The fitness step is a piece of exercise equipment that has been around since the 1980s. Fitness steps are platforms that have been elevated off of the ground, much like a step in a staircase, but without the continued assent of other steps. It is a singular platform, the height of which can be raised or lowered according to the individual’s needs. To raise the step, one need only insert risers beneath the step.
Fitness steps were invented to be the cornerstone of step aerobics, which was invented by Gin Miller in 1989. Like all aerobic exercises, step aerobics elevates the heart rate and offers a cardiovascular work out, but with the added dimension of a step. Basic moves and styles involved simply putting one foot on the step, and then the other, and then stepping down in the same order; one is effectively climbing the step, and then climbing back down, much like walking in place but with the added health benefit of raising your heart rate further and giving your muscles extra resistance. More varied steps are then incorporated, such as the corner knee, the T-step, lunges, split steps, V-steps and many others.
The steps are choreographed by an instructor, and usually come together with arm movements, to give the body a more complete and effective workout. In the beginning, classes were held at malls or gyms, or sometimes even churches, schools, or other meeting places where the instructor could rent time. The class would meet and work out together to music, following the instructors plan. Today, there are easier ways to use step aerobics to improve your health and fitness. Nowadays instead of getting in the car and paying for each lesson, you can buy a step fitness DVD. These DVDs work in the same way a class would, with an instructor leading a fitness class on the DVD, usually with upbeat music in the background. To make this work, you would need to have a step in your own home.
Steps are easier to acquire then one might think. No longer do you need to rely on a class to buy fitness steps in bulk, and let you use one during your class. Going to any fitness store or even shopping online will allow you to quickly and easily purchase your own fitness equipment step. Relatively easy to store, you can now have you own step aerobics class in your living room or basement, and all you need is your step and your DVD.
Using step workout equipment is a great way to achieve step by step fitness, slowly working your way up. The benefits to your health from step aerobics are numerous, and include first and foremost the increased ability to burn calories and maintain weight. There is also a strength component, as the muscles work to step up over the step, and an endurance aspect, as with all cardiovascular activities. Flexibility and better joint movement have also been reported, and because the workouts tend to be both fun and enjoyable there is the added bonus of lowered stress and better mental health with step aerobics.
Working out with step fitness equipment in a class environment gives the added benefit of a social interaction, and working out alone with a DVD allows you to pick your own pace and work at your own speed. Step aerobics is an appropriate workout for all ages. It is relatively low cost, since all you need is the initial purchase of a fitness step and DVD, or a monthly payment for classes. If you are looking for a fun and affordable way to keep healthy, lose weight, for just get active, step aerobics might be the workout for you!
With similar benefits to the classic fitness step, another great piece of cardiovascular and toning exercise kit is stepper exercise equipment, and very similar to this an elliptical workout machine. It is always a good idea to vary your fitness program to add variety and help you stay motivated. An elliptical will do this, and really help to tone up both lower and upper body muscle groups at the same time. Alternatively, go for a classic option and invest in a treadmill or if you want to try out but not commit initially, treadmill hire and other fitness equipment hire options are provided by lots of the large online stores.
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