22 December 2015

Freestyle Step Around the World

Freestyle Step Around The World

We all know that Freestyle Step - just as with any hobby or fad - sees rises and falls in terms of popularity. It's easy to see these changes on our own doorsteps, but how is Freestyle Step faring in the wider world? And - more importantly - how do we compare?

Australia

Several years ago, Australia saw Freestyle Step at the peak of its popularity. We were probably the world leaders with this fitness class; gyms, instructors and members started popping up everywhere to try and get a piece of the action. Nowadays it seems to have dropped off the map - count yourself lucky if you find a gym with a thriving Freestyle

Team Germany - Aerobic Gymnastics Competition

"History of Aerobic Gymnastics" http://www.fig-gymnastics.com/site/page/view?id=444

Step class near your home. What happened? That's a matter that's up for debate. The gyms, instructors and even the members themselves have all played a part in the demise of this fitness craze. There's only one thing we can say for certain: in this part of the world, Freestyle Step is definitely not the same as it once was.

The UK and Europe

Aside from Australia, the UK and Europe are some of Freestyle Step's most lucrative markets. This isn't because it's enjoying the same rush of popularity as we saw here a few years ago. Instead, the UK and Europe seem to be enjoying Freestyle Step to a lesser degree, but over a much more constant, long-term timescale. Some might argue that standard aerobics play a bigger part in UK and European fitness cultures than Freestyle Step Aerobics (or any type of step aerobics, for that matter), but the truth is that they run side-by-side. All the different classes have their die hard fans, as well as those who just tag along for the novelty of it for a short while. This means that for the foreseeable future, the UK and European Freestyle Step worlds look set to continue just as steadily as ever.

USA

In many ways, the American Freestyle Step world moves very similarly to the UK and European markets. However, the main difference is that the USA has an ace up its sleeve: the military. The US military is so big and powerful that it needs some really varied (and effective) ways of keeping its members fit and active. What better way than with a series of Freestyle Step classes?

By Sgt. Andrea Merritt

(https://www.dvidshub.net/image/102797)

[Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Sustainment_Soldiers_step_it_up_DVIDS102797.jpg

Not only does this make the monotonous routine of working out in the military more enjoyable, but it also gives the troops seriously tough whole body workouts. With thousands of members of the military using Freestyle Step as a way of keeping fit, the US have tapped into an audience the likes of which you won't see anywhere else in the world. Of course, this isn't even taking into account all the civilians that participate in Freestyle Step on a voluntary basis! Put together, you can see how the success of the American Freestyle Step market is guaranteed.

Asia, Africa and South America

Although these three continents are very different, the ways they enjoy Freestyle Step are very different. In fact, perhaps 'enjoy' is too strong a word. These are regions where Freestyle Step is yet to find its feet. In general, Asia has a reputation for being very work-focused, leaving little time for working out. Sadly, the population densities, economic climates and lifestyles put gyms and fitness classes out of practical reach for most parts of Africa. When it comes to South America, on the other hand, many inhabitants do enjoy keeping in shape. However, they tend to focus on dance and shaking their booty rather than moving on, over and around a fixed step. The sheer sizes of these continents mean that these are enormous markets which, quite simply, are missing out. It will probably take some time for Freestyle Step to reach them properly. However, when it does it will more than likely take off quickly - if its success around the rest of the world is anything to go by!

Conclusion

Evidently, Freestyle Step enjoys very different levels of popularity depending on where in the world you find yourself. Believe it or not, not everyone enjoys it quite as much as we do! (Or should that be 'did'?). There's no doubt that besides the American military, nowhere in the world has seen Freestyle Step's popularity reach the same heights as in Australia - and certainly not for the general public. Fitness classes are always waxing and waning in terms of popularity, so maybe it's not too late to regain out rightful title of Freestyle Step capital of the world!

That was our article for December 2015. Remember to feel free to comment, or contact me via email to FreestyleStepXTRVGNZ@gmail.com, and comment on what you think of this article, or any article you have read, or just any improvements you may want to see happening.

Next month, we will looking at the subject of "I Am Getting On Now, When Should I Stop Freestyle Stepping?" here we will looking at what we need to look at when considering our age, our bodies, and our health at this stage of our lives.

In January 2016 article... Our first article of 2016, I will try to understand the reasons why people choose to stop "freestyle stepping", and if sometimes these reasons, are just excuses.

Bruno Jimenez
December 2015

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14 October 2015

Passing the Blame: Who is doing what to Kill Freestyle Step?

