Freestyle Step: The Intense Version in Three Easy Steps

Packed full of energy, power and fun, Freestyle Step is a real challenge. It’s stretching and stimulating for your whole body as well as your mind; if you haven’t already, you’ll soon notice that you’re using every muscle from your head to your toes during a Freestyle Step Aerobics workout. All the steps and moves will get your little grey cells going, as well. Perfect!

Or is it? Believe it or not, there are some ways to make Freestyle Step even more intense than ever, instead of more complicated. These work best when you’re working out at home as top ups in between your regular Freestyle Step classes. I’d hazard a guess that raising the height of your step is the idea that’s just sprung to your mind; if that’s the case then I’ll send a virtual high five, as that’s actually a pretty good idea. However, I hate to break it to you, but it’s also fairly unimaginative – the very fact that it sprang to mind so easily should tell you that.

Luckily, there are a whole bunch of other things you can try in addition to raising your step. I’ve done the hard work for you in sorting the wheat from the chaff. Below you’ll find three of the best ideas that you can try to transform a regular Freestyle Step home workout session into something seriously intense without increasing the complexity of the moves!

Step one: pull your weight

'wrist weight' by Satomi Abe

You might be familiar with small wrist and ankle weights worn during jogging (and other similar ways of keeping fit). You might even have tried lifting a can of soup or a bag of sugar to build up your muscle tone while you’re doing your housework. Turns out you can do exactly the same thing while doing Freestyle Step Aerobics! Strap on some weights and you’re good to go. You could even put on one of the weighted belts to help train your core muscles while you’re moving. All of a sudden your limbs and hips will feel very bulky and heavy, but that’s the point! As your muscles grow stronger and you become used to doing Freestyle Step with weights, you’ll wonder how you ever worked out without them!

Step two: throw some shapes

"24th Finance Company"

If you’re getting busy with Freestyle Step at home, then chances are that you’ll be pulling some fairly simple moves. You don’t want to overdo it, after all. However, that doesn’t mean your home workouts have to be bland. Freestyle Step isn’t meant to be boring, so spice it up by introducing some lunges, crunches and squats into your routine. Again, these don’t have to be strenuous (don’t put yourself in danger of causing an injury) but they should create an extra challenge for your muscles. Instead of just stepping on, off and around your step, try lunging off it. Feel the burn!

Step three: go backpacking

'Gym bag' by Brad Hagan

Ok, so I don’t mean backpacking in the traveling sense of the word, although taking your step around the world to workout at mountain summits, in bleak deserts and in the middle of the sea would be a seriously neat experience. On the other hand, if jetting around the world isn’t really your thing, then stay at home and wear your backpack round the house.

Don’t laugh: this might sound like a bizarre idea, but you’ll soon see just how taxing it really is. Walking to catch the bus with a bag strapped to your back is one thing, but doing a Freestyle Step Aerobics workout with a backpack is a whole different ballgame. The extra weight will get your heart racing, your lungs going, and your entire body’s muscles working.

The best part about this idea is that it’s so easy to ramp up the difficulty factor for an even more intense workout. How? It’s simple! Just fill your backpack with more items to make it even heavier.

This is definitely the most challenging idea of the three, so don’t attempt it unless you’re a real Freestyle Step pro already. It does come with some caveats in order to keep you safe, so just be sensible. Make sure you wear your backpack safely and securely (with both straps sitting over your shoulders so it’s sitting at the optimum place on your back). None of this one-strap-slung-casually-over-a-shoulder business. You’re a Freestyle Step convert now, not a high school kid.

In addition, remember not to overload your backpack. Sure, giving yourself extra weight to carry does create a more intense workout that will burn extra calories, but too much weight will just cause damage. Increase the weight gradually, and if you’re struggling under the weight before you’ve even started your workout, then take it off straight away. Freestyle Step is awesome and everything, but it’s not worth injuring yourself for when it could have been avoided.

Those are the steps, but what are the risks?

I’ve already mentioned the risks with carrying a backpack during a home Freestyle Step workout, and they’re very similar to the risks associated with the other steps, as well. Essentially, it’s all about the danger of getting hurt. As soon as you throw in extra weight or bigger stretches, you’re putting your body under more pressure, so it’s more likely to give in.

