What To Look For In A Fitness Step
Using a fitness step as part of your gym/workout routine is a popular choice nowadays. You can use a step in the gym as part of an aerobic step class or simply buy a step to use at home. The great advantage a step has for home use is that it is small, compact and easily stored. So, there really is no excuse not to buy it and use it as it won’t take up much room!
Step training is a great way of keeping your heart and lungs fighting fit and it can also help you burn fat at the same time. Basically, the step works for you as you use it to step up and down – this is often called bench stepping. Aerobic step classes are a little different – they still use a step but you will probably use it in choreographed specified routines to music and you’ll also be encouraged to use your arms more at the same time.
Buying a step to train on could be your first small ‘step’ to getting fit (sorry, bad joke!). But, you may be surprised to realize that a lot of people who choose this fitness route don’t see the right kinds of benefits from the efforts they take. And, many find it hard to use the step in the first place. This is a real shame as a step is an ideal introduction to fun and fast fitness.
The fact is that a step will only work to make you fit if you use it correctly. In this respect it is no different to any other kind of gym or fitness equipment even though it looks very simple. So, you can step away to your heart’s content – but, if you aren’t using the equipment correctly then all you’ll get is dispirited and maybe even hurt. So, before you go out and buy a step, take a look at our tips and tricks for choosing and using the fitness step .
1. Don’t step too high. Steps come in all shapes and sizes. Basically the higher you have to step, the harder you’ll be making your body work. Stepping up and down may seem real easy but once you start to do it over and over you’ll feel the strain. So, if you’re a step ‘newbie’ then start off with a lower step (up to 6 inches). Or, if you feel you’ll progress further than that then you might want to consider buying an adjustable step or one that comes with risers so you can start off low and increase the height as you go along and get more experienced. The Reebok Adjustable Platform System Step is a great option here as you can work your way up to 10 inches in nice easy stages. If you think you’ll be able to reach higher than that then consider a riser system such as The High Step .
2. Step Safely. Six inches may not seem a long way to fall but it’s actually real easy to hurt yourself if your step doesn’t work right. You should, therefore, always make sure to buy a step that can comfortably hold your weight and look out for sharp edges – they should be avoided! Take a look at the width of the step as well – very narrow steps aren’t always the best solution as it’s easy to miss and slip off. You should be able to comfortably fit your foot on the step.
3. Step Slowly. If you’re using a step for the first time, then don’t get overexcited and overdo it. You’ll see maximum fitness benefits if you can keep up a steady rhythmic pace – short bursts of frantic stepping will just tire you out. Remember, the more you practice, the better you’ll get. In order to make sure that you are using the step correctly take a couple of trial steps before you start in earnest. You should aim to have all of your sole contact the step and you should always aim for the center of the step to avoid it tipping.
Hope you find these tips and tricks useful – you’re well on the way to happy and successful stepping!
