The Rapid Rise in Popularity of the Slant Board

What is a Slant Board?

A slant board is a simple yet highly effective tool that has rapidly risen in popularity for its ability to assist with strengthening, stretching and stability during exercise and rehabilitation. Designed with an inclined surface, this wedge-shaped piece of equipment comes in various materials. It is worth investing in one made of a high-density durable material with a non-slip surface such as EVA foam.

Benefits of a Slant Board

Slant boards are versatile and offer a host of different uses. Here are some of the main benefits of using a slant / Stretch board:

• Stretch boards are useful for rehabilitation of many common injuries. For recovery from Achilles tendinopathy, calf strains, and knee injuries, among others, the board can be used for eccentric exercises as well as stretching.
• Stretch boards can be used to promote optimal form when exercising. When doing a squat, utilising the slant board can allow more plantar flexion to assist with an optimal squatting position. The board is the perfect tool for facilitating decline squats. The inclined position also reduces stress through the lower back and knees.
• The inclined platform of the board is often utilised to improve flexibility and mobility of the ankles and even the wrists.
• Stretch boards promote improved stability and balance. With certain exercises, the slant board enhances engagement of the core while using the inclined platform. The slant board can also be used specifically for core exercises such as incline planks.
• Stretch boards facilitate enhanced activation of certain muscle groups and can transform your lower body workouts. With raised heels, Quadriceps activation can be increased when doing squats and lunges. Additionally, using the slant board to slightly raise your upper back when doing leg raises can promote greater core activation.

Five Exercises a Stretch Board is Used For:

1. Hip Bridges: Lie on your back on the floor with your feet on the slant board and arms by your sides. Engage your core by pulling your bellybutton inward. Maintain the core contraction, press through your heels, and lift your hips toward the ceiling. Ensure your body forms a straight line from your shoulders to your knees. and lift your hips up into the air. Hold for 5 seconds to 10 seconds in the bridge position.
2. Pistol Squats: Place your feet hip width apart, facing downhill on the slant board. Shift your weight onto one leg while extending the other leg forwards. Keep your core engaged and your chest upright. Slowly lower your body by bending your standing knee keeping your arms out for balance. Lower yourself as far and you can while keeping control, then slowly push back up.
3. Incline Push-Ups: Place both hands on the board and extend your legs onto the floor behind you until you are in a plank position. Slowly bend your elbows and then extend until you return to the start position.
4. Downward Dog: Do this yoga pose with your feet on the slant board to assist if your calves are too tight to manage a flat surface comfortably. Place your feet on the slant board facing ‘downhill’. Place your hands on the floor out in front of you. Push your hips up into the air keeping your arms and legs straight so you feel a stretch down the back of both legs.
5. Calf Raises: Stand on the board and push up onto your toes. Slowly lower until your heels are lower than your toes for an eccentric calf contraction. Return to neutral and repeat.

Whether you’re using a slant board to deepen or to assist your stretches, to enhance muscle activation, or boost your workouts, a stretch board can provide versatility to your routine. Start incorporating one into your exercise routine to experience the benefits first-hand.