Slant Board Exercises: Calf Stretches, Knees-Over-Toes Squats and Which Angle to Use

Woman stretching her hamstrings on a wooden slant board

Solis Fortune Editorial · 3 min read · Ships to the US, Australia, the UK and the EU

In short

A slant board is an inclined platform you stand on with your toes higher than your heels. It is used for calf and ankle stretches, standing hamstring stretches and heel-elevated (knees-over-toes) squats. Start at the lowest angle, hold a gentle stretch for 30–60 seconds and only move up when it feels easy. The Solis Incline has five angles from 23° to 45°, holds 300 lb and folds flat. If you have an injury, ask a physiotherapist which exercises suit you.

How does a slant board work?

On flat ground, stretching your calf means leaning forward and holding it there. On a slant board, the incline lifts your toes for you and your body weight does the work — a steady, easy-to-repeat stretch you can hold while brushing your teeth or answering emails.

Five slant board angles from 23 to 45 degrees
Five angles: start low, move up as you loosen.

Six slant board exercises

Exercise How Angle to start
Standing calf stretch Stand tall, heels down, hold 30–60 s 23°
Bent-knee calf stretch Same, knees slightly bent — targets the lower calf 23°
Standing hamstring stretch Toes up the board, hinge forward from the hips 23–30°
Heel-elevated squat Heels on the high end, toes down, squat upright 23°, reversed
Knees-over-toes split squat Front foot on the board, knee travels past the toes 30°
Tibialis raises Back against a wall, lift your toes up and down 23°
Solis Incline Slant Board Solis Incline Slant Board Adjustable wooden slant board, 5 angles from 23° to 45°, holds 300 lb, folds flat. $49.99 — view product →

Which angle, how long, how often?

  • Angle: begin at the lowest setting. A stretch should feel firm, never sharp or painful.
  • Time: 30–60 seconds per stretch, two or three rounds.
  • Frequency: a few minutes once or twice a day works better than one long session a week.
  • Balance: keep a hand on a wall or chair, especially at higher angles.
Slant board size, non-slip top, EVA pads and carry handle
Non-slip top, EVA pads underneath, carry handle.

What to look for in a slant board

Feature Why it matters Solis Incline
Adjustable angles Lets you progress safely 5 angles, 23°–45°
Load rating Stability for squats and lunges 300 lb (136 kg)
Grip No sliding at steep angles Textured top, EVA pads
Folds flat Storage and travel About 3.6 cm thick, handle
Material Stiffness and lifespan 11-ply pressed wood

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Frequently asked questions

What angle should a beginner use on a slant board?

The lowest — 23° on the Solis Incline. Move up only when the stretch feels easy.

How long should I stand on a slant board?

30–60 seconds per stretch, repeated two or three times.

Can I do squats on a slant board?

Yes — heel-elevated squats with your heels on the high end, or split squats with the front foot on the board.

Is a slant board good for runners?

Many runners use it for calf and ankle stretches before and after runs.

How much weight can it hold?

The Solis Incline is rated for up to 300 lb (136 kg).

Written by the Solis Fortune editorial team. Specifications quoted are the published manufacturer figures for the products linked above; where a supplier publishes no figure we say so rather than estimate one. Regulatory summaries are general information, not legal advice — check the rules that apply where you live before you buy.