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Step aerobics... great for those training from home
Step aerobics is a very popular form of aerobics. It has a particular appeal to those who like to workout from home because the only single piece of equipment needed is Known as the Reebok Step, this elevated platform uses risers to manipulate the level of intensity allowing each person to tailor the degree of difficulty they wish to train at. The step is a practical piece of equipment to own because not only can you use it for your cardiovascular exercise, but you can also use it for many plyometric exercises. It can even double as a bench for some of your weight training exercises. If you're looking for variety in your program, or you want an alternative to the classic treadmill workout or stationary cycle workout, then you may want to give step aerobics a try. Step aerobics does provide some advantages over other forms of aerobics: -First, as alluded to above, it is very popular because it offers a great cardiovascular workout with very little need for space and equipment. Precisely for this reason, it is ideally suited for home fitness. And unlike other forms of dance aerobics, you do not need the space to move across the room. -One of the more interesting step aerobics benefits is that many more people can participate in it because it does not involve highly choreographed 'dance' movements that involve greater levels of coordination. Dance movements, especially complex ones tend to turn off some people. In this respect, it is a welcoming form of exercise to those who are new, or trying aerobics for the first time, or who may otherwise feel intimidated by dance moves. -Another of the benefits of step aerobics is that it is a low-impact form of exercise. This means you will suffer less stress to the lower body joints than with other forms of aerobic activities that involve repetitive 'pounding' to the joints, and/or harsh landings. -Additionally, your aerobic step workout travels vertically as opposed to horizontally. -With step aerobics, you are lifting your body weight with each step. Lifting your body weight provides enhanced stimulus to the primary movers of the lower body resulting in further conditioning of the quadriceps, glutes, and hamstrings muscles. Here are a few tips to keep in mind... -For those of you who do not wish to invest in equipment, the stepping platform can be exchanged for any number of household items, including a homemade wooden platform, a milk crate, a small sturdy stool or similar item that replicates a raised platform. However, for safety reasons, care should be taken to ensure your platform is placed securely to prevent displacement. It should be solid, sturdy, slip-proof and large enough to place the entire foot on top of the platform so as not to allow the heels to hang over. -Use a platform no higher than about 8 inches (10 inches for taller people). This is to ensure you do not step at a greater than 90 degree angle of the knee joint. Optimal knee flexion should be closer to 60 degrees. In the early days, some people were stepping as high as 14 inches. However, this is no longer recommended. -Beginners should start at a step height of 2 to 4 inches and progress upwards as your fitness level improves. A great number of people find this form of aerobics to be a very enjoyable activity and simply prefer it over regular aerobics. Everyone has their own likes and dislikes. Remember, a great cardiovascular activity is one that you enjoy participating in. When enjoyment is high, the chances of adhering to exercise over the long-term increases. If you workout from home, you’ll find step aerobics can be very simple, practical and convenient. These three factors alone can make the difference between sticking to your fitness program over the long haul, or abandoning it. Being persistent and adhering to your exercise program is what will bring you closer to your most desired fitness goals.
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