Remember the days when Freestyle Step was the hottest thing in the fitness world? Way back when gyms were busting at the seams with Freestyle Step classes, instructors and members. Well, what on Earth happened?

With members dropping like flies and classes falling off gyms’ radars, Freestyle Step seems to be dying a slow and painful death. It’s easy to pass the buck and put the blame on someone or something else for this decline in popularity, but what’s the real answer?

Other programs

It’s true that the introduction of many other similar programs has caused Freestyle Step to be pushed to the side-lines. LesMills and H.I.I.T are just two examples of other programs which offered exciting new opportunities to gym-goers; after going to one class for several months, it’s easy to see the appeal in trying out something new for a change. However, the strict structure of the LesMills classes and the army style short interval high

intensity burst of H.I.I.T. means that once you start, it’s very difficult to step away and return to Freestyle Step.

Gyms

Having all these other variations on traditional step aerobics has another knock-on effect. With so many similar classes, they’re all vying for space on gyms’ timetables; it almost becomes a competition for which classes can fill the prime spots. Unfortunately, as we mentioned before, nowadays this is usually programs such as LesMills and H.I.I.T., leaving Freestyle Step to languish forgotten and unwanted in the least convenient time slots.

You can’t deny that this is entirely down to the gyms – after all, it is a gym employee who decides which classes should be held on which days and times. However, is it worth cutting gyms a little bit of slack?

Running a gym is just like running any other business. At the end of the day, it all comes down to numbers and the bottom line at the end of every month. As awesome as Freestyle Step classes might be, if there’s another program that’s bringing in more money, then that’s the one that has to have priority. If gyms turned a blind eye to this and just kept the classes at exactly the same days and times forever, they’d end up losing money, eventually being forced to close down. With a gym that doesn’t open, there’d be no classes for anyone to go to – which is the very last thing we want to happen!

So, as it stands, the hype surrounds programs such as LesMills and H.I.I.T. For the time being, that means that gyms have to make sure that they’re held at the most appealing times for members, in order to continue drawing the crowds. It seems pretty obvious that gyms are making this decision, but it’s not out of spite or a lack of concern. Gym owners can love Freestyle Step just as much as the rest of us, but it’s all about business, so can we really blame them for choosing the most popular classes?

Yes, this might be the case now, but look ahead to the future. Who’s to say that this won’t change at some point in the future, with LesMills coming up against a long, slippery slope downhill, and Freestyle Step being bumped back up the rankings once again?

The instructors

The focus is often put on gyms for the decline in popularity with Freestyle Step, but don’t forget that instructors work hand-in-hand with them, too. In fact, you could say that instructors play an integral role in how popular any class is, because they can influence both the gyms and the members.

Think about it: if an instructor decides that he or she only wants to teach a certain skill level, or at a certain time of day, gyms have to accommodate that if they still want to run the class. The alternative option is to bring in another instructor who can cover the extra classes.

The trouble is that with Freestyle Step, the falling class numbers means that there are fewer instructors still willing to run the classes. What’s the point in turning up to teach an empty class? On the other hand, with LesMills being on the up, there are more instructors than gyms know what to do with. If one LesMills instructor cancels – for whatever reason – then it’s easy for gyms to just dip straight back into the instructor pool and fish out another willing teacher.

However, that’s not all. Instructors can make or break a class – whether it’s Freestyle Step or something else – so if they’re not feeling it then the members won’t enjoy it either. If an instructor would prefer to teach certain ability level or at a certain time of day, but decides to rise above their own preferences and still teach all the classes they’ve committed to anyway, then there’s likely to be some sort of boredom or ill-feeling towards the classes they don’t really feel like teaching. Of course, nobody would ever admit to it, but it’s true. Members pick up on this, so instantly the classes don’t seem as fun as they used to. I’m sure I don’t have to explain to you that as soon as a class becomes less interesting, members stop turning up, and we’re into that vicious cycle once again.

If you’re a Freestyle Step instructor reading this, think about your own actions. Are your decisions causing the death of your very own class? You’ve undoubtedly noticed a change in the popularity of Freestyle Step over recent years, but have you brought that on yourself by limiting your availability, choosing only to teach higher skill levels, or losing some of that passion for the classes you do have to teach? If so, now might be the time to take a good look at your own actions and to try to undo some of that damage – before it’s too late.

The members

Believe it or not members, you’re just as much to blame as everyone else! You might have picked up on it already, but now’s the time to address you guys properly.

