Why Freestyle Step Isn't As Outdated As You Might Think

I'd be surprised if you've never heard of Freestyle Step (unless you were born after the year 2000, in which case I'll forgive you!). Even if you never tried it out yourself, you'll remember the day when it took the fitness world by storm. With its energising combination of dance moves, the instructor's imagination, and not to mention the autonomous step, Freestyle Step was the freshest thing to hit gyms in decades.

Freestyle Step most definitely had its day, and no matter how much it hurts to some of us, we cannot deny it, the day it reached a stumbling block did arrive some way back. It went from being a class which every other person had joined (or so it seemed), to suddenly the participants dropping like flies. Many reasons are behind this; the Les Mills BodyStep programs didn't help matters. There has been much discussion around whether or not Freestyle Step is fizzling out altogether (which you can read about on our article from August, “Is Freestyle Step Dying?”), which is a tender subject for some.

'110107-F-2616H-001' by Kenny Holston

I am pleased to say that things haven't got that bad for Freestyle Step yet! It hasn't died out altogether, with classes being run all around the country (it may take a bit of work, but if you persist looking for them… you will find them). However, just because something takes a drop in popularity, doesn't mean it should be forgotten. Don't sweep it under the gym carpet; there's no reason why it can't see a revival, being just as popular as it ever was! Pop superstar Michael Jackson is the perfect example - he saw worldwide success, especially during the 1980s, but he set a whole host of records after his death, becoming one of the best selling artists of 2009. See? A second wind is more than just a possibility.

I can tell I have not yet sold this to you, you need more convincing. So, what is it that makes Freestyle Step current and relevant, instead of outdated?.

For starters, the 'freestyle' element of “Freestyle Step” keeps it up-to-date constantly. There is no set routine - it's entirely up to each individual instructor as to which moves to include, and how adventurous to be! As trends change, so do the instructors' styles. They are always bringing new ideas and moves to the routines, keeping it modern. Freestyle Step moves with the times. By its very definition, Freestyle Step can never go out of fashion. Freestyle Step will not become outdated!.

Throw into the mix some of the very good instructors that demonstrate their passion for the program and it's obvious that Freestyle Step is still a trend which is full of energy and vitality. While many people lost interest and cancelled their classes, the instructors have continued to work away steadily in the background. When you see the routines that they're coming up with nowadays, it's like a shock to the system. Take a look: you'll see that they're bringing seriously cool, vibrant, moves to their classes. You only have to see a few minutes of a class to realise how enjoyable they are!.

One of the best-known Freestyle Step instructors overseas is Lars Schuijling, who had an entire post dedicated to him back in June. Watch this space for other great instructors in the world of Freestyle Step, including Steve Boedt and Fabian Kühn and within our shores, Ryan Hogan, Nikki Crooks, Jorge Erazo Casanova, Alberto Torres Perez just to mention a few. Here we have just some examples of Freestyle Step instructors whose classes are upbeat, energetic, and overflowing with fun while each has their own little “quirk” in their instructing.  

Their classes bring a new flavour to age-old tradition, with something new and original for long-time Freestyle Step enthusiasts. On the flip side, their energy and passion is matched by the all-time freestyle step followers, however it may not be as appealing and attractive to younger generations. These cutting-edge instructors bring new blood into the Freestyle Step family, making a dynamic environment which is constantly evolving.

As if that wasn't reason enough for thinking of Freestyle Step as something contemporary, then surely the number of similar fitness techniques is proof. The fact that famous programs such as “Les Mills BodyStep” are so similar has already been touched upon; in reality, there are countless classes with subtle variations. If Freestyle Step was outdated, the entire Step Aerobics generation would be wiped out - which clearly hasn't happened.

Although not as obvious on our country, Freestyle Step Aerobics has become a staple in gyms around the world, and a constant in many people's fitness regimes. Considering that it's still such a big part of thousands of people's lives, there's no way that Freestyle Step can be considered outdated.

Are you one of those people who were a massive Freestyle Step fan back in the day, but left it by the wayside? Perhaps you never tried it the first time round. Either way, Freestyle Step is still an awesome way of keeping fit. Give it another chance!.

As you can see, this isn't a gym class which just focuses on the trends of yesteryear. It's modern, it's up-to-date, it keeps revamping with every instructor’s special techniques, and it has something for all generations. Whether you have tried it before or not, Freestyle Step is made up of everything that you'd expect from a great gym class in this day and age.

Chief Aircrew Survival Equipment man as Freestyle Step Fitness Instructor

Did you see the map I created with the week Freestyle Step classes for a Group of Gyms known as DiR? You can find the map here. This map, although just for Barcelona city, shows that If you look elsewhere around the world, Freestyle Step hasn't seen the same decline in popularity that it has here in Australia. Why? In a nutshell: Freestyle Step didn't see the same overnight success in other countries as it did here. Its popularity grew gradually and steadily; in turn, its success has been long-lasting. The point in all this is that if it is still seen as modern and trendy in other corners of the globe, then the same applies here!.

Hopefully by now you understand that the drop in popularity wasn't down to a fault of Freestyle Step itself. People didn't stop going to classes because it became boring, repetitive or mundane. People didn't stop going because it became old-fashioned and outdated. In fact, it's just as on trend as it ever was - perhaps even more so! Don't forget that Freestyle Step evolves with the changing trends, opinions and styles of both individuals and people in general.

Freestyle Step is still popular in other countries, and this is swinging back round to where it all started. We're starting to see a general improvement in people's opinion of Freestyle Step - and that's the way it should be! Nowadays, Freestyle Step is not only a staple gym class, but it's hip and trendy with some seriously cool instructors. Jump on the bandwagon now for what could possibly be the coolest way to keep fit of modern times.

#freestyle, #FreestyleStep, #step, 

Bruno Jimenez

October 2014