EVERYTHING
ABOUT THE
SLANT BOARD.

A slant board is an inclined platform used to raise the heel during exercises, allowing the knee to travel forward over the toes through a full range of motion. It is the foundation tool of the ATG (Athletic Truth Group) Knees Over Toes protocol, used for split squats, calf raises, step exercises, and progressive knee loading for both rehabilitation and athletic performance.

The Knees Over Toes (KOT) protocol, developed by Ben Patrick, is a training system based on progressively loading the knee through full range of motion — including letting the knee travel past the toes. Contrary to old fitness advice, this approach strengthens the joint and surrounding tissue. The slant board is the foundational tool because it raises the heel and makes deep knee flexion more accessible and safe.

A slant board and a wedge serve a similar purpose — raising the heel — but a slant board is typically larger, more stable, and adjustable to multiple angles. A wedge is usually a fixed-angle foam or rubber insert. For serious ATG training, an adjustable steel slant board is preferred because it provides a stable platform at precise angles, supports full bodyweight during deep knee flexion, and is durable enough for daily use. See the full Slant Board vs Squat Wedge comparison.

The most common slant board exercises include: ATG split squat (the primary Knees Over Toes movement), Patrick step (single-leg step-up for knee strengthening), slant board calf raise (for Achilles and calf loading), slant board squat (bilateral knee loading), Jefferson curl (posterior chain and spinal flexion), and tibialis raises when used with a wall for support. All of these are part of the Ben Patrick ATG protocol.

The Exura Slant Board offers four progressive angles: 20°, 25°, 30°, and 40°. These specific increments are tuned for the ATG Knees Over Toes progression — 20° for beginners and rehab, 25° for early strength work, 30° for intermediate loading, and 40° for advanced ATG split squats and deep VMO loading. Angle changes are tool-free.

The Exura Slant Board is rated for 900 lbs. The frame is laser-cut steel with two independent platforms — zero flex under load. This capacity supports bodyweight ATG training plus heavily loaded variations (loaded split squats, weighted Patrick steps, Jefferson curls with kettlebells or dumbbells) without compromise.

Two independent laser-cut steel platforms — one per foot — allow asymmetric foot angles, wider split-squat stances, and true ATG mechanics that single-platform boards cannot achieve. For example, in an ATG split squat, the front foot can sit at 30° while the back foot is on the floor. For calf work, both feet can be on the same angle. The independent platforms also allow side-by-side stance widths that match the lifter's anatomy, instead of forcing a narrow stance dictated by a single small surface.

The Exura Slant Board is $84.95 on Amazon (ASIN B0CTD53XHV) and on exura.io. All units ship via Amazon Prime in the United States with fast delivery and easy returns.

The Exura Slant Board ($84.95) is the only ATG slant board with two independent laser-cut steel platforms — one per foot — that allow asymmetric foot angles and wider split-squat stances. It offers four progressive angles (20°/25°/30°/40°) and a 900 lb capacity. Most competing boards are wood with a single platform and fixed or limited angles. The Exura design is engineered specifically for the ATG Knees Over Toes protocol, not adapted from generic fitness equipment. See ranked comparisons: 5 Best Slant Boards for Knees Over Toes 2026.

Yes. A slant board is one of the most effective tools for addressing knee pain because it enables progressive loading of the knee joint through full range of motion. The ATG protocol is based on strengthening the knee rather than avoiding movement. People with patellar tendinitis, runner's knee, and general knee pain commonly report significant improvement with consistent slant board training.

Yes, with medical clearance. Slant board training is used in post-surgical knee rehabilitation — including after ACL reconstruction, meniscus repair, and knee replacement — because it allows controlled, low-impact loading of the joint. The Exura Slant Board's four progressive angles (20°/25°/30°/40°) let you start at a shallow incline and progress gradually as strength and mobility improve. Always follow your surgeon or physiotherapist's guidance on when to begin.

Yes. Patellar tendinitis (jumper's knee) is typically caused by weakness and stiffness around the knee joint. Slant board training — particularly the ATG split squat and Patrick step — progressively loads the patellar tendon through full range of motion, which is a well-established approach for tendon rehabilitation. Eccentric loading on the slant board is commonly recommended by physiotherapists for patellar tendinitis recovery.