There are two easy ways to counteract this. For starters, take it slowly. Don’t run before you can walk. Start gently, and slowly build up weight and intensity over several weeks (or even months!) to create a bigger challenge. Jumping in at the deep end is just plain stupid; it’s an accident waiting to happen. Be sensible!

The second way in which you can try to avoid an injury is by listening to your body. Becoming health conscious is all about sensing the needs and requirements of your own body, so if your workout feels like it’s becoming too strenuous, STOP! On the other hand, if your body is telling you that it’s too gentle and you aren’t receiving the exercise that you need, then that’s your cue to take the intensity up to the next level.

Other things to remember

At the end of the day, nothing can replicate the atmosphere, energy, fun, or even the workout in a formal Freestyle Step class. On top of that, your instructor will be knowledgeable and talented. Bonus!

With this in mind, it’s really important that you don’t try to replace a proper Freestyle Step aerobics class with your own homespun routines. You can always supplement your classes by giving yourself quick little top-ups here and there in the days in between, but by no means should Freestyle Step at home become a main focus.

In addition, I’ve been talking about fantastic ways to make Freestyle Step more intense in three easy steps. Well, this should always be kept in a home environment. Don’t try to take any of these steps into your formal Freestyle Step class or any other group environment. Not only will it be rather rude, but it may fly in the face on plans that your instructor already had. Remember that your instructor is the expert, so listen to what they tell you. You don’t know best!

It really is that easy!

As you can see, it’s incredibly easy to create an intense version of Freestyle Step in the comfort of your own home. Use the facilities that you have around you to give yourself a real challenge when you top up your fitness routine in between classes. Freestyle Step is ideal if you’re looking to stretch your mind as well as your body, so trying some of these ideas will make it even more taxing than ever before!

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That was our article for April 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 May 2015 article... I look at Freestyle step and pregnancy. How does it compare with Les Mills BodyStep and with Freestyle Step Aerobics. Next month article has some interesting and strong points discussed where it may bring you to think a bit more on what is good for you.

Bruno Jimenez
April 2015

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Freestyle Step Aerobics vs. Les Mills BodyStep: Who Wins?

If you’ve visited a gym or looked up local fitness classes at any point within the last few years, you’ve probably come across both Freestyle Step Aerobics and Les Mills BodyStep. These two immensely popular ways of getting in shape took the fitness world by storm; you couldn’t move without bumping into an instructor or member of one class or the other. The two classes do bear a number of similarities, so it’s only natural that they should compete with each other. Which is better? If you’re struggling to choose which class to go for, I’m here to be your knight in shining gym lycra gear and offer you some advice!

It’s the ‘Freestyle’ element itself in Freestyle Step Aerobics that makes the class so awesome! There are no set moves, steps or routines. It’s as simple as that. The classes do involve exercising on, over and around a height adjustable step, but this isn’t pre-defined by anyone, any company nor any organisation other than the instructors themselves. Instead, the instructors have complete creative freedom to make each class their own; to stamp on their own personalities while measuring the capability of the members stepping on that specific session.

‘The Lab’ by Lisa Picard via Flickr
https://www.flickr.com/photos/lmpicard/5023745216

This means that each class is completely different – each class is unique. Freestyle Step classes all follow the same basic principal, but you won’t find any two that are the same. In turn, this allows the instructors the opportunity to adapt the classes to suit you. If it isn’t working for you, don’t worry! If you have to change the moves to suit your ability or experience, then go right ahead. You won’t be the only person in the class doing so, so there’s no need to feel embarrassed or out of place.

Freestyle Step Aerobics offers members a complete body workout, from your head right down to your toes. Aside from being seriously challenging physically, the levels of concentration and co-ordination needed give your brain some good exercise, too.

With Freestyle Step, think intensity, originality, bags of energy, and more fun than you can shake your booty at.

Les Mills BodyStep, on the other hand, follows a much stricter routine. The instructors teach a set selection of steps and moves to hit music tracks. It’s true that the instructors can guide members on how best to enjoy and participate in a class, especially if there’s a particularly challenging move or if the individual has specific health requirements. However, there’s much less flexibility in terms of steps, moves and creativity.

So, what stops Les Mills BodyStep from becoming boring? Well, every few months a brand new routine is introduced! This includes new music to get your body moving, and a new set of steps to send you up, over and around your height adjustable step.

