New to freestyle step aerobics, don't scram!!... check these 8 tips for making a great first freestyle step class

New to freestyle step aerobics? Don't scram!!...

Check these 8 tips for making a great first freestyle step class

It is no surprise if I say that of all the group fitness classes that I have attended to so far, freestyle step aerobics is my definite favourite. I don't know what it is, but I find that there is something about combining movement, music and mental focus that it surely makes for a fantastic and fun workout, and needless to say that time fly's at the same time!

Now, now, now,.... we all know someone that will debate the above until the cows come home.

You have seen them, every now and then, a new member joins a freestyle step class, then leave either during the warm up, or while still breaking down the first block

I have approached a few of these people, to ascertain why they leave, and when asked they say:

• "too hard"
• "i don't want to think"
• "more coordinated than I expected"
• "I am so concern about getting the routine, that I am not getting a workout, only i get frustrated"
• "etc...."

You are not born with "Step Aerobics" coordination and knowledge. Although you may look at some people and think that they have. You need work through and get used to the different move names, instructor's style of teaching, etc…

I mean, the first time one of these new members hear "3 knee repeater" or "6 point turn" or "L-Shape" etc... they probably stop, and look blankly at the instructor... however, don't scram persevere!, "Practice makes perfect", until your mind and muscles work out how to synchronise to get the routine down to a "T”.

It does take a heck of a large number of repetitions to become an expert, but remember this.... Step aerobics is for exercising and fun, not to be an expert about it. So with that in hand, no need to repeat at home, in between offices at work, at the bus stop, etc... no that is not necessary. The goal is to become moderately competent to have fun. Give it 3 or 4 tries (and maybe 5 just to be sure), with the same instructor every time and you will get enough out of it to be proficient enough to enjoy the class and get a great whole body workout.

Now the reason you are reading this.... the 8 tips for making your first step aerobics class something between enjoyable and great.

• Leave the ‘I can’t do step’ attitude at the door; give it a go, give a chance to your abilities to show its power, be optimistic, and you will improve your step ability. Believe me... you will! And if it doesn’t, so what? you get a great workout, sweat a bit, and return at the next class to try again. Don't worry about the complex steps, keep them simple, and once mastered... then give it a go. If you fail.... Giggle and try again!
  
  
• Don't be shy, let the instructor know that you’re a green apple; before starting the class, most instructors asks if there are any new steppers in the room. Take advantage of this and raise your hand! Instructors wants you to have a positive experience so you will be a step repeater, and will possibly give you some hints specific to his style, etc... so you can get the most out of the class.
  
  
• Start with a single set of risers under your step or just simply the board; if you don't have to worry about tripping over a high step, then you can concentrate more on following the basic step patterns, without caring what everyone else in the room is doing with their step height.
  
  
• Be proud, be seen, don’t hide in the back in the far corner; the best place for anyone new is the middle of the room, maybe slightly to the left or right of the centre. Not only will you be able to see and hear the instructor. Seeing the instructor is your main aim. But at those times where a turn prevents you seeing the instructor, you will be placed right behind one or two of the "good" instructors, who knows the moves and are used to that particular instructor. This way you will not be screwed up by going left when the rest of the class is going the other way.
  
  
• Shoes, the shoes!!; because step involves lot of lateral movement, you need to were proper fitting runners or cross-trainers. Shock absorbent shoes are a must and support and stability at the ankles is also preferred.
  
  
• When lost, don't stop, giggle and keep moving; step's basic move is known as the “basic step”. That is Step up, step down. If you happen to get lost, dot fret!. giggle, laugh, mumble under your breath, but keep smiling and do the basic step. Once you recognise the step being instructed then jump in and follow the routine.... till you lose it again, giggle and basic step again.... wait and join again... just DON'T FRET!! .
  
  
• Don’t expect to "get it" perfectly the first time around; even seasoned steppers do "loose it" from time to time. Especially if there is a new instructor. It does take a few classes to sort of understanding how the blocks are broken and taught and how the language and names differ from instructor to instructor. As per previous tip, if you get "lost", then giggle and basic step till you catch up again... just DON'T FRET.
  
  
• A bit of observation goes a long way; when an instructor gives you a new move, or is explaining how to do a specific move, don't be fussed about going back to "BASIC STEP" and just look and listen to the instructor. Don't try to do the "Swan necking" and try to look at the instructor while doing an "around the world" on the step

Step aerobics classes are nothing new, they have been around for quite a while. Sometimes they are known as "old school". However new flavours are slowly being introduced, such as Step/Dance.

Many instructors also give step their own flair, and makes it look more "up-to-date".

Keep stepping!