Aerobics and Fitness Daily

Step aerobics is a specialized form of cardiovascular exercise that involves the use of a step to increase the level of exertion without the joint stress that comes with running or jogging. Regular aerobic exercise increases cardiovascular fitness, improves heart health, increases metabolism, and burns significantly more calories than other forms of exercise.

The step itself is generally a platform of a certain height. The lower the platform to the ground, the easier the workout. Heights between 2 and 8 inches are the norm. Steps can be purchased online or in most local sporting goods stores and buyers should look for one made from lightweight, but very study plastics. Most steps can be stacked so that the user can add height as their physical fitness and endurance improves.

Step aerobics can be done either is a class setting led by an instructor or at home with an evercise video or DVD. Set to music, a step workout involves a choreographed set of moves involving the step. Beginning workouts may focus on marching in place, stepping up and down on the platform as well as some side to side movement. More advanced workouts include a fair degree of increased coordination of the limbs and feet and can in many cases resemble a form of aerobics dance, with jumps, spins, and more complex footwork.

Except for the warmup and cooldown phases of the exercise, participants are advised to maintain a high heart rate in order to achieve the maximum cardiovascular benefits.

Other than the step itself, the only equipment required is a good pair of athletic shoes (lightweight and with good arch support) and normal exercise attire. Numerous books and home exercise videos exist for step aerobics appropriate for all ranges of skill and physical fitness. Alternatively, most gyms offer classes of varying intensity multiple times a week.