You – yes, you – are the one who actually chooses to get off the sofa and go to the gym. You are the one who picks a class to go to, and you are the one who decides to stop going. Gyms can switch up the classes as much as they want to, and instructors can be as scarce or as common as they like, but neither of those facts is directly stopping you from going to a Freestyle Step class.

Everything we’ve covered so far, from the programs to the gyms to the instructors, has ultimately all been based around the wants and needs of the members. If the members simply aren’t there, then gyms don’t really have a lot to work with, do they?

Members: now is the time to stop placing the blame on everybody else, and to start taking responsibility for your own actions. If you’ve ever tried a LesMills class or any other program type class – even just for one week – then you’ve directly taken something away from Freestyle Step.

Who is to blame?

We’ve covered a whole lot of reasons why Freestyle Step isn’t as popular as it used to be. We’re all quick to pass the blame, but where does the fault really lie?

The truth is that we are all to blame. Taken individually all these problems might not amount to much, but as soon as you pile them all together it’s easy to see why Freestyle Step started to slide down a slippery slope.

Maybe we should stop trying to place the blame on someone else, and to start working to improve the situation for Freestyle Step. If we all – as gym goers, as gym instructors, as gym managers, etc…. all of us as individuals – try to put right the problems that we’ve caused, then before long Freestyle Step will return to its rightful position as one of the most popular classes in most gyms. If you want to bring Freestyle Step back, then it starts with you. Tell the gyms that you want more classes, and when they’re added to the timetable, go! If you’re an instructor, then learn to fall in love with teaching your classes once again, regardless of the skill level or the time of day.

Start now!

Do your bit,

and let’s bring Freestyle Step back to life!

That was our article for October 2015. Remember to feel free to comment, or contact me via email to FreestyleStepXTRVGNZ@gmail.com, and comment on what you think of this article, or any article you have read, or just any improvements you may want to see happening.

Next month, we will looking at the subject of "Why is it so difficult to find a Freestyle Step Aerobic instructor to cover a class or a timeslot?" here we will looking at the main items that affect the instructor availability, or lack there of, when covering another instructor's freestyle step class, or taking a timeslot permanently at a local gym.

In November 2015 article... I will try to understand why is so difficult. Why there is really hardly any instructors around that can do Freestyle Step.

Bruno Jimenez
October 2015

14 September 2015

Reebok Step vs Les Mills SmartTech Step

Whether you're setting yourself up at home or kitting your gym out for a group session, choosing the right step is a crucial part of your Freestyle Step experience. If you don't get the step right, then your whole workout session could end up being much more uncomfortable.

With that in mind, what should you look for in a good step? Stackability (to leave your home or gym neat and tidy while you're taking a break), durability, the amount of grip for both your feet and the step against the floor, and the shape of the step itself are all important factors that you should consider when browsing the market. Furthermore, a well-known brand name is always a must. They say that you can always tell the quality of a brand by how popular it is, so choosing a well-known name is a good start.

Two of the best steps on the market at the moment are the Reebok Step and the Les Mills SmartTech Step (well-known names: check!). The Reebok Step has been around for a lot longer than the newer Les Mills step, but here we'll take a look at whether that means it's a sign of better resilience or outdated style.

Stackability

There are huge advantages to both of these steps when it comes to stackability.

With the Reebok Step, it's a classic design. Sometimes it's the most basic, original ideas which work the most effectively, and that's certainly true in this case. As you can see, the feet are squared off, which means that these steps couldn't be easier to stack. Even if you're in a hurry and don't have time to align them properly, they'll still settle snugly. No need for pushing, wrestling or brute force here.

Conversely, the Les Mills SmartTech Step has circular shaped feet. This means that you do have to take more care when stacking these steps, because they need to be properly aligned before they'll click in place.

However, they do have one major bonus feature: these steps take up 20% less space than most other brands. In reality this means that you can fit more steps into a smaller space, and consequently more members into your class!

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglAnQJZ5ZMwI9U5gYUexPQy0rWVG3exshr5REDKFXDsOfvmRLXNIQGIjrEASYwLHYNZdVKEaXp1kbZcFeGA-zhR_3JfxNHIrsgKqi4NHibnwo1-gizfh8lFHRborTYZJU-kbkGNn3g-IU/s400/Reebok-Step.jpg

Durability

It seems quite obvious that the Reebok Step can stand the test of time. This brand has been manufactured for what seems like a lifetime - production simply wouldn't continue if the steps couldn't stand up to the job.

