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01 July 2018

Euro Fitness Conventions with Freestyle Step Sessions (2018)




Euro Fitness Conventions with Freestyle Step Sessions (2018)

Freestyle Step Euro Style!

Freestyle Step Brothers and Sisters of Europe have much to look forward to this year, with many freestyle step conventions being held in major towns and cities. Some of the greatest master instructors will be on hand with a multitude of classes and styles to suit all tastes. Many of them have cocktail parties, quizzes and contests to boost the fun factor, with something for everyone to enjoy.
Why is it that freestyle step is rising in popularity in Europe? You might argue that Europeans have always been ahead of the game when it comes to working out, quickly embracing the original step training in the late 80’s. Maybe it’s their relaxed and friendly nature, enjoying the social aspects of exercising in a group?

Whatever the reason, one thing we know for sure, those lucky Euro-Steppers certainly have a host of top-class conventions on the horizon!

These are just some of the ones I have come across in my “virtual” travels:

CambriFit (Spain)


The third in the series of the “Beach Convention” (“Convención de la Playa)” is now under-way... Fitness, music, entertainment, fun, sun, beach, party, a variety of activities, just the best set-up!... Without a doubt is the perfect combination for a memorable weekend… unique and unforgettable, because this year we are going to leave our mark in one of the most magnificent location of the “La Costa Dorada” (Spanish version of the “The Gold Coast”), Cambrils on the 6th, 7th and 8th of July. In the Freestyle Step arena CambriFit is bringing together, Alex Schemes, Alessandro Uccellini, Lenka Matasova, Arturo Javier Vargas Castillo, Joel Lee, Juan Colomina and Carlos Alvarez. Some of the group sessions include BaileActivo (Active Dance), Dance, AeroDance, Zumba, Multiple Step, Step Party, and Duo Step (2 instructors) to mention some. This convention also has other non-choreographed sessions such as Royal Marine Workout, Slow Core Training, Strong Mind Workout, Pilates, Tabata, Total Body Functional, Fit Couple Workout and Beach Summer Training

Be Freestyle 6 (France)


The French gym, Burpees Tours Nord, known for its small group work, will be hosting the sixth annual event in the “Be Freestyle” series. Held over two days July 28 to July 29, classes include Aero, Step and Aero Team. Heading up the guest list is Morgan Moreau, head coach of Crossfit Madeleine in Paris. He will be personally leading two Freestyle Step classes, with other renowned instructors including Zena Sahieli and Yamine Saoudi.

Ideas 12 + 1 (Spain)


Taking place over three days, November 9 to November 11, in Malaga, this is an annual convention with a different theme every time. This year it is angels and demons. Leading the Dance Aero classes will be Miki Hatada, a popular Japanese fitness presenter, known for her dynamic moves. Mustapha Ait Aiss and Tony Rapillo will assist her. Ideasfitness® is a fitness program where you can find the tools and choreography needed to develop Freestyle Step Classes with ease, with the methodology objective to enable to maintain a healthy body, as well as to develop, make stronger and provide flexibility to the body by using fitness moves and dance.

Attitude by Anton Todorov (Germany)


One of the biggest freestyle conventions in Europe, this three-day event runs from June 29 to July 1 and is held in Frankfurt. It has 26 different presenters from all over the world, hosting classes that include Step Spain, Attitude Step, Step Queens, Step Moscow, Boys Step, Speed Step and Step Reebok Team Italy just to mention a few Freestyle Step related sessions. You will also find Dance, Aero Impact, and ReeJam. Anton Todorov himself will be personally leading two classes, assisted by Remy Huleux for Speed Step, and Mirjan Tahiraj for Attitude Step. Bulgarian born Anton is known for his cheeky charm and entertaining step choreographies. The event takes place in Anschrift (Frankfurt). As a great presenter, Anton Todorov does other Fitness events, including the “Euro Convention Barcelona” (see below).

