Friday, January 22, 2010

Step Aerobics Fitness Routines for Rapid Weight Loss

By Mary Taylor

Aerobics, developed by Dr. Kenneth Cooper in the early seventies, had become one of today's most performed work outs. Aerobics (literally "with oxygen") is basically a form of workout to improve one's overall fitness in muscular strength, flexibility and heart health.

One of today's more popular forms of aerobics workout routines is called step aerobics, introduced at the start of the 90s. This new form is an innovation of the old aerobics workout, this time having a step (a raised contraption, 6 to 8 inches high) where the aerobics instructor will step on or off from time to time.

The stepping rates (it usually starts at 120 per minute) and the height of the steps (6 to 8 inches) are fine-tuned according to the person's needs and experience. These straightforward step-up, step-down aerobics are as effective as those of more intensive movements, but less damaging to the joints.

Basic Step Aerobics Moves

The basic step entails stepping one foot first and then the other on top of the step, and stepping down on the floor using the same sequence of foot movements. There is a common understanding among aerobic lovers that the "right basic" is stepping right foot up, then the left, and then stepping down to the floor with the right then the left foot.

For variations, instructors swap different moves within the sequence, like changing the "right basic" to the "left basic" without in-between moves. Usually, this is done by way of "tapping" the foot instead of shifting weights.

Another variety of step is called "tap-free" or smooth step. This is executed with the feet always alternating and without the confusing "taps". The "taps" can sometimes make learning tricky for new aerobics students.

The instructor usually is planning beforehand when to insert a switching move that maintains the natural rhythm of moves to copy the natural shifting of weights on both legs like in walking.

From the right basics, the instructor might bring in a "knee up" (lifting a knee and during the return, switches the move to the other foot) and continue with the left basics.

Sets

Commonly, a set arranged by the instructor consists of many different moves with different durations. This is implemented together by the whole class and usually timed to 32 beats per set. This is done in such a way that the whole set can be switched and repeated in the other leg, mirror-like.

Basic level classes have simpler basic moves. Advanced classes sometimes integrate dance elements like turns and stomps and whatever is in vogue.

Factors are strung together in two to three routines per class. One learns these regimens in class, which will be performed at the end of the class. Most instructors offer several alternatives for every person's level of intensity or dance capability during the teaching of the routines.

Advantages of Step Aerobics

Step aerobics helps burn calories and maintain weight. The amount of calories that are burned rely on the intensity, speed and the duration of the aerobic exercises.

Step aerobics helps in energy, prevents cardiovascular diseases, and improves gait and balance. It also provides flexibility training to enhance joints movements.

Finally, step aerobics helps sustain good mental health because the workouts are fun and enjoyable, and sessions certainly releas stress. With a group session, a person's social life is enhanced as well.

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