However, that's not to say that they're perfect. As with everything, Reebok Steps are prone to everyday wear and tear. With all that continuous, repetitive stepping onto, around and over the step, it's hardly surprising that over time these steps can become slightly bowed in the middle. This sagging is a very slow process, so it's not like you'll have to keep replacing these steps regularly, but it is something to watch out for.

In addition, the rubber components don't last forever. Reebok Steps are fitted with a rubber lining on top which can start to perish and work loose after excessive wear. Although this doesn't affect the usability of the step in itself, loose edges can present a trip hazard, so be careful. The feet are also made of rubber; after many years of use these feet can work loose, fall off and become lost forever. It's not easy to replace these feet, but it's not a good idea to carry on using a step without them. With no rubber feet in place, there's no guarantee that your step won't start sliding all over the floor!

The rubber feet is also an issue for the Les Mills SmartTech Step. It seems like this is an area in which all the manufacturers need to pay more attention! Slippage is a huge safety risk for anyone having a go at Freestyle Step, so making sure that you choose a step with rubber feet which will last as long as possible is really important.

The Les Mills SmartTech Steps are relatively new to the market, so we don't really know enough about how they'll hold up in the long term. Chances are that with a reputable name like Les Mills they'll be pretty durable, but only you can decide whether that's a risk you're willing to take!

Floor grip

We've already mentioned that both of these steps have issues with the rubber feet which rest against the floor. In other words, whichever step you decide to go for, you'll be left slightly disappointed.

Both brands start out perfectly well: it's over time that problems begin to start creeping in.

With the Reebok Step, it's that the small, circular feet placed at each corner work loose and eventually fall off completely. No feet equals no grip! When this happens and the plastic rests directly against the floor, the steps can move when you step on them. I'm sure I don't need to tell you that this can be really dangerous.

With the Les Mills SmartTech Step, on the other hand, the problems aren't so much with the feet working loose (yet). Only time will tell on that front. Instead, they seem to be a magnet for dust and dirt, regardless of how clean you try to keep your gym floor! When this grime begins to build up, the feet become slippery - again, this causes movement against the floor.

As you can see, the feet aren't great on either of these models. It's up to you to weigh up which is the lesser of two evils.

Shoe grip

The way in which the step grips the floor is important, but the extent to which your shoes grip the top of the step is just as crucial. Knowing that you can step safely and securely without slipping and sliding about means that you can put more concentration, effort and energy into your workout.

This is one area in which the Les Mills SmartTech Step comes in miles ahead of the Reebok Step.

We've already mentioned that the Reebok Step comes with a rubber layer which is attached to the top surface of the step. With time this will start to peel and come adrift, which is dangerous for two reasons. Firstly, it provides a trip hazard if your shoes catch the edge of a loosening area of rubber; secondly, once the rubber comes off completely, there will be nothing left to help your shoes grip the step securely. That said, this is a problem which only develops after very long periods of use.

In comparison, the Les Mills step is just in a league of its own. The manufacturers came up with the genius idea of making the surface from the same type of plastic as the rest of the step, so you get all the grip you need without the risk of the two ever separating. Without a shadow of a doubt, this is a model which you can use safely and with confidence for many years to come!


http://lesmills.vn/sites/cms.lesmills.com.au/files/styles/large/public/smartstep.png?itok=T4TJCG3Z

Step shape

Let's state the obvious. In general, most people's feet are roughly rectangular in shape; they're long and thin, with straight sides. Unsurprisingly, shoes are the same shape. Nobody's feet are rounded and circular.

As a result, it's baffling why Les Mills decided to make a step that's round in shape - surely it would make more sense to design the step in roughly the same shape as people's feet.

Yes, the Les Mills SmartTech Step looks pretty stylish with its rounded design, but why is the shape such an issue?

Think about it: when you place your foot on the step, you want the surface to be able to support your whole foot (and consequently your entire body weight), especially in an exercise situation. If your foot misses the step in any way - even if it just lands along the edge - then you could end up losing your balance, toppling over and causing yourself a serious injury. Steps with rectangular shapes and squared off edges provide a larger surface area onto which you can step, with a much more sensible design for 'knee corner to corner' moves.

As a result, in terms of design, the Reebok Step has a shape which is far superior to the Les Mills step. The round edges of the Les Mills step are just too precarious - place your foot even a fraction out of place and you could lose your footing altogether. No amount of grip can save you from that! The straight design of the Reebok Step with its square corners is much safer, which is probably part of the reason why it's still used so widely today.

Which step is best?

It's pretty clear that there are advantages and disadvantages to both the Reebok Step and the Les Mills SmartTech Step. Both are reputable names, so either way you can be pretty sure you're getting a decent step for your money.