Euro Convention Barcelona (Spain)


Euro Convention Barcelona (Spain) is one of the most famous freestyle conventions, this event attracts some of the greatest instructors and is held over three days October 19 to October 21. Freestyle step fans will be thrilled to see the likes of Gil Lopes, Arturo Javier Vargas Castillo, Anton Todorov and Jessica Exposito. Gil Lopes will be taking on Aero Brazil and Mega Brazil Step, guaranteed to be fun classes, full of surprises. Arturo Javier Vargas Castillo will be bringing his own inimitable style to the Aeromotion and Step Revolution classes for which he is very well known in the Fitness Circles. Not to be missed is Jessica Exposito with the Super Dance Party. The event ends with a Hip Hop Old School class, sure to be remembered as a fitting finale.

Don’t you wish you could hop over on a plane to Europe to catch all of these fun-filled freestyle step conventions? …. Well, I will be personally attending the Euro Convention Barcelona (Spain) and will try to obtain some footage, and interviews to be added to this blog, so I can share it with all of you.

Until my next blog….!


"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 practising 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 July 2018 article. 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
July 2018

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 #XTRVGNZ

20 April 2018

Freestyle XTRVGNZ - 21 Apr 2018





Freestyle XTRVGNZ - 21 Apr 2018

For all Fitness peeps in Australia or visiting us for a little bit during the FILEX Convention or working as a FILEX Event Crew member, or coming for the Fitness Show 2018.... Or even just enjoy a good dosage of Freestyle Group exercise... THIS IS FOR YOU!!

Come over if you want to give your LesMills programs, such as BODYATTACK®, BODYBALANCE®, BODYCOMBAT®, BODYJAM®, BODYPUMP®, BODYSTEP®, RPM™, SH'BAM®, CXWORX®, The Trip™, Les Mills Barre™, Les Mills Tone™ or any of the high intensity interval training programs like GRIT™ Series or SPRINT™ or even the youth training BORN TO MOVE™, then..... come over and try Freestyle Step and Hi-Lo at our FREE event.
REGISTER HERE - https://goo.gl/5PNPJf Eventbrite registration ticket (free ticket)


Letting you know that on the 21st April 2017 We have a Freestyle Fitness event at Crunch Fitness Australia in 48 Druitt Street in the CBD. Stroll to all sorts of public transport, and small stroll to the International Convention Centre Sydney - ICC Sydney
 
You will not only get entry to the awesome Crunch Fitness gym, but also entry to your chosen Freestyle sessions.
 
What more can you ask for???? Come and let's have fun!!!
 
SCHEDULE - 
- 1:00pm to 2:15pm - Freestyle Step - Nikki Crooks (Sydney)
- 2.30pm to 3.45pm - Hi-Lo Aerobics - Mystery Filex Presenter Instructor (Sydney)  
- 4.00pm to 5.15pm - Freestyle Step - Andrew Marcus (Melbourne)

 

TICKETS AT THE DOOR - IMPORTANT - PLEASE NOTE  
  • Tickets are available online on EventBrite event page by going to https://goo.gl/5PNPJf and reserving your ticket there. You might choose to come to Crunch Fitness Gym at Druitt Street to get your session ticket, however you might run the risk to not have any available tickets. We cannot assure you that tickets will be available for the session of your choice.

TICKETS AT THE DOOR - IMPORTANT - PLEASE NOTE  
  • Due to longer processing times for door tickets, it is strongly suggested to arrive to the event with enough time. We will not be responsible if you miss your desired class due to delayed ticket processing.


IMPORTANT - PLEASE NOTE 
  • This is a FREE event, and is a NON FOR PROFIT event. You will be expected to make a donation. All donations will be used to assist with organising our next event. We thank you for your contribution.

BROUGHT TO YOU BY: 


12 April 2018

Freestyle XTRVGNZ - 12 April 2018 Special Freestyle Step and Hi-Lo event in Sydney





Freestyle XTRVGNZ - 21 Apr 2018

For all Fitness peeps in Australia or visiting us for a little bit during the FILEX Convention or working as a FILEX Event Crew member, or coming for the Fitness Show 2018.... Or even just enjoy a good dosage of Freestyle Group exercise... THIS IS FOR YOU!!

