10 Reasons to Love Step Aerobics

10 Reasons to Love Step Aerobics

Lets face it, It may not be the hippest class to attend at the gym, but there are still many reasons why I love myself a good step aerobics class. While I'd like to say it's because I can don a Jane Fonda-esque spandex leotard, although many of you would disagree; it's actually much more than that. The once über-popular workout fad of the '80s and '90s still wins my vote for these following reasons:

• When the instructor turns on the stereo system, there are bound to be powerfully motivating tunes (old and new) to get you through the jumping, lunging, and grapevining.
• Many teachers include some sort of dance (merengue, funk, jazz, Jam, salsa or just plain fancy moves) into the mix. I love a workout that encourages me to shake my groove thang.
• It's like riding a bike. Even if you haven't been to a step class in five years, you'll quickly remember how to do the "L" step or a hamstring curl.
• Since I don't always have time for lengthy workouts, I appreciate that most step classes are under an hour. Although the "odd" XTRVGNZ made of 1.5 hours or even 2 hours always get me excited!
• The music may get my mind going, but the exercise certainly gives my body a run for its money. At the end of these classes, you can't tell whether I've taken a shower or desperately need to.

Want to see the rest of my reasons and add your own two cents?

• As intense as the workout can be, you can also manage it to suit your needs. Add spins or as many steps as you want to make it more intense (see our previous article about making your step classes more intense) or simply use the bench portion to make it a minimal effort. And many instructors show different ways to adapt the routine to suit your needs.
• While the cardio workout is thorough, my muscles always show me their appreciation the following day. It's a sure way to tone your heart and limbs.
• How many other classes let you say, "Sashay!"?
• If you like a routine or enjoy choreography, step's got you covered. From the first "step" of the class, you can bet you'll be putting it all together at the end for a full "performance" of sorts.
• More than anything, it's fun!

Source: Thinkstock

Would you like to make your Step Aerobics More Intense?... keep reading!

Would you like to make your Step Aerobics More Intense?... keep reading!

If you do not know how to add intensity to your Freestyle Step Class, you have not tried hard enough!. There are so many creative ways to do so, you'd be amazed!

Many certified personal trainers agree that there are many ways to make a freestyle step class more intense.

Clearly, one is to add more risers. That's a no brainer. However, although Step is to be fun, it is also to be safe. Many instructors may raise a concern should you attempt to have 3 or more raisers under your step. The instructor is within his power to advise you if he finds your step configuration safe, and if any injuries be your responsibility should you , heaven's forbid, fall during his class.

Adding intensity to a step aerobics class:

• Lunge step. Should the routine call for one of these moves, you could increase its intensity if you add a small jump/hop to it. If you find that this is not intensity enough, why not go down deeper?..... more? do you want more? .... lean forwards at the hips when you lunge, and touch the step. That should do it!!.

• Repeaters. Again, increase its intensity by going deeper as well as adding that small jump/hop when that knee is being raised. Surely your sweat will start to glimmer on your forehead with this one.

• Basic, knee, straddle and turn steps. Here you can include the little jump/hop or even a full-out single-leg jump. Why not add a jogg when you are on the top of the step? and on the floor?.... wanna get fancy? why not replace the basic or knee with two-legged jumping onto the step?. Straddles can also be "jumped": that is from the straddle position, jump up onto the stepper, both feet landing at the same time, then jump off. If you can't keep up with the instructor's tempo, slow to half speed to match her every other step.....

More ways to make a freestyle step aerobic class more intense:

• This one is for "non highly choreographed" classes. Add very small dumbbells to the arm chore.

 

• Wear a weighted vest or weighted backpack. Check with your doctor for any specific medical issues you may have that would cause issues should you used this option.

• For brief segments of the class, increase to two or three risers.

• Got a turn step within the routine? why not insert a deep squat at the end of every turn step?. In fact, make it a deep squat into a jump squat. Just be aware that you will need to move very quickly to keep up.

A good read.... !

A good read.... !

I was checking the net when i came across this article by "Australian Fitness Network".

It questions why aren’t all those gym members who are striving for weight loss on the gym floor participating in our step classes.... a good read indeed! Click here to read more