In terms of durability and floor grip they're pretty even; although their plus points lie in different areas, it's a tough one to call. However, the Les Mills step is miles ahead in the shoe grip stakes, while the Reebok Step really comes into its own with its shape and design.

Perhaps the ultimate decision comes down to how easily the steps can be stacked, in which case the Reebok Step is marginally better. However, is this more important than having a newer, more modern design with up-to-date features?

As stated at the beginning, choosing the right step is arguably the most important decision you'll ever make when starting out in the world of Freestyle Step. Think carefully and choose wisely, because this could shape the way you work out forever!

That was our article for July 2015. Remember to feel free to comment, or contact me via email to FreestyleStepXTRVGNZ@gmail.com, and comment on what you think of this article, or any article you have read, or just any improvements you may want to see happening.

Next month, we will looking at the subject of "Passing the Blame: Who is doing what to Kill Freestyle Step?" here we will looking at the different aspects that directly affect at the killing of this great class type.

In October 2015 article... I look a every one of the main players that impact the scheduling, or lack there of, and the popularity of the Freestyle Step class, that as a consequence is impacting directly, or indirectly, at the dying of this great class.

Bruno Jimenez
September 2015

15 July 2015

What Gyms Are Doing Or Not Doing To Help With Freestyle Step?

In years gone by you couldn't move without bumping into somebody who was involved with Freestyle Step in one way or another. If you weren't an instructor or a class member yourself, then chances are virtually every other person you knew was – or so it seemed! However, times have changed. Freestyle Step just isn't the same as it used to be. Well, technically it is the same, but for some reason it simply isn't as popular as before.

The reasons for this are contentious. After all, other countries around the world haven’t seen the same dip in popularity as we have here, so what are we doing wrong? It could be down to any number of factors, but that’s a whole other discussion in itself. Since the classes are usually taken within larger gyms or fitness centres, it’s worth taking a look at exactly what – or what not – they’re doing to help Freestyle Step’s cause.

When Freestyle Step was at the height of its popularity, gyms seemed to be busting at the seams with the number of classes which were held each day. Have you noticed how nowadays the classes are few and far between, and those that do exist are usually held at the most inconvenient times of day? There’s got to be a reason for this.

A large part of it has got to be down to the fact that gyms like to put on classes that are popular. That is the key to good business, after all; if they only hold classes that nobody’s interested in, they’ll never make any money. Sadly, Freestyle Step simply isn’t as popular as it used to be, which pushes it right down the pecking order when it comes to gyms arranging their timetables. As a result, it’s been pushed out of the highly desirable ‘Prime Time’ slots in most gyms.

However, this does end up becoming a bit of a perpetual problem – a vicious circle, if you like. By arranging the Freestyle Step classes (which are sparse at the best of times) to fall at inconvenient times of day, it means that even fewer people will be able to attend. Fewer people means the classes get pushed back again and again, and so the cycle continues. It does beg the question: would the popularity of Freestyle Step increase again if gyms boosted the frequency of the classes or moved them to better times of day?

That said, although gyms obviously have a large part to play in the matter, the members aren’t helping themselves, either. In fact, some of the biggest Freestyle Step enthusiasts are part of the problem. I know, I should have warned you before announcing something so ludicrous, but hear me out.

Quite understandably, those more experienced, enthusiastic, long-term Freestyle Step class members want to attend classes which are pitched at an advanced level. Going to classes which are aimed at beginner or mid-skill levels are simply too boring. The whole point of going to a Freestyle Step class is to set yourself a physical challenge, so why would they even bother going to classes that are too easy? This makes sense, but the result is that the numbers within the beginner and mid-level classes are dwindling. Once again, this is because Freestyle Step isn’t popular enough anymore to see a high turnover of new members.

Looking at this from the instructors’ points of view, it’s easy to see things from a similar stance. Teaching an advanced level class provides the instructors with a greater challenge as well, and because of the flexibility they usually see these classes as being more fun.

Unfortunately, this means that not only are there fewer members for the classes with lower skill levels, but now there are fewer instructors for the classes, too!