Come over if you want to give your LesMills programs, such as BODYATTACK®, BODYBALANCE®, BODYCOMBAT®, BODYJAM®, BODYPUMP®, BODYSTEP®, RPM™, SH'BAM®, CXWORX®, The Trip™, Les Mills Barre™, Les Mills Tone™ or any of the high intensity interval training programs like GRIT™ Series or SPRINT™ or even the youth training BORN TO MOVE™, then..... come over and try Freestyle Step and Hi-Lo at our FREE event.
REGISTER HERE - https://goo.gl/5PNPJf Eventbrite registration ticket (free ticket)


Letting you know that on the 21st April 2017 We have a Freestyle Fitness event at Crunch Fitness Australia in 48 Druitt Street in the CBD. Stroll to all sorts of public transport, and small stroll to the International Convention Centre Sydney - ICC Sydney
 
You will not only get entry to the awesome Crunch Fitness gym, but also entry to your chosen Freestyle sessions.
 
What more can you ask for???? Come and let's have fun!!!
 
SCHEDULE - 
- 1:00pm to 2:15pm - Freestyle Step - Nikki Crooks (Sydney)
- 2.30pm to 3.45pm - Hi-Lo Aerobics - Mystery Filex Presenter Instructor (Sydney)  
- 4.00pm to 5.15pm - Freestyle Step - Andrew Marcus (Melbourne)

 

TICKETS AT THE DOOR - IMPORTANT - PLEASE NOTE  
  • Tickets are available online on EventBrite event page by going to https://goo.gl/5PNPJf and reserving your ticket there. You might choose to come to Crunch Fitness Gym at Druitt Street to get your session ticket, however you might run the risk to not have any available tickets. We cannot assure you that tickets will be available for the session of your choice.

TICKETS AT THE DOOR - IMPORTANT - PLEASE NOTE  
  • Due to longer processing times for door tickets, it is strongly suggested to arrive to the event with enough time. We will not be responsible if you miss your desired class due to delayed ticket processing.


IMPORTANT - PLEASE NOTE 
  • This is a FREE event, and is a NON FOR PROFIT event. You will be expected to make a donation. All donations will be used to assist with organising our next event. We thank you for your contribution.

BROUGHT TO YOU BY: 


28 March 2018




Freestyle Step Aerobics

The "Home Made" version 

Put your hand up if you look forwards to get changed onto your gym gear, and make your way to the gym to only be there for 30 minutes. I mean it is common knowledge that the recommendation out there is to exercise for about 30 minutes daily. So, again I ask to put your hand up if you would go through the bother to get changed and travel to the gym to spend a merely 30 minutes doing a workout. mmmmmm.... I don't see many hands raised, if any!. Well, the truth is that to get the recommended 30 minutes of exercise can be done without having to travel to the gym. That's right, no travel! That is because you can always get your workout done at home and feel exhausted at the end of it, in the comfort of your own place, where clothing is optional! :-) 


The answer? .... "Freestyle Step Aerobics"!. Where else could you find a high-intensity and low-impact workout without the need of much space, and somewhat little effort? The brilliance of "Freestyle Step Aerobics" is that, like good friends do, it gives you something in return. In this case is health benefits, as well as economic benefits. Also as good friends do, it helps you to get what you want, in this case it helps you to achieve the results you want. Also, like with friends you do not need too give much in return. This symbiotic exchange only requires you to give very little effort and a routine that can be easily adapted depending on what you need.


"Freestyle Step Aerobics" History

I know that we all have been here before. I have written about the history of "Freestyle Step Aerobics" in some of my earlier blogs, but again, for those of you that might have skipped this in the past (...yes, you!... I am referring to you!) here is a quick review of "Freestyle Step Aerobics" beginings and how it came about.

"Freestyle Step Aerobics" is not a recent invention. Some people may even call it dated. But the truth is that people have been doing "Aerobics" since the 50's. 