Clearly, Les Mills BodyStep provides a great workout for the whole body, just as Freestyle Step Aerobics does. This is because essentially, the process of stepping on and off from a step with a few extra moves, lunges and stretches thrown in is pretty much the same in both classes. The two main differences is that with Les Mills, it is less taxing mentally, as well as you repeat the same routine for a number of months, until the next routine is released. You still have to keep track of the entire routine, but as it’s made up of a set number of steps, the whole thing is much more predictable, specially after several weeks of repeating the same routine. With Freestyle Step, you never know what move your instructor is going to throw in next, which keeps you on your toes!

‘ThinQ Fitness Picture – Pierre Pozutto Video’ by thinqfitness via Flickr
https://www.flickr.com/photos/34318182@N07/3409184408/
in/photolist-6cfXKw-crLMmG-6cfXAs-bGTVTn-567UoW-btZ8y5

The Les Mills instructors claim that the classes are suitable for all abilities, whether you’re a beginner or someone a lot more experienced. The fact that the step is height adjustable means that it can be made more intense, but it can’t really be made much easier. This is down to the set routine that we’ve discussed before. In fact, out of the two different classes, it’s actually Freestyle Step Aerobics that is better suited to newbie's and beginners alike – as well as fitness class regulars who are looking for an even bigger challenge. For beginners, the instructor can adapt the steps to be a little easier, but for Freestyle Step enthusiasts, extra steps, moves and twists can be added in as and when the instructor or the member chooses.

As you can see, Freestyle Step Aerobics and Les Mills BodyStep are very similar in many ways. Many do find that if you do like one, you’ll likely enjoy the other, too! However, just because they’re similar doesn’t mean they’re identical. The two might have the same basic principal, but they’re quite different in terms of style, and only one is better targeted for a wide variety of abilities.

Les Mills BodyStep is very fast, action-packed and intense, but Freestyle Step Aerobics is much more flexible in terms of what you can do, as well as the fact that each class is tailored to the instructor’s individual tastes (as well as yours!). All of that’s in addition to all the physical and mental stimulation that the classes give.


I personally believe that they are two different worlds, infinitely apart from each other. I find that Freestyle step provides me a great physical workout, and an incredible mental stimulus, where I can only find the physical workout in Les Mills BodyStep. I know I am bias, as Freestyle step is what I always enjoyed, however I have had talks to Les Mills BodyStep practitioners who state that also for them the two worlds could not be any further apart, but their reasoning behind their comment typically indicates that they find that the physical workout is not as great in Freestyle Step as it is in Les Mills for them because the mental workout overshadows the intensity of their exercise. They spend too much energy trying to understand the move so they can implement it safely, which takes away from their physical workout and when they get the grasp of it, that class is not repeated again and the mental v's physical battle starts again on the next Freestyle Step class. 

It’s up to you to decide whether you would prefer something more structured and predictable, or something more fun and exciting. When the levels of fitness are similar in both (although I’d suggest that Freestyle Step Aerobics gives you a better all-round workout), ultimately it comes down to how unique you like your classes to be. There’s nothing quite like the thrill, exercise and enjoyment that you get from a completely customised Freestyle Step class, so that wins over Les Mills BodyStep every time! The above shows that different class styles are made for different type of members, and that each class has a reason for existence.

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That was our article for March 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 April 2015 article... I look at the intensification and stimulation created by the different additions to your exercise. Next month article "Freestyle Step: The Intense Version in Three Easy Steps" Some of the options discussed here were even surprising to myself.

Bruno Jimenez
March 2015

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Is Freestyle Step Really Worth Paying for?

What do I get in return?

In this day and age, the cost of living is rising by the hour. When you’re trying to keep fit, it can be pretty hard to afford to go to the gym every month, especially if you want clothes on your back and food on your table as well. It’s all about priorities. We all know that Freestyle Step is an awesome way to work out, but can you really justify paying out for classes? The question is: is Freestyle Step really worth it?

Anybody who’s ever even thought about joining a gym or attending an exercise class will know that the cost is exorbitant. If you’ve found a gym that doesn’t need you to re-mortgage your house in order to join, then kudos to you. Depending on how lucky (or unlucky) you are, you could end up paying hundreds each month. What do you get in return? Little more than the use of some special equipment for a few hours.