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:US_Navy_070414-N-6854D-008_Sailors_

participate_in_a_two-hour_aerobics_class_held_in_the_hangar_bay_of_Nimitz-class_

aircraft_carrier_USS_Dwight_D._Eisenhower_(CVN_69).jpg By U.S. Navy photo by

Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Jon Dasbach [Public domain],

via Wikimedia Commons

On the one hand it’s fantastic to have instructors who are keen to teach at such a high level, but on the other hand it does have a detrimental effect on the flow of members through the classes. For newer members who are looking to progress, they’re often put off by the complexity of the routines which the over-zealous instructors put together. Conversely, those people who have been attending for a while already are slowly but continuously moving on and away from Freestyle Step. This could be for many reasons – not necessarily anything related to the classes themselves – such as injury, old age, moving house, a change of personal circumstances, and so on. When you look at it this way, it’s easy to see that even in the best classes there aren’t enough new people coming in, but not enough is being done to keep the old members from leaving. The result? Declining class sizes once again.

So, we’ve already established that there are fewer Freestyle Step classes being held in gyms nowadays. There are also fewer instructors; of those, many have become too picky with the abilities of the groups which they choose to teach. These factors in themselves have not done Freestyle Step any favours, but they're hardly enough to see the entire craze fall from hero to zero. There is one key, extra factor which always starts a downwards spiral from which most fitness trends find it difficult to recover: Illness. Or – more generally speaking – absence.

Believe it or not, Freestyle Step instructors are just humans like the rest of us. They change, they take holidays, they get ill, and they’re prone to injuries. Sooner or later the day will come when every instructor needs to take a break for a week or two (or potentially even longer) for one reason or another. We’ve already discussed how instructor numbers are falling, so of course when one needs to skip a week, gyms find it incredibly difficult to find a replacement to cover their classes.

What happens when an instructor can no longer take a class, and there are no replacements available? What is a gym to do? It makes no sense financially to leave the timetable blank, so their solution of choice is to replace the Freestyle Step class with something similar but much more popular. So it is that they turn to Les Mills BodyStep: the bane of Freestyle Step’s life.

It’s got to be said that on paper Les Mills look a whole lot more attractive to gyms. They don’t have that ‘freestyle’, individual approach, so each instructor is pretty much the same. What one instructor does, they all do. That’s why if one BodyStep instructor cancels a class, it’s easy for gyms to pick up the phone and find another, because they can pick up exactly where the original teacher left off. Most Freestyle Step fans will recoil in horror at the thought of this, but it does make life an awful lot easier for gyms. Ultimately, it all comes down to business again.

As if that wasn’t enough, with Les Mills being so much more popular than Freestyle Step, available instructors are a dime a dozen; they’re so easy to come by, which seriously helps with the running of a gym.

From everything we’ve seen above, it’s not really much of a surprise that gyms think Freestyle Step is an unreliable class to put on the timetable. When it comes to running a stable, steady, effective business, who can really blame them for going for the safer option of Les Mills BodyStep?

All things considered, it’s pretty clear that gyms are pushing Freestyle Step aside. Sad as it may seem, they do have good intentions. However, those intentions are focused on the well-being and happiness of the members overall, rather than just the Freestyle Step members. As awesome as you all are, gyms simply can’t prioritise your own personal wishes over the experiences of hundreds of others. Remember that for them it’s just business, and they have to find a way to keep the people coming in and the money rolling over.

That said, we’ve also seen that the gyms can’t be forced to take all the blame. Instructors and members have given gyms the push they needed to let Freestyle Step fall by the wayside. Of course this wasn’t intentional, but their attitudes meant that fewer people were able to attend, and fewer instructors were interested in teaching a wide range of abilities.

You and I both agree that Freestyle Step is pretty much the best thing since the dawn of time. However, you can’t deny that the Les Mills programs give gyms exactly what they want; reliability, style, choreography, and a wealth of instructors ready and waiting in the wings to take over. What more could a gym want?

That was our article for July 2015. Remember to feel free to comment, or contact me via email to FreestyleStepXTRVGNZ@gmail.com, and comment on what you think of this article, or any article you have read, or just any improvements you may want to see happening.

Next month, we will looking at the subject of "Reebok Step v's LesMills SmartTech Step" here we will looking at the good and the bad of both designs. with a perspective of "The Stepper"

In August 2015 article... I concentrate on how this change in direction of Step design makes the freestyle step workout a much more difficult one. Next month article has some interesting and strong points discussed.

Bruno Jimenez
July 2015

11 June 2015

Coddle Knees To Cut Risk in Step Aerobics

This article is was written by Glenn Singer, Staff writer at Boca Raton back on the 13th June 1992. However it is still a valid point in relation of Step Aerobics. Please enjoy!

Step aerobics is not only fun, but also a fine exercise for the cardiovascular system. Just watch out for your knees.