It was only in 1989 when a college student with joint friction overuse injuries, caused by high-impact aerobics, created her own physical therapy with a milk box. That student was Gin Miller. Gin Miller phsysical therapy consisted on stepping up and down to and from the milk box while at her home porch. But that was not all. What really made the creation of what we know as "Freestyle Step Aerobics" is the fact that Gin Miller was getting bored, and needed to break the monotony of stepping up and down. Gin Miller achieved that by adding music to her workout. With music now, Gin Miller identified that her natural progression depended on the rythm of the music being played. Slower music automatically made her to step up and down slower, making her last longer while still getting a good workout. When the music had a faster beat, her step up and down changed to a faster pace, achieving that workout she used to get from the typical floor aerobics, but without the joint impact, and breaking into a sweat faster. Gin Miller knew she had something special. This simple concept gave rise to the famous way of exercise we know today as "Freestyle Step Aerobics".

Classes were then introduced into Fitness Centres and Gymnasiums. These classes were divided into "Basic", "Intermediate" and "Advanced". Were new participants could start on the "Basic" classes and get used to the move names and progression,. These classes would give an introduction to standard moves. Once "Basic" classes became non-challenging anylonger, the participant would have a natural progression to the "Intermediate" classes. In these classes moves would be combined into routines. Routines complexity depended on the class participants, however the instructor would look for a balance of simple, medium and somewhat complicated routines to challange the variety of members in the class. But like with all things, you can never satisfy all. Some members would find that what other class members found challenging, or over-challenging, they would find monotonous or non-challenging at all. These members, and as a natural progression would have option to attend the "Advanced" classes. These classes were desinged to be challenging and while still giving the members a physical workout, they would also get a mental workout. Routines would be complex making your mind work extra hard to instruct your legs and body while still keeping an eye on the instructor for new spins and changes to the routine whilst memorising what is being taught for what was known as "The finally". "The finally" being "The end show" the time where everything you learnt during the session is put on as a display of your physical and mental attitude. 

In the late 90's and new millennium people saw the group workouts as a money maker. Programs were being created in the attempt to get money from instructors and fitness centres, while the fitness centers would still need to cover costs by charging the members. Gym fees went up as more and more programs were being added to the gym group workout schedule. These programs included LesMills, Zumba, F45, Kangoo, 12WBT and Physitrack to mention a few. "Freestyle Step Aerobics" had its "Freestyle" removed and was restricted to moves pre-created for the instructor and the members. This allowed gyms to provide classes that even if an instructor was not available, 100s of other instructors would be available to cover the class. All these instructors (program members) would have the right to cover these classes due to their financial contribution to the program in "licencing to teach" the program. Step was limited to "average" moves with "average" routines provided by "cookie cutter" instructors where even their class delivery is limited. Don't get me wrong. These "step" program classes are not for me, as I do seek the "Freestyle" portion of the "Freestyle Step Aerobics" style, however there are many people out there that will be happy with no need to think, and just do the same routine for weeks on end. There is a niche for this sort of exercise. However it is not me. I guess that if you are reading this blog, you probably feel similar.



....but I regress.... 

Lets go back to "Freestyle Step Aerobics" done at home....  oh! did I mention "clothing is optional"?... :-)

First things being first, you need to prepare yourself to step....... Lets see, what does one need in order to do "Freestyle Step Aerobics", clearly you will need something to step on. You could use the standard "Freestyle Step Aerobics" bench. Although they do come in many different styles, the basic make up is the same. A Bench that can be more or less graduated to suit different heights. You could easily find one at a sporting goods store, or of late, you could find a second hand one at one of the many online shops like Gumtree for example.


However, you do not need to spend money in the purchase of a stepping bench, as if you prefer to practice "Freestyle Step Aerobics" at home, you can use a set of stairs, a thick phonebook (please make sure it is secure for you to step on and off from it) or a sturdy wooden or plastic box, similar to what Gin Miller used when she came up with "Freestyle Step Aerobics". Just make sure that whatever you choose to use is sturdy, can support your weight, its not slippery and isn’t too high.