Your hard earned money in exchange of Freestyle Step classes?

What’s more, independent instructors who attend your home for a training session, do cost a bomb. Just because they’re freelance and not tied to a gym doesn’t mean that they’re worth paying for. Yet, somehow, they seem to think that just because they can come and help you work out in your own home, they should charge a fortune!

Before you go paying through the nose for any sort of gym membership or fitness class, stop and think. What do you really want to get out of it? You have to weigh up in your mind whether a class really suit you. Here are a few thoughts that will hopefully guide you towards making the right decision…

What’s the alternative?

It’s actually not too difficult to recreate a pretty good fitness class experience in your own home – unless you’re joining to use the pool or the exercise machines, that is! Stick on an exercise DVD, buy a few weights, and even get a few friends round to join in. So…what’s the point in paying out to do the same thing somewhere else?

The advantages of joining a Freestyle Step class

Well, joining a Freestyle Step class with a properly trained instructor actually has a whole host of benefits. It’s really intense, it’s really energetic, and it’s really fun. This is one class that will give you a full body workout – and I mean everything. Freestyle Step even goes as far as getting your mind working, as you need an awful lot of coordination in order to keep your feet working in time with the rest of you! No matter how much you prance around in your front room, you just won’t achieve the same level of workout.

Then, of course, there’s the fact that each Freestyle Step class is completely unique. The trained instructors can create their own routines and adjust them to suit everyone’s abilities, so it’s almost like having a tailor-made class to suit you. You’ve got to admit that that beats putting on an exercise DVD and busting out the same routine every. Single. Day.

Freestyle Step makes you work harder when in a group exercise environment

One of the best things that you will gain from joining a Freestyle Step class is the social aspect. Most people tend to join the gym to get fit rather than to meet people, so you’re not likely to meet your new best friend there. However, working out with others is an incredible motivator. We’ve all been in that situation where we were full of good intentions to work out, but suddenly our underwear needed ironing, the dog needed a pedicure and the lawn needed hoovering. Luckily, in a proper Freestyle Step class, you won’t be allowed to have any tenuous excuses not to get involved.

Last, but certainly not least, there’s the fact that a professional Freestyle Step instructor is trained in a little more than just teaching you how to climb onto a step in an artistic way. These brilliant men and women know all about working out safely, so if you already have an injury – or even worse, if you injure yourself right in the middle of a class – then they’ll be there to help. Think about it: if you’re at home, or if you just went to the pool or the gym to work out on your own, then you’d have no-one to help you. If you’re going solo, there’s always the risk that you’ll cause yourself further damage as well, but in a Freestyle Step class the instructor can adjust the routine to suit you. Win!

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I hope you found this article of some interest. 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 March 2015... I look at the differences between our loved Freestyle Step classes and the Les Mills BodyStep. Next month article "Freestyle Step Aerobics vs. Les Mills BodyStep. Who Wins?" The outcome, you like it or not, may probably surprise you.

Bruno Jimenez
February 2015

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Freestyle Step In Your Own Home

Freestyle Step In Your Own Home

If you're reading this, then you've probably already worked out that Freestyle Step Aerobics is kinda awesome. Like, addictive awesome. If you've caught the Freestyle Step bug, then chances are that you'll want to do a little practice in between your classes - keeping up your fitness is really important.

On the other hand, it's got to be said that gyms are exorbitantly expensive, which not everyone can afford. Throw costly classes into the mix and doing Freestyle Step in a formal environment is just way out of reach for some people. However, just because you can't afford gym membership doesn't mean you have to miss out on Freestyle Step altogether!

Believe it or not, there are a whole bunch of ways that you can get involved in Freestyle Step in the comfort of your own home. Whether it's as an alternative to joining a class, a bit of occasional fitness, or a quick fix to keep you going between classes, there's a Freestyle Step home solution to suit you!

Where do you start?

 

The most obvious place to start is with the step. No prizes for guessing that! Weekly Freestyle Step classes may be the only times you've ever come face-to-face (or foot-to-step) with a proper step before, but you don't have to continue the same way.

Have you ever considered buying your own step to use at home? If not, why not? It's the quickest and easiest way to get the authentic Freestyle Step experience at home. Stability, adjustable height and industry-approved equipment can all be yours - for a surprisingly small amount. Look at this as an investment; buying an aerobics step to use at home will keep you going for years to come.

