training equipment thanks to the built-in resistance bands

Weighing 2.8 kg, the board is light enough to carry without difficulty. It can be stored upright against a wall or slid beneath a bed. This makes it particularly practical for smaller flats with no room for a large fitness area.

“A single piece of equipment covers endurance, strength, balance and core training – with no membership and no need for much space.”

Adjustable height: tailoring your workout to your level

A key advantage is how easily the intensity can be changed. The platform has two height settings, both adjustable within seconds:

• 10 centimetres: suited to beginners, moderate cardio and lower-impact exercise
• 15 centimetres: designed for more experienced users, tougher workouts and greater demand on the legs and glutes

Raising the board increases the stepping height, making the thighs and glute muscles work harder. It also raises calorie expenditure, as the cardiovascular system is placed under more strain.

Exercises that are particularly worthwhile

The Step platform can add variety to many familiar moves. A home session could include the following:

• alternating step-ups and step-downs, varying the pace to lift the heart rate
• squats with one foot on the board to place greater load on one leg
• lunges with either the front or rear foot positioned on the platform
• side step-ups to target the outer leg and glute muscles
• a supported position with hands on the board for a slightly elevated press-up variation

Balance work can be added too: for example, placing one foot on the board and lifting the other slightly while keeping the core steady. This encourages the deeper muscles to contribute more.

Why so many users rate this home fitness device highly

According to customer reviews, the Lidl board has an exceptionally high average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars. Two qualities appear repeatedly in feedback: stability and durability.

The platform has a textured, slip-resistant surface intended to provide grip whether it is used barefoot or with trainers. Rubberised feet underneath the board help to reduce sideways movement, including on tiled or parquet flooring.

“High user ratings, a non-slip surface and a stable base – all of which quickly turn the living room into a mini gym.”

Many buyers also appreciate being able to work towards several goals with just one item: improving fitness, strengthening muscles and training posture. That saves space and, ultimately, money, as there is less need for several different pieces of equipment.

Not a replacement for a trainer, but a realistic starting point

Of course, a board like this cannot replace qualified instruction. Beginners in particular benefit from classes, videos from reputable providers or a short introduction from a professional. Poor technique can put strain on the knees or back over time.

Even so, it offers an accessible way to bring more movement into everyday life. Anyone reluctant to join a gym or uncomfortable in a class can begin at home, improve their form and still move on to supervised sessions later.

Using the board sensibly instead of attending a Pilates class

Pilates is primarily focused on core stability, body control and calm, precise breathing. The Step board has different priorities, but it can be used in a way that delivers many similar benefits.

One possible 30-minute routine could look like this:

• 5 minutes of warming up: slow step-ups and step-downs, allowing the arms to move freely
• 10 minutes of cardio: faster stepping, small jumps and side steps
• 10 minutes of strength work: squats, lunges and press-up variations using the board
• 5 minutes of core and balance work: a plank with hands or feet on the platform, plus standing on one leg

Using the integrated resistance bands brings the upper body into the session as well: standing rowing movements, shoulder pulls and triceps extensions. This creates a fairly comprehensive full-body workout.

How often does training genuinely make a difference?

For noticeable improvements in fitness and physique, three sessions each week are usually enough. Many trainers suggest this simple guideline:

• train 3–4 times a week for 20–30 minutes each time
• raise the heart rate noticeably, while still being able to talk
• include the legs and core in every session

People who otherwise do very little exercise will often notice within a few weeks that climbing stairs feels easier, their back feels more stable and their general energy levels improve.

Safety, technique and useful combinations

As with any home workout, a few basic rules matter. The platform should always stand fully on a firm, level surface. Loose rugs or uneven runners are unsuitable because they can shift. This raises the risk of falling, especially during fast Step movements.

During every stepping movement, the knees should remain as aligned with the feet as possible rather than collapsing sharply inwards. Anyone who feels pain in the knee or lower back during training should reduce the height or pace and pay closer attention to posture.

The board also works well alongside simple equipment such as:

• an exercise mat for floor work and stretching
• light dumbbells or water bottles for additional strength training
• a small fascia or massage ball to ease muscle tension

Together, these create a mini workout area in the living room that can replace many traditional gym machines without taking over half the room.

Who the Lidl board is particularly worthwhile for

A versatile piece of equipment is especially useful for people with limited budgets or little time. Anyone who spends just under €23 once rather than paying a monthly gym fee will quickly recover the cost, particularly if the platform is used regularly.

The board is also appealing for anyone who spends much of the day sitting down. Even short sessions during a lunch break or in the evening can get the circulation and muscles moving. Those working from home could make the Step board a fixed diary appointment, perhaps after every second video call.

Complete beginners can start with the lower setting and controlled movements. More advanced users can add jumps, changes of pace and more complex combinations. As a result, the equipment develops with the user rather than becoming boring after just a few weeks.

Ultimately, its value depends less on the price than on consistency. For anyone wanting an easy-to-use, robust and compact tool to get moving at home, the Lidl Step platform is a highly practical option – and a genuine chance to outsmart their inner reluctance a few times each week.