The Basics Of "Freestyle Step Aerobics"

As a beginner, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the basic steps of "Freestyle Step Aerobics" before jumping into a more advanced routine. These are some of the basic steps that you can practice. Keep in mind that your lead foot is the foot that you lead with.
  • The Basic Step – Step onto the bench with your right foot, followed by your left foot. Then step down with your right foot, followed by your left foot.
  • The Tap Up – This step is similar to the basic step. Step onto the bench with your right foot (lead foot), and then tap the bench with your other foot. Bring that foot back to the ground, followed by your lead foot. Repeat again, but this time your lead foot is your left foot as your lead foot.
  • The Split Basic Step – Step onto the bench with your right foot, followed by your left foot. Tap the ground with your right foot and then bring it back onto the step. Repeat that move with your left foot and then step down with your right foot, followed by your left.
  • The Repeater – Step onto the bench with your lead foot and do a knee lift with the opposite foot. Tap the ground with that foot. Repeat the leg lift/tap three times.
  • The Grapevine – Step to the side with your lead foot and then cross the opposite foot behind it going on the same direction. Step to the side with your lead foot again and bring up the opposite foot so it rests next to your lead foot. Now repeat by going the opposite way. 
  • The “A” Step – Stand next to your bench and face sideways. Step onto it with your lead foot, followed by your other foot. Then step down on the other side, lead foot first and followed by the other foot.
  • The “I” Step – Perform a basic step but before stepping down, do a jumping jack.
  • The “V” Step – This step is similar to a basic step, but the difference is that you should step far, with your foot landing on the farthest side of the bench.
  • The Turn Step – This step can be tricky for some, so keep in mind that you’ll be changing directions while stepping. Stand facing the side of the bench. Step up onto the side nearest you with your lead foot and then step onto the other side with the opposite foot. With feet firmly planted, turn your body so you are facing forward. Turn once more so you are facing the side you started on, and step back onto the ground with your lead foot, followed by the other foot.
  • The Corner-to-Corner Step – Step onto the corner of the bench with your lead foot and do a leg lift with your opposite foot. Bring it back to the ground, followed by your lead foot. Repeat this step on the next corner using the opposite foot first.

After you become comfortable with these steps, you can start to organize your own routine. You can vary the routine by turning the knee lifts into kicks or by increasing the number of taps. Once you become really advanced, you can incorporate the upper body into the routine by lifting light weights while stepping.



How To Prevent Injury

It can be very easy to injure yourself while doing "Freestyle Step Aerobics" if you make these rookie mistakes:


  • Using a bench that’s too high – Make sure the bench height is comparable to your leg length.
  • Stepping onto the bench incorrectly – Make sure you place your entire foot on the bench. If the heel is hanging off, this puts undue stress on the foot and could lead to Achilles tendinitis.
  • Bouncing or hopping off of the bench – This also puts undue stress on the feet and ankles and could lead to a shin split or a stress fracture.



Benefits

"Freestyle Step Aerobics" not only works your lower body, it also does wonders your heart. It increases your heart rate and helps you to burn a lot of fat and calories. It also has economic benefits, the main one being that it’s cheap. You don’t need to buy any expensive equipment; all you need is a "Freestyle Step Aerobics" bench or a set of stairs. You don’t need a lot of room to do "Freestyle Step Aerobics" and once you familiarize yourself with the steps, you can shape the routine to make it more challenging.


"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 March 2018. 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
March 2019

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 #XTRVGNZ

02 February 2018

The race between speed and Freestyle Step safety




The race between speed and Freestyle Step safety

bpm and its manipulation.

What is the fastest bpm for step aerobics that is considered to be safe practice

There is something have come across my internet walks that some people have  called it "the Xtreme Goldfish" and is not just referring to Freestyle Step, but also to most group exercise classes. What is "Xtreme Goldfish" I hear you ask? Well, that is when you take something that works well, and people come to it in droves, and assume that it will work better if you speed it up, and make it "extreme"..  

Gin Miller was an injured instructor that decided to use her porch steps as a rehabilitation form for her knee injury. She quickly realised that climbing steps was not only a low impact, as well as non-irritating form of exercise for her knee but she also realised that it provided a good cardiovascular workout. Gin Miller introduced step aerobics into the clubs she was working at, and it was shortly after, in 1989, that Gin Miller joined Reebok and formed the orignal Step ReebokTM. She worked with Reebok to form the 'Reebok University' to begin doing research on step. 

I know that the information I am about to throw at you is ten years old, however think that the step fitness level of a beginner back then, is the same or very similar to the fitness level of a beginner now days. So here I go....