'Gym Equipment' by Clay Manley

That's all very well, but what happens if you can't get hold of a proper step? For one reason or another it isn't always possible, leaving you in the lurch. However, your Freestyle Step journey isn't over before it's even begun!

Quite possibly, one option is staring you in the face without you even realising it. Does your home have a staircase - either a full flight or just a couple of steps? If the answer's yes, then you have ready-made Freestyle Step equipment already at your disposal. There is one stumbling block with this option (although the less stumbling you do the better): you won't be able to move over the step in a single direction. With a conventional step, you can step up onto it, then step down over the other side; common sense states that this isn't possible with stairs, unless you want to climb the whole staircase! This means that you'll only be able to do some very basic steps, working in a simple forwards-backwards motion. This won't be a high class workout, but needs must. If this is your only option, then it's better than nothing!

Alternatively, you could go all DIY on the fitness world and create your own step. It goes without saying that your own personal safety is of the utmost importance, so be careful! Something simple like a plank of wood lying across two even stacks of books or bricks would be perfect - provided that it's secure. The plank has to lie completely flat, and you don't want it to slip and slide around - or, even worse, break as soon as you put any weight on it. Be sensible, and if it looks dodgy, don't risk it!

What else can you use?

 

Freestyle Step Aerobics doesn't just have to be all about the step. There's a whole range of other things that you can use to improve your overall fitness. If you've been to Freestyle Step classes, you might not be used to incorporating all these little extras, but they can make a massive difference.

What 'little extras' are we talking about here? Well, wearing small weights around your wrists, ankles and waist may not feel like much, but when you wear them for a full workout, you'll burn a whole heap more calories.

'Heh. These wrist weights make me feel like
a comic book hero from the 80s.' by Paul Roth

Once again, if you don't have any of these weights, it's not a problem. Clear out your kitchen cupboards: carrying a jar of food or a bag of sugar in each hand will make a world of difference!

You have the gear, but how do you move?

 

By now, you should have some idea of how you can create a mini Freestyle Step scenario in your own home. Congratulations - the hardest part is over! Next comes the fun stuff.

Freestyle Step workouts are seriously intense and majorly challenging, but above all, they're such great fun. Don't attempt to pull off a routine of your own - if you don't end up pulling an over-zealous move and doing yourself an injury, it's pretty likely that your routine just won't stand up in the enjoyment stakes. Unless you're an instructor, that is!

Instead, there's a whole host of resources just waiting for you to turn to - or should that be step to?

Your first port of call should be YouTube. This is particularly relevant if you're a beginner, as there's thousands of videos to get you started. From very basic introductory routines to complex, intense ones, there will be a video for you. Get searching, then get stepping.

The beauty of using YouTube to follow Freestyle Step routines is that you can experience classes and workouts from some of the best instructors in the world, all at a time and place that suits you. Can't afford the classes? Not a problem - with these videos, the classes come to you. You will even find videos from some of the world's top Freestyle Step instructors such as Lars Schuijling, Steve Boedt and Fabian Kühn; you can step with the best of the best. Of course, nothing quite replicates the incredible experience of a real-life Freestyle Step class, but this is a great way to try some quality moves out at home.

If YouTube isn't your ball game - or if you'd prefer to move on to something a little more formal - then DVDs are the way to go. Pretty much every decent fitness instructor ever has brought out a DVD for home workout enthusiasts, so jump on that bandwagon! Put on a Freestyle Step DVD and follow the moves for a full workout at home. The best part is that you can do what you want - nobody will mind if you wear the wrong thing or get the steps wrong!

'Gym Gear #ds450' by Brendan C

 

Ready, steady, step!

 

Now you should have everything you need to get started with Freestyle Step at home. It's already been mentioned that nothing is quite the same as going to a proper Freestyle Step Aerobics class, so if you can get to one, do it! However, these are just a few ideas for those of you who wish to do a little light workout between classes.

Be sensible with this. Take your physical well-being seriously! By reading up on doing Freestyle Step at home, you probably do that already - but take it extra seriously when you're working out at home. There will be no-one to help if you run into difficulties or injure yourself. The only person to blame will be you, so don't let it get that far. Be careful, be sensible and be safe: these are the best ways to workout, get fit and have fun!