That is the advice of an orthopedic surgeon who specializes in sports injuries and says he is seeing more people with ailments from that activity than from simple aerobics.

"People who attend step classes put a lot of pressure on their knees, and overdoing it can cause problems," said Dr. Peter Schosheim, director of the Center for Arthroscopic Surgery & Sports Medicine.

One of the most common ailments that can result is called chondromalacia patella, which means inflammation or damage to the underside of the kneecap. Another, tendinitis, describes inflammation of a tendon and "is basically an overuse type of problem," Schosheim said.

"You have to use common sense," said Sue Sheremeta of Delray Beach, who teaches step aerobics at the Boca Power Plant Gym & Fitness Center. "The idea is to have high intensity and low impact. Some people might tend to set the bench too high or even jump, or they may work out to music that is too fast."

Sheremeta suggested that those who enroll in step aerobics classes make sure their instructors are certified, and they should examine the equipment to make sure it is sturdy and stable.

Schosheim said that many of the people who will suffer knee injuries display warning signs before they start step aerobics.

"You should be cautious about starting this type of workout if you experience discomfort in your knees after sitting for a long time and then getting up to stretch," he said. "And step aerobics might not be for you if you experience pain when you walk up steps."

Sheremeta said she leads some classes whose students are in their 50s and 60s, and there does not seem to be any increased risk of injury as long as the participants are in good shape.

"With 'step,' you have beginner classes that use a bench as low as four inches off the floor. The advanced classes step higher. Never try to perform at a level beyond your abilities," she said.

Schosheim urged participants to avoid hand weights during step aerobics because they add to the pressure on the knees. He also suggested that physical fitness buffs do the workouts once a week and do other aerobic activities such as swimming or bicycling to avoid boredom.

Should an injury occur, he suggested staying out of class and resting, treating the knee joint with ice for 20 minutes three times a day and, if necessary, taking anti-inflammatory medicines such as ibuprofen. Knee sleeves are available to relieve pressure during future exercise, he said.

That was our article for June 2015. Remember to feel free to comment, or contact me via email to FreestyleStepXTRVGNZ@gmail.com, and comment on what you think of this article, or any article you have read, or just any improvements you may want to see happening.

Our main subject of "What are gyms doing or not doing to help with Freestyle Step" is not yet finished, and we will aim to have it published on July 2015. Our next article.

In July 2015 article... I concentrate on what Gyms are doing or not doing to help with Freestyle Step. Is Freestyle Step being replaced by LesMills because of Gym's choice, or is Freestyle Step dying of a slow death due to its lack of direction. Next month article has some interesting and strong points discussed.

Bruno Jimenez
June 2015

18 May 2015

Freestyle Step and Pregnancy

PLEASE NOTE - I AM NO DOCTOR. This blog article is only my personal view, and in no way I suggest to do or not to do any sort of exercise. Your personal doctor, your professional Obstetric doctor, who is specialised in the subject of pregnancy, should be the only ones providing you with guidance in this matter.

The article here is addressed to everyone that may want to discuss exercise with your doctor.

PLEASE SEE YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE ANY EXERCISE!!

Congratulations! You're expecting a baby. This is going to be one of the biggest adventures of your life, but also one of the biggest challenges. Don't expect to get much sleep over the next 18 years, either. There's no doubt that having a child takes a huge toll on your body, so it's important to get your strength up in advance. Even giving birth itself is pretty taxing, so if you get yourself fit and healthy now your body will bounce back much more quickly.

That said, when you're carrying around a whole extra person, finding the energy to keep fit can be easier said than done. No doubt your doctor or midwife has given you suggestions of what's safe to get involved in and what isn't, so follow their advice. They are the experts, after all! Luckily for you, Freestyle Step is a really good way to keep fit throughout your pregnancy. Let's take a look at some of the reasons why - and why Les Mills BodyStep is much less suitable.

In case you're not sure of what it is, Freestyle Step is an aerobics routine which involves moving onto, over, around and off a small step, stretching and lunging the whole time. It's different from other step aerobic classes because of the 'freestyle' element - there are no set routines, so each instructor can come up with their own set of moves to build up a routine. That's right: this is a fitness class that's built around you, the members. I know, it's pretty awesome.

Freestyle Step can be modified to be pretty low-impact activity which makes it ideal for pregnancy. All the stepping can put extra pressure on joints such as the knees and ankles, but take it easy and use that as an excuse to put your feet up and be pampered at the end of the day - as if you needed an excuse! This class will give you a good cardio workout which is great for getting your strength up, but otherwise there's little that could pose a risk to your baby. There's no strenuous activity; there's no heavy lifting. In fact, you'll be hard pushed to find a way of working out that's quite so suitable for a pregnant lady.

