Tag Archive for: Group classes

Step Aerobics 2.0

How it all began

Step aerobics emerged in the late 80s and peaked in popularity in the mid-90s with an estimated 11 million people participating in classes regularly. Gin Miller, an aerobics instructor looking to rehab her knee injury, is credited with its invention. True or not, her partnership with Reebok Step was the platform (pardon the pun) that created the buzz around this cardio craze.

But like all crazes, it had its day and was pushed into the background as the next “big thing” in fitness took centre-stage. After all, why would the fitness industry be different to any other industry in that respect?

Back in the day I was teaching 4 or 5 classes a week and attending more besides – the size of my calves testimony to this! Instructor or participant, I loved the atmosphere, the synchronicity of the group, the smiles on everyone’s faces, and the music with its perfect tempo. But it was the creativity in the movement and the endless possibilities when it came to building a routine that got me hooked.

Back in the limelight

Fast forward to today, and step classes are making a comeback—minus the thong leotards! But my excitement isn’t just about reliving my twenties, it’s what we’ve learnt over the last 30 years that makes Step’s return so welcome.

Step is a cardio-strength workout that can be low or high impact, medium or vigorous intensity. It will move you in all three planes of motion and demand some mental focus too. It’s a “multi-vitamin” when it comes to delivering health benefits.

Heart health at its core

As a cardio workout, Step can be modified to meet you at your current fitness level and challenge you in a way that builds on this. It will improve your heart health and lower your risk of heart disease, especially important during and post menopause when we lose the heart-protective benefits of oestrogen.

Brain boosting

Research suggests a strong connection between leg strength and cognitive health. Well-choreographed step routines will engage every major muscle in the lower body, enhancing both physical and mental health.

Bone protective

In time you can add impact and intensity to your workout, positive stress that will strengthen your bones. You’ll be training you balance and agility too, lowering your risk of a fall.

Muscle, the organ of longevity

When fashions return, they often do so with a twist, and this is certainly true for the Step revival. The twist is that classes are now including strength-specific training to create an even more rounded workout.

Movéo Fitness’s “twist” happens around minute 45 when the pace slows, the Step becomes a workout bench and the focus shifts to muscle strength.

There is strong (oops!) evidence linking muscle mass/strength with longevity. But it’s not just about living longer, it’s about living better for longer. Your muscles support your body in so many ways, helping it to remain in optimal health or get back there as quickly as possible.

The feel-good factor

Step comes with a healthy dose of endorphins, improving your mood and reducing feelings of stress and anxiety. Plus, moving with people you can connect with and feel supported by will enhance your emotional well-being and add to your sense community.

Join us

Movéo Fitness runs a Step n Strength class every Friday at 11am. Join this group of wonderful women, move in sync with them and know that you’re doing something truly amazing for your body, your mind and your soul.