Is A Step Aerobics Class Right For You?

Step aerobics is an individual or group fitness activity that uses a "step" or platform on risers, to enhance the cardiovascular exercise experience. The group leader takes the class through a variety of aerobics moves designed to elevate the heart rate, and adding a platform to floor exercises ups the intensity of the exercise and the heart rate of the class participants. Is a step aerobics class or video right for you? Read on and find out.

Start Slow

The moves in step aerobics can seem tricky at first, and when working with a step or platform, you run the risk of twisting or spraining your ankle if you make a mistake.

Start slowly with step aerobics, working out the moves on the floor before you graduate to using a step. You can still get a good aerobic workout even without the step, and figuring out the moves on the floor will give you the know-how to do the aerobic moves with confidence

Start Low

After you are familiar with the basic moves of the step aerobic routine you are working on, set up your step as low as possible, without any risers or lifts underneath it. Most aerobic steps are three to five inches high without risers. This may be enough height for you to get a vigorous aerobic workout.

Try your aerobics routine with your step flat on the floor to see if you need more intensity. Remember, the higher the step, the greater the risk of injury, and the greater the strain will be on your feet, knees, and joints as you move up and down on the step. Do your step aerobics routine without risers until you feel that you are no longer physically challenged by the routine; then add a riser under the step platform.

Don't be surprised if you never need to add a riser to your step aerobics routine. Many step aerobics enthusiasts find that they get an intense, fat-burning cardiovascular workout using a step that sits directly on the floor, without risers.

Practice Makes Perfect

There are only so many moves you can do on a step, and learning these moves will make your aerobic workout more fun and more effective. The best way to learn these steps is at home with a step aerobic video, so you can replay the moves again and again in the privacy of your own home, and copy the moves until you get them right.

After you have the steps down, if you like to work out at home, you can now set up your step and follow your workout video routine all the way through without pausing - and congratulate yourself on a job well done.

If you like a group fitness experience, running through the moves at home will give you the confidence you need to go to step aerobics class and complete the routine at your gym or fitness center.