Benefits of exercise during pregnancy

You might be wondering how this kind of exercise can benefit you during the pregnancy itself. Well, for starters, it's no secret that exercise is a great mood booster. It releases endorphins into your body, which give you the same feeling as the activity that got you in this situation in the first place! This is a time when you might be feeling uncomfortable, tired, and just generally not yourself, so having such a good pick-me-up will make you feel so much better. As it happens, you won't be the only one benefitting from an improvement in your mood. Studies have shown that babies whose mothers experienced a lot of stress during their pregnancies suffer from more problems during their childhoods, while mothers who are relaxed and stress-free end up having babies who are relaxed and stress-free, too. Looks like Freestyle Step can cheer you up, as well as your baby.

As if that wasn't reason enough to give it a go, there are a number of physical health benefits for you both, as well. Freestyle Step will give you a great cardio workout; you'll be breathing hard and your heart will be racing. This will seriously improve your circulation; in turn, more oxygen-rich blood will get pumped to your baby. This can only be a good thing when it comes to your baby's growth and development!

How is Les Mills any different?

Les Mills BodyStep is another type of step aerobics class – well, actually, not “another type” but a brand. I've been spouting on about Freestyle Step, but how are they different? Why is Freestyle Step so good during pregnancy, while Les Mills isn't?

The main difference is that Les Mills BodyStep classes generally stick to a set routine. The instructors have no flexibility in the moves that they teach or the routines that they arrange. You learn the steps, you do the routine, and you go home. That's it.

Freestyle Step, on the other hand, can be adapted to suit any class or individual as the instructors are pretty much given free reign in the routines. If you can't pull off a move for whatever reason (whether it's pregnancy or something else), that's not a problem. If the routine is too challenging, that's not a problem either. Your instructor will be able to fit the moves around you. It might sound cheesy to say that this is an exercise for anyone and everyone regardless of ability, but it really is true!

Freestyle Step vs Les Mills in pregnancy

Freestyle Step is generally a better option for most people in society because of its flexibility, but that's even more true for those who are pregnant.

As your baby grows (along with your belly!) you'll soon discover that there are certain positions that you can't quite get into like you could before. With Les Mills BodyStep that would be a problem, because you wouldn't be able to complete the routine. However, with Freestyle Step the routine will mould to your and your body, so you'll still be able to enjoy it no matter what your stage of pregnancy!

That's another important point: Freestyle Step is a great way of keeping fit throughout your pregnancy (and beyond). Les Mills classes are very fixed, so once you're too big or too tired to take part in the routines, there's little that can be done. You'll have to stop altogether. Not so with Freestyle Step! The classes are continually changing, adapting and morphing, so you'll see that as time goes on they will change with your body. The routines you participate in at the start of your pregnancy will be very different from those when you're heavily pregnant, but they'll be the right routines for you. No matter how pregnant you are, Freestyle Step will remain suitable, appropriate, achievable and enjoyable. Told you it was awesome!

In case you're still unsure of how Freestyle Step can adapt to your needs, there is one other thing you can do to make it even more practical. Being flexible is in the job description, so all the instructors are pretty reasonable guys and girls when it comes to exercising when you're pregnant. Have a word with them; chances are they won't even mind if you remove the step altogether and perform an entire Freestyle Step routine...without the step!

Before, during and after pregnancy

If you haven't noticed by now, Freestyle Step is a fantastic way of keeping fit while you're pregnant. It has so many benefits for both you and your baby: what else could you possibly ask for?

If you've already enjoyed Freestyle Step prior to getting pregnant then you can just carry on attending classes, although make sure you tell your instructor about your condition as soon as possible. However, if you're new to the world of Freestyle Step then you can rest assured that it's a great class to continue with after you've given birth, as well. You'll enjoy it so much that you'll probably be hooked by then anyway!

That was our article for May 2015. Remember to feel free to comment, or contact me via email to FreestyleStepXTRVGNZ@gmail.com, and comment on what you think of this article, or any article you have read, or just any improvements you may want to see happening.

In June 2015 article... I concentrate on what Gyms are doing or not doing to help with Freestyle Step. Is Freestyle Step being replaced by LesMills because of Gym's choice, or is Freestyle Step dying of a slow death due to its lack of direction. Next month article has some interesting and strong points discussed.

Bruno Jimenez
May 2015

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