Lifemaxx step benches

Why choose Lifemaxx step benches?

Lifemaxx is a Dutch brand from Rotterdam that supplies equipment for group classes, personal training and functional training spaces. You can see both worlds reflected in this category. The steps are made for the aerobics class: an anti-slip top surface, blocks to adjust the height and a size on which you step on and off rhythmically. The Crossmaxx plyo boxes are made for the crossfit floor, where athletes jump onto them with full force and land back down again.

The most distinctive part of the range is the soft plyo boxes. A wooden box is sturdy and affordable, but if you miss a jump, your shin hits a hard edge. The soft boxes from Lifemaxx are made of foam with a coating: hard enough to land on steadily, and soft enough for a misstep to end without scrapes. That makes them attractive for beginners, but also for advanced athletes who jump as high as 1.35 metres by stacking boxes. Most steps and boxes are specified as suitable for intensive commercial use.

Also take a look at the other fitness equipment from Lifemaxx.

The Lifemaxx step bench range

Steps for group classes and personal training

• Lifemaxx Step: a professional step of 105 by 44 cm with an anti-slip surface, adjustable to three heights with the four supplied blocks: 11, 16.5 and 22 cm.
• Lifemaxx Pro Step: a more compact step of 90 by 35 cm, adjustable to 15, 20 and 25 cm.
• Lifemaxx Adjustable Step Deck: a step that can also be used as a bench, adjustable to three heights, with floor supports for a low position of 20 cm or a high position of 35 cm.

Crossmaxx plyo boxes for crossfit and functional training

• Soft plyo box 30, 45 and 60 cm: soft boxes made of foam with a coating, to be used separately or combined into a higher box.
• 3-in-1 soft plyobox: a heavy, stable soft box that you tilt for three heights, with an anti-slip cover and the heights marked in cm. Supplied assembled.
• Wooden plyo box (3-level): a wooden box made of 20 mm thick board with a cross construction inside, tiltable for 51, 61 and 76 cm.

In this category you will also find the Crossmaxx drop pad set: two pads onto which you drop a barbell bar to greatly reduce noise and vibrations. Not a step, but handy to have in the same space.

Which Lifemaxx step bench suits you?

You teach or attend aerobics and step classes: choose the Lifemaxx Step. The spacious top surface and the three heights suit most class formats. The Pro Step is a more compact variant.

You want to do step work and bench exercises: the Adjustable Step Deck combines both. Handy for personal training, where you do step-ups, dips and pressing exercises with a single piece of equipment.

You are starting with box jumps or want to jump safely: go for a soft plyo box. Start with 30 or 45 cm and add a higher box later or combine them.

You want one box with several heights at a competitive price: the wooden plyo box gives you 51, 61 and 76 cm in one. If you want that versatile concept in a soft version, choose the 3-in-1 soft plyobox.

You are fitting out a crossfit space or studio: combine soft plyo boxes in different heights with other equipment for crossfit and personal training.

What to look for when buying Lifemaxx step benches?

Stepping or jumping

A step is low and designed for stepping on and off rhythmically. A plyo box is higher and made for jumping onto and landing from. Do not use a step for high jumps, and bear in mind that a plyo box is often too high and too heavy to move around for a step class.

Soft or hard

A soft plyo box is more forgiving if you miss a jump and is therefore ideal for beginners and groups. A wooden box is stiffer and more affordable. For the highest jumps and many different users, soft is the safest choice.

Heights

Check which heights you need. The steps range from 11 to 25 cm, the Step Deck stands at 20 or 35 cm, and the plyo boxes range from 30 to 76 cm. A tiltable box saves space because you get three heights in one.

Surface and maintenance

Use a plyo box on a clean, level floor so that it does not shift. Do not drag a soft plyo box across the floor, so the cover stays in good condition. The drop pads are intended for indoor use. Preferably place a mat or rubber flooring under steps and boxes.

Our advice: for group classes the Lifemaxx Step is the standard choice, for personal training the versatile Step Deck. If you are new to jumping, choose a soft plyo box of 30 or 45 cm and build up gradually. If you want one box for everything at home, the 3-in-1 soft plyobox is the safest choice and the wooden 3-level box the most affordable one.

Who are Lifemaxx step benches suitable for?

• Aerobics and group class instructors: steps with an anti-slip surface and quick height adjustment.
• Personal trainers: the Step Deck as step and bench in one. Also see our information for personal trainers.
• Crossfitters and functional athletes: plyo boxes for box jumps, step-ups and more.
• Beginners in jump training: soft plyo boxes that forgive a misstep.
• Home athletes: a tiltable box gives you three heights in very little space.

Less suitable if you are looking for a sturdy fitness bench for heavy pressing with a barbell. For that, fitness benches are the better choice.

Need help choosing?

Would you like to buy a Lifemaxx step bench but are you not quite sure which one best suits your wishes and needs? We are happy to help. You can reach our fitness specialists by phone on +31 85 773 00 57, send an email or visit our fitness store in Volkel, the Netherlands.

Frequently asked questions about Lifemaxx step benches

What is the difference between a step and a plyo box?

A step is low, usually between 10 and 25 cm, and is meant for stepping on and off rhythmically during a step class or circuit training. A plyo box is higher, from 30 to 76 cm, and made for jumping onto to build explosive strength. They complement each other, but they are not interchangeable.

Is a soft plyo box safer than a wooden box?

A soft plyo box is more forgiving if you miss a jump, because the edges are soft. That makes it safer for beginners and in groups. A wooden box is stiffer and more affordable, but a misstep against a wooden edge is more painful. Both are suitable for intensive use.

Can I stack soft plyo boxes on top of each other?

The soft plyo boxes of 30, 45 and 60 cm can be used separately or combined into a higher box. This also makes higher jumps possible. Make sure they are stacked straight on top of each other and use them on a level surface.

Which plyo box height should I choose as a beginner?

Start with 30 or 45 cm. First you learn the technique of pushing off and landing softly, and only then do you go higher. A higher box without good technique increases the risk of a misstep.

What is the drop pad set?

Two soft pads onto which you drop a barbell bar after a lift. They greatly reduce noise and vibrations, for example after deadlifts or Olympic lifts. The set is intended for indoor use and is supplied without a barbell bar.