In the U.S., the top three groups providing group exercise certification programs, in no particular order, The American Council on Exercise (ACE), The Athletic Fitness Association of America (AFAA) and the National Exercise Trainers of America (NETA) The ACE group instructor manual said that according to Reebok Step Training Guidelines, Freestyle Stepper at the beginner lever are easily and appropriately challenged when the music beats per minute (bpm) reaches between 118 and 122bpm. However if we look at Freestyle Steppers of intermediate to advanced fitness level, the flow and rhythm of 122 to 128bpm are acceptable for these participants looking for a greater freestyle stepping challenge.

OK, that is information from 10 years ago. Since then until now there has been a lot of research in this field, (similar to just about everything else in the fitness industry), and people in the business of certifying fitness instructors certainly keep abreast with this research, though may not agree on the results. ACE still, from what I understand, recommends staying under 128bpm, though I have been told that the AFAA suggests for advanced participants 135bpm could be used.

The above bpm are supported by most premixed music today that is specifically marketed for freestyle step. When searching the internet for Freestyle Step music (...yes, I know.... I need to get a life!), the range i find is mostly between 128 and 130 bpm. However during some of my music hunting I found that some of these playlists do reach 135 bpm. However on the other hand I did come across other music playlists for Freestyle Step that played at about 120bpm. Further queries regarding the reason behind this slower cadence, resulted in ascertaining that the market for the 120bpm is primarily senior group exercise.

So, if the market is publishing music on the 120 to 130bpm, why some instructors do go over 130bpm? Well, as a member I do remember participating in classes that provided 120bpm Freestyle Step session, others providing 125bpm, other ones 130bpm, etc... I noticed that the lower bpm sessions were reducing their membership follow up, and the ones with higher bpm, increasing. I have to recognise it though, I stopped going to the lower bpm sessions as I found them increasingly less challenging as my fitness level and freestyle level increased.

With time, these slower sessions became "Basic Step" while the 130bpm sessions became mostly "Intermediate Step", and the "ass crazy" speed ones "Advanced Step". These last two became the norm, and less and less members were attending the "Basic Step" classes. With time, Gyms and fitness centres could not justify running a Freestyle Step session with only 4 to 6 participants. "Basic Step" classes started to die from the Group Exercise Timetable of gyms. ....The direction this paragraph is going is not really sticking to music speed.... so i better stop here and talk more specifically about speed and bpm's...


I personally find that it is safe to run a Freestyle Step session at 125 to 130bpm. However I have also noticed that many beginners get quite confused when the music speed is itching the 30bpm mark. Add to this little or no break down of some of the moves, or complexity to the routine, and you will loose them for ever. I reckon that if an instructor has beginners in their session, 125bpm might be fine, if the choreography is not overly complicated and the routine is broken down according to the members capabilities.... although my personal preference is more on the faster levels

Before i continue, I will state that "VO2 max" is a name derived from "V - volume", "O2 - oxygen", "max - maximum". That is the "Maximal oxygen consumption" whcih reflects the cardiorespiratory fitness of an individual. So i would like to add that increasing speed is not necessary a harder workout. Researchers have found that with two step risers and music speed in the low 120bpm, VO2 max of Freestyle step was very similar, if not equal to the VO2 max of running. Despite this finding, many people raised their music speed and reduced their raisers to one, or just work out on the platform alone.
The increased speed and lower step platform lowered the VO2 max if compared with 120bpm music and two raisers, but freestyle step members, including myself, liked it because it felt we were working harder.
In my travels here in Australia, and overseas, I have seen some fun choreography that mixes freestyle step routines and floor aerobics moves. The music is usually faster, but members generally use 1 or no risers on the step side of the workout. I guess this is safer than the fast speed on 2 risers.
There is indeed a fine balance between keeping people happy and making sure they are safe. You can educate them that they are burning more calories when doing Freestyle Step at about 120bpm and using 2 raisers than when using a faster bpm on 1 or no risers. But the Freestyle step member is free to choose what they believe is best for them.



"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 February 2018 article. 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
February 2018

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