Step & Circuit Class

Reebok Step with adjustable platform

Do you remember the good old days and all the rage about Reebok Step Classes.  If you are a new person who would like to try Step or one of the old steppers then come and try my Step and Circuit Class at the Arkenstall Centre on a Wednesday night at 8pm.

At the class we Step for 30 mins, then go into some circuit training – for example, skipping, interval running, push – ups, lunges etc and then finish off with abdominal work.

The Step was introduced into the fitness arena way back in 1990′s.  It was designed to improve aerobic conditioning, muscular strength and endurance, flexibility and body composition.  Using the Step involves stepping onto a platform while simultaneously performing upper torso body building movements with the use of optional hand-held weights.

Who can do it?

The class is aimed both at women and men who want to get fit and burn a few calories.  You can vary the intensity by altering the platform height and the amount of hand-held weight allowing beginners to work alongside someone who has stepped before.  You will be taught a variety of steps which when put together create a simple routine. which can be built on week by week.

Why Step?

• It is fun and you will be very sweaty and red faced
• One of the best all-round forms of exercises you can do for cardiovascular fitness
• Helps tone up lower body muscles
• Burns lots of calories
• Helps improve co-ordination

Maintaining Posture and Correct Alignment

When using the step you should always maintain proper body alignment to prevent injuries as follows:

• Keep the shoulder back, chest up, buttocks tucked under the hips and knees soft
• Don\t lock the knee joint at the top or bottom of the stepping pattern
• Try not to hyperextending the back, especially when using weights
• Don’t lean too much forward lean when stepping up and down on the platform

Step Correctly

When using the Step you should always step correctly to enhance your performance and can reduce the risk of developing overuse injuries as follows:

• Step in the centre of the platform
• Ensure that the whole of the sole of the foot contacts the platform when stepping up
• Step down on the ball of the foot allowing the heel to touch the floor before taking the next step
• Keep the eyes on the platform
• Always warm up throughly before starting any fitness program
• Add arm movement or weights when you are proficient with your stepping patterns