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This is our first article for 2015 which talks about options in Freestyle Step exercising when you may find it difficult to get to a gym and how you can do certain elements of freestyle step within your own home.

In February 2015... I look at how much money is spent on step classes, and how much you get back from your investment. Next month article "Is Freestyle Step Really Worth Paying For?" which falls in part with all those New Year's resolutions regarding better spending of hard earned money.

Bruno Jimenez
January 2015

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Steve Boedt and Fabian Kühn: Two of the Industriy's Best Freestyle Step Instructors

Steve Boedt and Fabian Kühn: Two of the Industry's Best Freestyle Step Instructors

Every Freestyle Step Aerobics class is unique: the 'Freestyle' element does exactly what it says on the tin. The steps and moves aren't fixed, so the classes have a whole lot of personality. Each instructor puts their own individual free style on their routines.

Naturally, some instructors are going to have more imagination, more creativity, more energy than others. High five if you've managed to find one of those gems! Two of the best, biggest and most brilliant names within the Freestyle Step instruction world are Steve Boedt and Fabian Kühn. If you've already heard of them then you'll know how fabulous they are; if you haven't, then read on to find out what you're missing out on.

These men are both very different in terms of the styles of their classes. Each style has its upsides; each has its drawbacks. Now is your chance to decide once and for all which style - and which instructor - is best.

The next best thing to come out of Belgium after chocolates is Steve Boedt. He decided to become a Freestyle Step instructor 17 years ago, after being persuaded to become a member of a local class. He was hooked from the word 'go', and the rest - as they say - is history.

Since then, Steve Boedt has earned more fitness awards than you can shake your booty at. Over the years he has held the titles of 'Instructor of the Year', 'Rookie of the Year' and 'Presenter of the Year' to give you just a handful of examples. He has worked in numerous countries, appeared on several fitness workout DVDs, and even made countless television appearances on hit shows such as The Biggest Loser. This guy is an expert in every sense of the word.

Steve Boedt has come to our DownUnder land quite often, to events such as Filex, event by Australian Fitness Network. During one of his visits, he created this video sample, along two of our best instructors, Min Lomo, and Tim Garland.This video my be from 2011, but give us a "look in" into Steve's style, knowladge and professionalism.

 

When it comes to style, Steve Boedt is a real performer. He's an entertainer. He's a showman. He likes to get up on stage in front of a group of people and make sure that the whole room has a good time. He puts every bit of his personality into the choreography and classes which he devises. Of course there's a strenuous workout in there as well, but his classes are all about having fun. This next video, although not a Freestyle Step video, shows how his energy and enthusiasm brings in large amount of people to his classes.

It goes without saying that working out - especially Freestyle Step - should be enjoyable. However, turning it into too much of a knees-up runs the risk of losing focus on why you're actually there: to get fit.

One man who sits at another end of the scale is Brazilian instructor extraordinaire Fabian Kühn. His classes take the technical aspects of Freestyle Step very seriously. Fabian Kühn has had a love for fitness and Freestyle Step for pretty much his whole life, which definitely comes across in his classes.

Don't get me wrong - Fabian Kühn's classes are still packed full of lively steps and energetic moves. You can rely on him for a session of fun, enjoyment and passion, as he puts a lot of individuality into his choreography. After all, he didn't earn the nickname 'Mr Step' for nothing! However, his classes do put a lot more emphasis on the actual moves and the overall workout rather than concentrating in having a great time risking missing on a harder workout.

Essentially, Fabian Kühn's Fitness Step classes are very advanced, but his instruction style isn't over the top. It's a very classic style; you could say that he's more of a serious teacher than an entertainer.

In all honesty, this is the main difference between these two men. There's no doubting that they're both extremely talented, passionate men, they just lead their classes in very different ways. Which is better? I'm not sure that there's a single right answer to that.

If you have a great time doing something, then you're more likely to succeed at it. This applies to all areas of life, not just working out! That's probably much of the reason why Steve Boedt's classes have become so popular. All the members have a blast, so of course they're going to keep returning week after week. They'll go away and tell their friends, and in this way Steve Boedt rises to stardom. Add to this the fact that he's such an entertainer and it's even more clear why his classes are always full; a teacher who enjoys what they teach makes the whole class seem more fun.

