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15 July 2015

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

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
on No comments:
Labels: , , , , , ,
Location: Australia

11 June 2015

Coddle Knees To Cut Risk in Step Aerobics

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
on No comments:
Labels: , , , , , ,
Location: Australia

18 May 2015

Freestyle Step and Pregnancy

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
on No comments:
Labels: , , , , , ,
Location: Australia

10 April 2015

Freestyle Step: The Intense Version in Three Easy Steps

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

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!

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
on No comments:
Labels: , , , , , ,
Location: Australia

02 March 2015

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

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.

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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Location: Australia
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