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Check with your doctor before starting an exercise program.
Why is it that as we age, some of our body parts tend to droop, our weight creeps up, and our clothes mysteriously shrink? And even if we manage to get our weight under control, somehow it’s “shifted” around – not necessarily in a flattering way! Well, I faced all of this, and found my saving grace in Step Aerobics.
Step aerobics is what I like to call a great workout for the coordination-challenged. That is, you can get a great high-calorie-burning workout, even if you’re less gifted than Ginger Rogers. (I prefer the “term coordination-challenged”, although “klutzy” is probably more appropriate!) In any case, you don’t have to be terribly coordinated to get a good workout using the Step.
“The Step” itself is a raised platform about 3’ x 1.5’ long. There are little risers on the side that you adjust to make it more challenging. The higher the step, the harder you work – just like going up steeper stairs. And that is basically the entire principle of step aerobics: going up and down stairs, to music.
There are several other motions as well that you learn – turning from side to side, hopping over the step, stepping off of the end of the step, doing knee lifts, etc. All of these are simply modifications of the basic up/down motion on the step, set to music. And the best part is if you get mixed up on a new move, you just hop up and down on the step until you figure it out, and no one really cares! Everyone else is just hopping up and down, trying to burn calories and fat like you are!
You can do step aerobics at home, if you prefer your privacy. You’ll need to buy a Step (available at almost any sporting good store for $39 - $99) and a couple of step aerobics videos. Look for ones labeled “beginner” or “basic” until you get the feel for the movements. Better yet, rent a couple from a video store or library before you buy. If you find that there’s too much fancy footwork, or the tape is too fast or slow for you, you’ve saved the full investment. Make sure you have a room to work out in with plenty of space around you, and some water on hand to rehydrate yourself. You don’t need any special equipment – just you, your step, the TV and VCR and a pair of sturdy shoes.
So – does it work? Well, a typical 50-minute class burns 250 – 400 calories, depending on your level of exertion and weight. Even better, you’ll find that you’re energized and feeling better about yourself just because you did something positive, which may help you stay on the diet wagon! I dropped four dress sizes doing step aerobics. Sure, I had to eat more healthy foods also – but I found that I was more energized after working out, and it was easier to say “no” to snacks and desserts when I’d just spent an hour burning in the gym. Even better, I saw my legs and arms tightening up again -- which was incredibly motivating!
Don’t worry if you’re not ready to put on spandex tights and go out in public – step aerobics classes are filled with everyday folks who just want to get into shape. In addition to the calorie and fat burning benefits, you’re getting a good cardiovascular workout as well. As with any exercise program, you should see your doctor before starting. Once you’ve done that, try a few step classes at the local gym and see what you think. Most clubs will let you visit for a week or two for free, and you can decide if you like step aerobics, and if you’d like to work out at the gym or invest in a step for home.
So jump on in… come on, what have you got to lose? I lost four dress sizes, and gained self-esteem and energy levels. And I did it all in a ratty old tee-shirt, gym shorts and tennis shoes, by running up and down stairs. Check it out – you’ll be glad you did!
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