The $7.36 Balance Board Step Riser (For Wii Fit) « Just another day in cubeville…

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The $7.36 Balance Board Step Riser (For Wii Fit)

January 27, 2009 by Perry P Perkins

Hey all,

Given that the commercially released 4in riser runs around $90, and would be impossible for me to use once my wife broke both my legs for spending $90 on an ankle-high plastic platform…

I took the opportunity to head over to HomeDepot!

Here’s what I built with my own three thumbs, for less than eight bucks. Trust me, if I can build it, ANYONE can!

Home Depot will even cut the boards to size for you.

Parts:

2×2x12in boards (3)

2×2x24in boards (2)

12×24x1in plywood (1)

2in wood screws (6)

3in wood screws (6)

Cost:

1 – 2×2x8 = $1.71

12×24x1in ply = $4.22 (check the scrap box by the saw, you might get it free!)

12 screws = $0.34

TOTAL: $6.37

Oh…plus .99 for a hot dog out front of the store! Grand total: $7.36

This project took about five minutes to assemble with my DeWalt screwgun. You could add a piece of carpeting to the top (I was planning to) but I’ve done three 30 minute freestep sessions, and the balance board never budged. (The plywood surface is fairly rough.)

I do recommend pre-drilling the holes in the 2×2’s if you can. It might not be a big deal, but I have had 2×2’s split on other projects if the holes weren’t pre-drilled.

So there you go, saved yourself about 83 bucks and you got a riser and lunch!

Here are the pictures…

riser1

riser2

riser3

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged Balance Board, Free Step, Wii, Wii Fit | 10 Comments

10 Responses

on January 30, 2009 at 7:05 pm | Reply Dean

You made that! I guess you learned something from the birdhouse and the pinewood derby racers.
on January 30, 2009 at 7:33 pm | Reply Perry P Perkins

I owe it all to YOU, man!

I still have “our” bookcase, it keeps a place of honor here in my office and holds all my writing books.

-P
on February 5, 2009 at 11:03 am | Reply Sandra

That’s a beautiful thing. Emailing to handy-dandy dad right now…
on February 26, 2009 at 8:55 am | Reply On the way to renewal. « Geriatric Mama’s Rants

[...] had my stepdad make a riser for the balance board which really increases the workout – takes it to a whole ‘nuther level, [...]
on July 6, 2009 at 4:29 pm | Reply UK Hotels

Nice, simple solution you have there. Makes you wonder how they justify the $79 price tag.
on August 25, 2009 at 8:55 am | Reply brenda

I found you on the search engine and this is what I have been looking for – I was wondering if you could tell me if when using the riser you have made, does it give acurate reading on the Wii as far as your workout goes or does it show that you miss steps etc…just curious and thanks so much for taking the time to do this and write it up for all of us to see – I appreciate it
- on August 25, 2009 at 9:20 am | Reply Perry P Perkins
  
  Brenda,
  
  Thanks for the comment!
  
  Nope, I’ve never noticed any difference, it seems to read the steps just as accurately.
  
  I think this is because the step above is just so darned “solid” – make with 2×2s and plywood – that it negates and sag or sway. Not sure if this would be the case with lighter, plastic risers… especially on carpet.
  
  Hope that helps!
  
  -Perry
  http://www.pdxdads.com
on August 31, 2009 at 4:36 pm | Reply Sheila

What a wonderful idea! I’ve bookmarked this page to show it to my husband. I know he would happily make me one. Thanks so much for sharing! You rock Perry!
on September 1, 2009 at 10:23 am | Reply Perry P. Perkins

Sheila,

Thanks! Hope it works for you!

-Perry
on September 7, 2009 at 5:21 am | Reply DeborahB

This is exactly what I need! I’ve printed out your directions and am heading to Lowe’s today. You rock! Thanks!