01 December 2023

Part IV - Focus on Technique - Freestyle Step Aerobics vs Les Mills BODYSTEPTM: A Comparison


Freestyle Step Aerobics vs Les Mills BODYSTEPTM: A Comparison


Part IV - Focus On Technique


What is this month's article about

This month's article is revisiting the comparison of Freestyle Step Aerobics and Les Mills BODYSTEPTM. This time we are looking at how technique and the instructor's and participant focus on techniques differ from Freestyle Step Aerobics, and Les Mills BODYSTEPTM.

Following articles will look at:
  • Part 5 - Variety In The Offerings
  • Part 6 - The "Co$t" Comparison
  • Part 7 - Conclusion

Focus on Technique

Les Mills BODYSTEPTM follows a set routine that is the same every time regardless of the gym or the location, with the instructor providing cues and modifications for different fitness levels. This means that there is a strong focus on technique, as everyone in the class is doing the same moves. This can be helpful for beginners who want to learn proper form, but it can also be limiting for more experienced steppers who want more variety and complexity to test their skills and capabilities.

Freestyle Step Aerobics is more flexible in terms of technique. The instructor will typically teach a few basic moves at the beginning of the class, but then participants are free to modify the moves as needed to fit their own fitness level and abilities. This allows for more creativity and expression as well as allows for the participant to test their own skills and capabilities and not be forced to do a lesser level.

In general, Freestyle Step Aerobics addresses the members skills and abilities more than BODYSTEPTM. This is because the instructor can tailor the workout to the individual needs of the participants, rather than having to follow a set routine. This can be a great option for people who are new to step aerobics or who have specific fitness goals.

Here is a table that summarizes the key differences in focus on technique between Les Mills BODYSTEPTM and Freestyle Step Aerobics:

Feature Les Mills BODYSTEPTM Freestyle Step Aerobics
Routine Set routine Flexible routine
Focus on technique Strong focus on technique Less focus on technique
Creativity and expression Less creativity and expression More creativity and expression
Ability to address individual needs Less able to address individual needs More able to address individual needs

Next article

In the month of September 2023, we did the first instalment of the seven (7) blog articles talking about "Freestyle Step Aerobics vs Les Mills BODYSTEPTM: A Comparison" which provided an introduction to the following five (5) upcoming subjects.

In the month of October 2023, we looked into the first of these subjects with the provision of classes around Australia's gyms timetables.

Last month, November 2023, we compared Freestyle Step and Les Mills BODYSTEPTM marketing strategies.

This month, December 2023, we end the year with an article looking at the focus on technique provided by both, Freestyle step and Les Mills BODYSTEPTM.

Next month, January 2024, the first blog of the year, will look at the variety in the offerings provided by both Freestyle step and Les Mills BODYSTEPTM.
 
I hope to see you there!



"The information provided herein is strictly for educational purposes. Always consult your qualified Group Fitness Instructor before implementing any suggestions above."

Disclaimer

You must get your physician's approval before beginning any exercise suggested in this blog or any of its articles. Any recommendations found within these articles are not medical guidelines but are for educational purposes only. You must consult your physician prior to starting any suggestions in this blog, or if you have any medical condition or injury that contraindicates physical activity. The suggestions in this blog article are designed for individuals 18 years and older that have been approved by their physician to take any of the suggestions above.

The information in this blog article is meant to supplement, not replace, proper exercise training. All forms of exercise pose some inherent risks. As such we advise readers to take full responsibility for their safety and know their limits. Before practicing the exercises in this blog article, be sure that your equipment is well-maintained, and do not take risks beyond your level of experience, aptitude, training and fitness. The exercises and dietary programs in this article are not intended as a substitute for any exercise routine or treatment or dietary regime that may have been prescribed by your physician.

Do not lift heavy weights if you are alone, inexperienced, injured, or fatigued. Do not perform any exercises unless you have been shown the proper technique by a certified personal trainer or certified strength and conditioning specialist. Always ask for instruction and assistance when lifting. Do not perform any exercise without proper instruction. Always do a warm-up prior to resistance training and interval training.

See your physician before starting any exercise or nutrition program. If you are taking any medications, you must talk to your physician before starting any exercise program, including Freestyle Step Aerobics. If you experience any light-headedness, dizziness, or shortness of breath while exercising, stop the movement and consult a physician.

You must have a complete physical examination if you are sedentary, if you have high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or diabetes, if you are overweight, or if you are over 30 years old. Please discuss all nutritional changes with your physician or a registered dietician. If your physician recommends that you do not do Freestyle Step Aerobics, please follow your Doctor's orders.



That was our December article for 2023. 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.

Bruno Jimenez
December 2023