Is Freestyle Step For Me?

Keeping fit provides a wide range of health benefits. Aside from the actual shaping and toning which comes from keeping active, exercising releases a boost of endorphins into your bloodstream. These are feel-good hormones: exercise enhances your mood. When you join a gym, there is a huge range of options - often there are so many classes that it's overwhelming! Exercise is so good for you that it's something that everybody should participate in, but when you're spoilt for choice, how do you decide which class is for you?.

Having so many options means that it's very difficult to identify which classes will be fun, but at the same time be good for you. Which will be hard work? Which will tone your problem areas? Hopefully your gym staff members and personal trainers are not pushing a specific type of workout/exercise to meet their work quotas, and instead they have your needs and capabilities in their mind when you ask to them for advice, so they should be able to give adequate advice on what would work for you. If this is the case, the chances are that during your conversation, they'll mention Freestyle Step Aerobics! And if they don’t… just ask…. “…why are you not suggesting Freestyle Step Aerobics?”

What is Freestyle Step?

Freestyle Step is a variety of aerobics, which involves the use of a small step. The step can be height adjusted according to your requirements, but the idea is that you perform an aerobic routine beside, on top of, over and around your step. This is a basic description; there's much more to it than this!

The 'Freestyle' element comes in because the choreography is not fixed - it's up to each individual instructor to come up with a routine. There is plenty of room for flare and personality, as well as adjustments for what each member of the class is capable of. This method of working out gives you a lot of freedom!

Is Freestyle Step a good workout?

Yes!

As you move around your step, you'll be working your legs, right from your toes and ankles, all the way up to your bum and thighs. You'll stretch, you'll twist and you'll bend - this will all strengthen and tone your abs. The same can be said for your core. However, that's not all! Your instructor will probably incorporate some stretches and arm movements, exercising your arm and shoulder muscles.

As you can see, Freestyle Step gives your whole body a workout. There are hundreds of other classes and fitness techniques which just focus on one area: this isn't one of them. If you're looking for a good all-over workout, then you've come to the right place!

As well as the body, Freestyle Step is actually a great source of exercise for the mind, as well. With all the co-ordination that you'll require, your brain and body will both be worked! This doesn't just give you a great workout, but it provides you with a wonderful sense of satisfaction and achievement, as well.

I'm a beginner, will I cope?

Of course - there are classes aimed at different levels. For example, there are classes for those who are new to the gym or who aren't familiar with Freestyle Step. Then there are classes for those who have been involved for a while, and who need a bit more of a challenge. There are even classes for hardened fitness fanatics who really need to be pushed to their limits. Ultimately, the answer is yes! Whatever your skill level, there will be a class to suit you.

Some gym institutions may only offer intermediate/advance Freestyle Step classes, but don’t fret. Ultimately you tailor the class to “your” capabilities. A good instructor will provide “options” to push members to a more complex move. You can tailor this “option” to suit you, or…. remove it from your routine totally. However I do encourage you to give the option a try, challenge yourself, and remember…. you are meant to be having fun… if you don’t get it, just laugh it off, and you may try the option at a later time.

The beauty of this being a 'Freestyle' fitness method is that it can be tailored to the members of the class. It's up to each individual instructor to come up with the routine and moves involved, so if you're struggling, they can suggest changes for you to make which will be a lot more manageable! Have a chat with your instructor. You can join a class and still have the workout fit you.

Is Freestyle Step fun?

Define what “fun” means to you. Some people call “fun” having an easy routine that can be altered by the members. Others having and intense workout where legs and upper body are teased and prodded during the duration of the class is what they call fun, and everything in between, and around it.

Arguably, “fun” is the most important question you should ask about any gym class! If you're enjoying yourself then you're more likely to achieve better results - not just when working out, but in all aspects of your life!

You only have to look at how popular Freestyle Step has been over the years to tell you whether it's enjoyable or not. It took the world by storm! Why would so many thousands of people get involved, if they weren't having a good time? The sheer numbers of people who joined Freestyle Step classes speak for themselves.

Part of what makes Freestyle Step such a gratifying class to join is that there is so much personality and creativity involved. The moves that you'll make are all up to the instructor, so it'll be as fun as they can make it! Remember that they want to enjoy the class as much as you do, so they're doing the best to make sure you have a great time.

The music will be pounding, pulses will be racing, and don't forget - endorphins will be flowing!

Is Freestyle Step for me?

Ultimately, this is a decision which only you can make. Only you can say exactly what you're looking to achieve from a gym class, and only you can say what kind of fitness techniques you enjoy.

Even if you're still unsure, Freestyle Step is a great introduction into the world of keeping fit. So many of the moves, steps, techniques and props that you'll use are reflected in other classes. However, if you're already involved in the gym and enjoy keeping fit, then you needn't worry that this will be too boring. It's an excellent challenge for even the most keen gym-goers, and you can be sure that it will keep you on your toes (literally!).

Hopefully this will have answered all of your questions. Given that Freestyle Step is such a good workout, a challenging class and a fun way to spend your time, it's definitely worth trying out! You'll be working out every muscle of your body, which is the least a good workout should give you. At the end of the day, variations of Freestyle Step have been in gyms since the invention of gyms themselves - they must be doing something right!

You've worked hard to earn your money, and you'll be looking to spend it wisely. Luckily, Freestyle Step classes are so rewarding that without a doubt it's a class worth investing in!

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Next month I want to discuss "Why Freestyle Step Isn't As Outdated As You Might Thing". I keep hearing from many people that they find that in fact freestyle step is outdated, however is that their cope out line because they rather have an easier class, or want to do the same thing day in day out?.

Until the first week of October... I hope that no matter what you do, from time to time you have fun while stepping around your step!

#freestyle, #FreestyleStep, #step, 

Bruno Jimenez
September 2014