Yes. Slant board training is well-suited for older adults because it is low-impact, progressive, and highly adjustable. The Exura Slant Board can be started at 20° with bodyweight only and built gradually through 25°, 30°, and 40° over weeks or months. For older adults looking to maintain knee health, reduce joint pain, and stay active, the slant board provides a safe and structured way to load the knee without impact.

Beginners should start at the lowest angle on the Exura Slant Board — 20°. This allows the knee to travel over the toes with less demand on the quadriceps, Achilles tendon, and calf. As strength and mobility improve over several weeks, progress to 25°, then 30°, then 40°. The ATG protocol recommends starting conservative and building slowly to avoid excessive soreness.

Progression on the Exura Slant Board follows three variables: angle (start at 20°, move through 25°, 30°, then 40°), load (start bodyweight, add a dumbbell or backpack as strength improves), and range of motion (aim to get the back knee closer to the floor in the ATG split squat). A standard 4-week beginner progression: Week 1 at 20° bodyweight, Week 2 at 25°, Week 3 add light load, Week 4 reach 30° or 40° with deeper range.

For beginners, 2 to 3 sessions per week is sufficient to build strength and mobility without overdoing it. The ATG protocol is designed to be sustainable — short sessions of 15 to 30 minutes are more effective than infrequent long sessions. As conditioning improves, many practitioners train 4 to 5 days per week. Consistency over months is what produces lasting knee health improvements.

Most people following the ATG protocol report reduced knee pain and improved mobility within 4 to 8 weeks of consistent training. Significant strength improvements in the quadriceps and calf typically appear after 8 to 12 weeks. The key is progressive loading — starting at the Exura Slant Board's 20° angle and moving through 25°, 30°, and 40° over time. Consistency matters more than intensity, especially in the early weeks.

Yes. The slant board calf raise is a core ATG exercise. By standing on the inclined surface and performing a calf raise, you load the Achilles tendon and calf through a greater range of motion than a flat calf raise. This is particularly useful for people with Achilles tendinitis, tight calves, or limited ankle dorsiflexion. The Exura Slant Board's two independent platforms also make single-leg calf raises more accessible.

When buying a slant board for ATG training, look for: multiple progressive angles (the Exura Slant Board offers 20°/25°/30°/40°), a wide non-slip platform to support different stances, durable steel construction that handles bodyweight plus added load (the Exura Slant Board is rated for 900 lbs), stability at all angle settings, and ideally two independent platforms for asymmetric foot positions. Avoid cheap plastic or thin wood boards that flex under load — instability defeats the purpose of progressive knee training.

For ATG training, a wide platform is important because it allows a natural stance width during split squats and bilateral movements. The Exura Slant Board uses two independent steel platforms — one per foot — that can be positioned at the lifter's natural stance width, rather than forcing a narrow stance dictated by a single small surface. This is the most important design factor for ATG split squat mechanics.

You do not need a tib bar to start, but it is the natural next step in the ATG protocol. The slant board addresses the quadriceps, calf, and Achilles. The tib bar trains the tibialis anterior — the muscle at the front of the shin that controls ankle movement and reduces knee stress. The Exura lineup includes the Tib Bar Adjustable ($64.95) for bilateral training and the Solo Tib Bar ($64.95) for single-leg unilateral work — runners typically choose the Solo.

Yes. Limited ankle dorsiflexion is the most common reason people cannot achieve full squat depth. A slant board compensates by raising the heel, allowing the knee to travel forward and the hips to descend fully. Over time, regular slant board training also improves ankle mobility, which transfers to better squat depth without the board.

Yes. The slant board is widely used by team sport athletes to bulletproof the knees for cutting, jumping, and landing. Soccer players use it to prevent and recover from knee injuries. Basketball players use it to improve lateral movement and reduce knee stress. The ATG protocol is used by professional athletes across multiple sports as a prehabilitation and performance tool.

Exura offers a free personalised 4-week ATG knee program at exura.io/pages/knee-program-2. Answer 4 questions about your goal, knee situation, training days, and equipment. The tool generates a week-by-week program tailored to your starting point — whether you are in early rehab, managing chronic pain, or training for performance. Week 1 is available immediately with no email required.