In contrast, a fitness class will never be truly brilliant unless it has a broad range of funky moves which stretch and tone your entire body. Focusing on these elements is essential; that's exactly what Fabian Kühn does. His classes are advanced, so they're pretty taxing. However, nobody's saying that they're all work and no play - Fabian Kühn's classes must be enjoyable, otherwise he probably wouldn't have reached such high levels of popularity. However, his technique must stand for something - he has attained over a million views on YouTube to date. His classes are clearly staggeringly popular, so surely there has to be a huge amount of merit with planning a challenging class, without going over the top as Steve Boedt does. If this wasn't true, people wouldn't keep turning to him time and time again.

When comparing these two Freestyle Step instructors, it's clear to see that they are both very similar in terms of the successes that they have achieved, but their styles are poles apart. That's the beauty of Freestyle Step Aerobics: you can go to two different classes held by two different instructors and they will both feel completely different. However, each has its merits; each instructor will have a dedicated set of followers.

I can't help but feel like despite their immense popularity, neither Steve Boedt nor Fabian Kühn has the perfect recipe, ....close second though!. Call me old fashioned, but I would have thought that the ideal situation would be to strike an instructor as energetic, enigmatic, entertaining, knowledgeable, captivating who throws a damn challenging choreography, with respect to the levels present in their class. It would make my day if I could put both, Steve Boedt and Fabian Kühn, inside a bottle, then give it a good shake to enjoy the final product! Am I being unfair and asking for too much? Too much to ask to have a bit of both worlds? Can you ever really have it both ways? You decide...

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This is my last article for 2014. Next Month I want to start 2015 with options in Freestyle Step exercising when you may find it difficult to get to a gym, or the gym's near you do not offer this fantastic class, or if you have got the Freestyle Step bug so badly that you want to practise between classes. I'll explain how they can do certain elements of freestyle step within your own home.

Until the first week of 2015... I hope that "More" Freestyle Stepping makes it into your "New Years Resolution".

Bruno Jimenez
December 2014

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TWITTER - https://twitter.com/FreeStyleStep
FACEBOOK - https://www.facebook.com/StepXTRVGNZ
YOUTUBE - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVpN8YvJ_2er0rw8B3q-sbA
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# TAGS - #freestyle, #FreestyleStep, #step

Five Things You Need to Know About Freestyle Step Health

Freestyle Step is real fun. Of course, if you've tried it before then you'll know that already. On the other hand, if you're new to the wonderful world of Freestyle Step, then the very fact that you're finding out more suggests that you think it looks reasonable. Well, I can assure you that it's more than reasonable. There are countless reasons why Freestyle Step Aerobics is a top-notch way of keeping fit. However, every hero has its weakness. Freestyle Step might be fantastic, but it's not without its dangers! If you're not careful, you could find yourself running into a whole heap of trouble. Here's a quick run-down of the top five things you need to know about staying fit and healthy while you enjoy Freestyle Step.

1. Go cardio!
One of the biggest benefits of Freestyle Step is that it's a seriously powerful cardiac workout. It will get your heart racing and your chest pumping as you move on, over and around your step. Don't forget that your heart is a muscle too. Exercise it and it will build up strength and stamina just like any other. Many other types of exercise will get your heart race up - even some other types of aerobics are good for your heart. However, none are quite as effective as Freestyle Step.

2. Work your head to your toes
You'll be working every inch of your body during a Freestyle Step class. Quite literally everything from your head to your toes will be getting exercised! Skilled instructors might throw in a move that gets you twisting (working your abs), reaching (stretching those arms) or lunging (toning those thighs). You've probably heard your friends talk about 'leg day' at the gym, or the fact that they missed 'arm day'. Why go to all the hassle of dividing up your workout, when you can tone up everything at once?
You'll work out your whole body in the space of just a single evening.

'110107-F-2616H-003' by Kenny Holston

This really does include your head, as well. You might not think that exercise can help your grey matter, but you'd be wrong. Freestyle Step can be very intense physically, which needs a lot of mental concentration. If you want to keep up with the class and co-ordinate your feet to move in time with your arms, your cogs will have to turn pretty quickly. Don't be surprised if you underestimate the mental workout that you can get from Freestyle Step.

