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What is step aerobics?

History of step aerobics, links, tips & more

A discussion on what step aerobics, is followed by the history of step aerobics & several links to pages on specific topics in step aerobics.

So, what step aerobics? Well, stepping is an exercise that is practiced worldwide by millions of people. It offers a great cardio workout without extensive space or equipment needed. All you need is a flat surface and a platform.

Step aerobic exercise builds on the aerobics goal by offering a more intense workout. The platform (step) provides the extra intensify the workout.

It’s also low impact & doesn't stress the joints like running or jogging. The movements also do not require much coordination or athleticism. Because the workout involves stepping up & down with your bodyweight, it will also increase tone & muscle.

The step could be many things. It could be sturdy platforms with exercise videos & other extras sold by fitness companies. It could be a block of wood, a milk crate, or a short stool. Outdoors or indoors - my favorite is stepping on whatever, while watching sports on TV. Kill 2 birds with 1 stone.

Stepping is a great exercise because it really builds on & extends, walking, which we consider the most natural “exercise” for humans.

You’re walking, essentially, onto & off a platform of different sizes, from several directions, at varying speeds. Stepping also resembles hiking in that it is walking on & off different heights, from different directions. Except that stepping is very organized & measured.

History of step aerobics

What step aerobics is has changed over the past century. Lifting your body weight to improve aerobic fitness has been around for a long time. Coaches long trained team members by having them run up and down stadium steps for the past 100 years.

In the 1950's, what step aerobics now was termed the Harvard Step test & was used for cardio fitness assessment.

Organized or not, what step aerobics is now is really just an outgrowth of human walking behavior as done in the real world. Think, hiking. But it was Gin Miller who created & sold people, and then Reebok, in 1989, on the idea of organized group "step training"

In the history of step aerobics, she is known as the creator of Step Training.

After stepping was introduced to the public, many gyms featured it, people stepped at home or outdoors.

It was a tremendous hit.

Research has been conducted on the benefits of step aerobics & to research led to refinements. Research has generally confirmed the benefits of stepping from aerobic conditioning to toning large muscle groups.

Research has also offered ideas for improving effects of stepping while dodging problems such as overuse, burnout, boredom etc.

Exercise advice re: stepping

Stepping could certainly be used as the center of exercise activity but is probably best suited as an addition to other aerobics such as cycling, walking, sports and so on. It should also be combined with flexibility exercises & strengthening exercises, especially for the upper body.

Another good piece of stepping exercise advice, use it as a complement to other forms of exercise to receive total physical benefits. Other activities are also important to prevent overuse & especially, boredom.

I like stepping, but frankly the idea of just stepping 4 - 7 times weekly, 52 weeks a year is boring. Throw in hiking, running, weight lifting, yoga, sports & see how your step routines improve in the process.

The other activities will also result in a mean, lean body that is ready for any physical challenge.

Links to basic step aerobics, routines, benefits & equipment will be coming soon but don’t wait for them to start stepping & exercising. Just check out a book, get a step dvd, a platform & step into it.

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