The Best Step Workout Videos

Step aerobics is distinguished from other forms of aerobic exercise by its use of an elevated platform (also known as an aerobic step). The height can be adjusted to individual needs by inserting risers under the step. Step aerobics was innovated by Gin Miller in 1989. Step aerobics enables you to elevate your heart rate more quickly than traditional low-impact aerobics and enhances lower body shaping. The best step aerobic workout DVDs are effective, safe, fun and led by a knowledgeable, motivating instructor.

Gin Miller's Everybody Steps

This beginner level workout features basic choreography. Gin Miller, the inventor of step aerobics, leads this video, rated a staff favorite by the Collage Video website. It is a solid, complete introduction to step workouts. You burn fat while learning all of the step basics from an IDEA Instructor of the Year with 12 years of step experience. Gin makes the moves understandable and explains common step aerobic verbiage in laymen's terms. The video has six distinct segments that allow you to advance at your own pace and stop when you want. The workout begins with the simplest steps and the easiest patterns and progresses into classic step-aerobic combinations, such as straddles, turns and transitions.

Patrick Goudeau's Step Up

Editors of "Fitness" magazine picked this workout DVD as the "Best for Burning Fat." This 60-minute workout is designed for advanced exercisers and features complex (but low-impact) step combinations. Though the pace and patterns are very challenging, Patrick does everything he can to help you keep up with the tempo. His personality makes this an enjoyable, fun workout. It begins with, and repeats, an even-rhythm, eight-count base move (to give you a solid base for the underlying combo). Then he layers in the choreography, such as turns, pivots and mambos. Easy to follow "big" moves are intermixed with complex foot patterns. Fortunately, there's always one person doing an easier/modified variation.

Kari Anderson's Hot Steps

Designed for intermediate to advanced exercisers, this workout DVD includes over 40 minutes of intense, heart pumping mixed-impact step aerobics. Kari Anderson leads this fast-paced workout that includes her all-time favorite combinations. The moves are complex and somewhat dancey but Kari's cuing is excellent. It is both energizing and challenging. Each combination is taught with variations for the original pattern. For example, you can stick with the basic V-step or progress as it advances into a double turn followed by a V-step up on the step. According to "Better Homes and Gardens" February 2005 workout DVD reviews, this workout includes fun, club-style music with a Latin flavor. It provides variety and challenge to step aerobics devotees that are bored with the typical step-up, step-down combinations.