According to ACE Get Fit, step aerobics first came about in the 1980s, and has become increasingly popular in the fitness industry. Its versatile training methods involve intensifying a workout by adjusting the height of a step, changing the step cadence and performing various movements on and off the step. Like most other exercise classes, you may need to bring a few supplies to your step aerobics class to ensure you get a proper workout.
Stepper
Most gyms and studios that offer step aerobic classes, will provide the adjustable steps. These can get costly for an individual to purchase for themselves, and they are also bulky to carry around. If you desire to purchase your own stepper so that you may bring it to class or participate in step aerobics at home, you can find it at almost any sporting good store, or any place that sells exercise equipment.
Proper Clothing
One very important aspect of exercising is wearing comfortable clothing. Since step aerobics may include some bending, you should wear workout shorts that at least come down to the middle of your thigh for that extra room in the behind, according to Fit Day. You should avoid baggy workout pants that may cause you to trip when your stepping.
Proper Footwear
The purchase of proper footwear depends on which activity you are involved in and how often you exercise. A cross trainer style is the best type of shoe for a step aerobics class because its mix of cardiovascular and weights. In addition, look for a cross trainer shoe that offers optimal ankle support and great traction. ACE recommends replacing your noticeably worn shoes; this will help prevent knee, shin and ankle injuries.
Water Bottle and Towel
Bringing your own water bottle is very important. This type of aerobic class is high intensity and you may only get a short amount of time for a water break. Another important supply is a sweat towel to wipe the sweat from your body; if sweat drips onto the step, you might slip.
Considerations
Often a step aerobics instructor may ask that you bring hand weights to class. Some instructors like to use strength training on the ground, and incorporate the step into the ground workout. While weights are perfectly safe to use on the ground, they could cause injury to the shoulder joint during the fast motions of a step aerobics class if not used properly.
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