[Caleb (OP)]

I would like to have a stair-stepper that I can step on and step off for about 20 or 30 minutes a day, between 8 and 12 inches total rise in step, so I can get my heart rate up, perspire, etc., and know that I am exercising enough to contribute to my health.

What's the best way to do this?

I bought a plastic bench from a major chain here in the U.S. yesterday that says it has a 300 pounds lifting capacity, and I am thinking of gluing it at all the joints, and also duct-taping it.

Does anyone have any other ideas on this? I really would like to hear ideas that others have.

Yours,

Caleb

[CliffordK]

You can find used exercise equipment at your favorite thrift store, or on Craigslist. 

Any place you can find real stairs?  You can carry weights or ankle weights if you wish.  Be careful with going back down.

I'm not sure about your plastic bench.  Is it sturdy? 

If you bought a 14' 2x12 at your local building supply store, you could cut it into about 7 pieces, 2' long, and laminate it into a block about 1'x1'x2'.  Glue should hold it.  With a plane, some sand paper and a rasp, and varnish, you could shape it into something that looks like it was meant to be a block.  Be careful of pitch.  And you could use your block as a weight too  []

[Caleb (OP)]

CliffordK --

Good observations! The little bench is thick plastic and I think I am going to epoxy the whole thing to see how solid I can make it. But I appreciate your concerns about not trusting plastic.

But going to Craigslist and Home Depot are very good possibilities as well.

Yours,

Caleb

[RD]

There are items specifically designed for this purpose ... http://www.amazon.co.uk/b?ie=UTF8&node=365410011