3. Piling on the pressure
Freestyle Step is a gruelling workout, but there are some risks involved. It's the same with every sport - how often do you see a member of your favourite sports team get side-lined due to injury? If it can happen to the professionals then it can happen to anyone. Such is the case with Freestyle Step, where one of the most common injuries is to do with the joints in the leg.

Full knee support with KT Tape' by Maria Ly, via Flickr

Think about it. Every time you step up, you're putting your whole weight onto just a couple of bended joints. Every time you step down or lunge you're doing the same. Your poor knees and ankles get pounded time after time after time! After time this can get a bit much for your joints to handle, especially when you take into account any twisting, flexing and stretching you do - and this is all on top of all the walking you do during everyday life.

There are several things you can do to prevent this. Start with the obvious, which is placing your feet a bit more gently than usual, rather than stomping around like you're trying to put your foot right through the floor. If your joints do start giving you grief, then call in support! There are numerous grips, supports, anti-inflammatories, lotions and potions which you can use to give you relief while the joint heals.

4. Don't go breaking your heart
We've already seen how Freestyle Step is such a good way to get your heart pounding and your lungs working. However, there does come a point when you can overdo it. If you already have a weak heart or an underlying condition (which you might not know about yet) then you're at much greater risk of facing complications).

If you have been diagnosed with a heart condition already, then speak to your specialist before joining any Freestyle Step class. The last thing anybody wants is to have you experiencing chest pain, a weakened heart - or something even worse - in the middle of a workout.

Know your body. That's the best advice that anybody can have when it comes to heart health, especially when you're keeping fit! Working out will raise your pulse, so make sure you know what feels normal for you and what doesn't. If anything at all doesn't feel right, it's ok to stop. It's OK to slow down a little. It's ok to skip out some of the moves. Keep your heart healthy for a healthier you.

5. Open up about your feelings
Ok, so you've reached the point where you've been working out, and now your body is really feeling it. What do you do?

If you're feeling good and your muscles feel well exercised, then warm down gently. Every Freestyle Step instructor should automatically incorporate this into their classes, so that you go home feeling comfortable. Continue with gentle exercise until your next class, which should be soon after. Don't leave too long a gap between classes or Freestyle Step won't be as effective. Lastly, don't forget to tell your instructor how champion it made you feel!

Conversely, if you feel like things aren't working for you at any point then you must let your Freestyle Step instructor know. Whether you're mid-way through a move and you feel an injury, or whether you only start to feel pain once you return home, your instructor will be able to help. They won't mind if you need or want to take it easy for a few weeks, as they want you to enjoy the class too! In fact, they'll probably be able to suggest some easier, less strenuous steps that can be tailored to suit you, so that you can still get involved but without pushing your body over the edge. That's the beauty of Freestyle Step. It's all about being an individual. Allow your instructor to fit the moves to you.

By now it's no secret that Freestyle Step is a pretty awesome option. It's a marvellous workout for your heart, your mind, your soul - in fact, pretty much everything about you! It'd be easier to list what parts of the body Freestyle Step isn't good for, but quite frankly that list doesn't exist.

However, you must still be aware that accidents can happen. If you push your body further and further, don't be surprised if something can't take it anymore. Injury and over-working yourself are very real problems within the Freestyle Step world, so you need to be careful. Take care of yourself so that these things are less likely to occur. Pretty much every negative impact on your health is preventable in one way or another, so arm yourself against injury. You've heard it before: prevention is better than cure!

Despite all this, it should be no reason to put you off Freestyle Step. These are risks that you face in everyday life anyway, so similar caution should be taken. If you're careful, then Freestyle Step is still one of the best ways of keeping fit that the world has ever seen!

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For the month of December I want to compare my two Freestyle Step idols, Steve and Fabian. “Steve Boedt and Fabian Kühn: Two of the Industry's Best Freestyle Step Instructors” This article's aim is to compare the styles of Steve Boedt and Fabian Kühn. Not only on how similar are they, but specially on their differences.

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

Bruno Jimenez
November 2014

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TWITTER - https://twitter.com/FreeStyleStep
FACEBOOK - https://www.facebook.com/StepXTRVGNZ
YOUTUBE - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVpN8YvJ_2er0rw8B3q-sbA
INSTAGRAM - http://instagram.com/freestylextrvgnz
# TAGS - #freestyle, #FreestyleStep, #step

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