Les Mills SMARTSTEP

What Is the Les Mills SMARTSTEP?

The Les Mills SMARTSTEP is an all-in-one aerobic step built with integrated risers and a click-to-rise mechanism, so there’s no separate platform and riser pieces to juggle. It replaces the original SMARTSTEP with a slightly shorter, lighter design that uses 15% less plastic while keeping the same three height settings and versatility. Priced at $269.99, it’s positioned as a premium home and studio fitness equipment option under the Les Mills brand.

This isn’t just a step for stepping up and down. According to the product details, it’s engineered to flex and respond to movement, which the brand says increases muscle activation and reduces impact compared to traditional steps. It can also double as an incline bench for strength work, making it a multi-use piece rather than a single-purpose accessory gathering dust in a corner.

Key Features Worth Knowing

Integrated Risers and Click-to-Rise Design

The standout feature here is the all-in-one construction. Instead of stacking separate risers under a platform, the SMARTSTEP has risers built directly into the unit, and you simply click them into place to change height. This matters because loose risers are a classic failure point on cheaper steps. The design is meant to eliminate any chance of the platform shifting or falling off mid-workout, which is a real concern during high-intensity class formats.

Three height settings are available: 15cm, 20cm, and 25cm. That range gives you flexibility whether you’re doing basic step cardio, plyometric work, or using the step as an elevated surface for strength training. The ability to use it as an incline bench adds another layer of value, since you’re not buying a separate bench for chest presses or back work.

Build Quality and Weight

The SMARTSTEP weighs 7.9kg (17.4lb) and measures 101 x 36.4 x 15cm. That’s a reasonably lightweight footprint for a piece of equipment claiming durability through “the equivalent of 1.5 million steps” of testing. The brand backs this with a 3-year warranty, which is a meaningful signal of confidence given how much abuse a step takes in repeated use, especially in group fitness settings.

Storage is another area where the design shows thought. The low profile lets it slide under furniture at home, and multiple units can stack up to 10 high on a solid, level surface. For gyms and studios, there are dedicated storage racks that hold 8 or 16 units, with optional wheels for portability. This kind of attention to storage logistics suggests the product was designed with both home users and commercial facilities in mind.

Photo: Les Mills

Real-World Use and Care Considerations

The care instructions reveal a bit about how this product performs day to day. Les Mills recommends working out on a smooth, hard, level surface and specifically advises against placing a mat underneath, since a mat could slip during jumps. That’s a practical detail for anyone setting up a home gym corner on carpet or an uneven floor. You’ll also want to check your shoe soles for embedded stones or debris, since those can scratch the step’s top surface over time.

Dragging, dropping, or knocking the SMARTSTEP is discouraged, particularly because rough handling can damage the click-to-rise mechanism and feet. This suggests the mechanism, while convenient, is also a bit more delicate than a basic foam step with no moving parts. Cleaning is straightforward though, just mild dish soap, water, and a soft cloth, which is low maintenance compared to some fitness equipment that requires specialty cleaners.

Photo: Les Mills

Pricing and Value

At $269.99, this sits well above a basic aerobic step you’d find at a big box store. The question is whether the integrated riser design, flex engineering, and incline bench functionality justify that gap. Based on the feature set described, the SMARTSTEP is clearly aimed at people who take their step training seriously, whether that’s BODYSTEP, BODYPUMP, or LES MILLS GRIT style workouts, rather than someone who wants an occasional cardio boost.

Free shipping is included across the continental US (Hawaii and Alaska excluded), and there’s a 30-day risk-free trial for US customers, meaning you can return it for a full refund if it doesn’t work out. Canadian customers get a shorter 14-day change-of-mind window. The 3-year warranty adds further reassurance that this is built to be a long-term piece of equipment rather than something replaced every season.

Who Should Buy the Les Mills SMARTSTEP

This step makes the most sense for people already familiar with Les Mills class formats, like BODYSTEP, BODYPUMP, or GRIT, and who want to replicate that experience at home. If you’re the type who wants unlimited access to streamed workouts, pairing this with a LES MILLS+ membership rounds out the setup nicely. It’s also a strong fit for boutique studios or home gym enthusiasts who value the all-in-one build and want to avoid the hassle of separate riser pieces.

On the other hand, if you just want an occasional step for light cardio or you’re on a tight budget, this probably isn’t necessary. The price point and engineered flex technology are built for people who train consistently and want equipment that holds up to repeated, intense use. Casual users might find a simpler, cheaper step perfectly adequate for their needs.

Bottom Line

The Les Mills SMARTSTEP is a thoughtfully engineered piece of equipment that solves real problems with traditional aerobic steps, namely wobbly risers and limited functionality. The integrated click-to-rise design, three height settings, incline bench capability, and 3-year warranty all point to a product built for people who train often and want gear that won’t let them down mid-rep. The 30-day trial and free shipping also lower the risk of trying it out.

That said, the $269.99 price tag is a real consideration, and the care instructions suggest it needs a bit more attentive handling than a basic foam step. If you’re serious about step-based training and want equipment that matches the intensity of Les Mills class formats, this is worth considering. If your workouts are more occasional, would a simpler and cheaper step actually serve you just as well?

Frequently Asked Questions

What height settings does the Les Mills SMARTSTEP offer?

The SMARTSTEP can be used at three height settings: 15cm, 20cm, and 25cm. This range covers everything from basic step cardio to more advanced plyometric and strength work.

Can the SMARTSTEP be used for strength training, not just cardio?

Yes, it can be used as an incline bench for exercises like chest presses, arm work, and back exercises. This makes it a multi-functional piece rather than a step reserved only for cardio classes.

How is this different from the original Les Mills SMARTSTEP?

The new version is all-in-one with integrated risers, making it simpler to move as a single piece. It’s also slightly shorter and made with 15% less plastic, so it’s lighter and easier to store than the original.

Is the SMARTSTEP safe to use on carpet or with a mat underneath?

Les Mills specifically recommends against placing a mat under the SMARTSTEP since it could slip or slide during jumps. A smooth, hard, level surface is recommended for stability and safety.

How long does the warranty last?

The SMARTSTEP comes with a 3-year warranty. The brand states it has tested the step to the equivalent of 1.5 million steps to back its durability claims.

What workouts is the SMARTSTEP designed for?

It’s built for BODYSTEP, BODYPUMP, and LES MILLS GRIT style training, along with any workout requiring a sturdy, high-performance bench or step platform.

Can I return the SMARTSTEP if I don’t like it?

US customers in the continental United States get a 30-day risk-free trial with a full refund option. Canadian customers, along with those in Hawaii and Alaska, have a 14-day change-of-mind return window instead.

How do I clean and store the SMARTSTEP?

Clean it with mild dish soap, water, and a soft cloth, then dry thoroughly. For storage, it can slide under furniture at home due to its low profile, or be stacked up to 10 units high on a solid, level surface.