Opinion on aerobic step?

Using my aerobic step in front of the TV is about all the exercise I can do right now, since I'm recovering from shoulder surgery. I step up and down, do kicks in all directions, knee raises etc., and intersperse with crunches, lunges, and a few other similar exercises. I find it a good routine, especially since I can't work out my upper body yet. What I like about it is that 1) I can do it while recovering, 2) I can do it while watching TV, and 3) it's cheap and doesn't require me to think, buy expensive equipment, or go outside in the dark and the cold. I burn some calories, but probably no more than around 300 per hour in spite of MFP's estimate of around 600. I trust my BodyMedia armband, and that's what it says.

However, once I can use my shoulder some more, I'll definitely be upgrading my workout to do more resistance, more intensity and more variety.

Did you have any specific questions?

I taught step aerobics years ago. It strengthened my knees to the point of being able to run again! It's great exercise, and lost of fun! Speaking of Gin Miller^ I learned a lot of her routines back then, but hadn't heard of her in years, then got a great Gin Miller kettlebell workout DVD for my birthday! She is still around and looking great!

I pulled my step out and my old favorite Cher workout with Keli Roberts (A New Attitude), and it kicked my butt. I think it's a great exercise if you like that type of workout. I read that Gin Miller strengthened her knees using the step, so I thought about getting back into using it again. I need to get a sturdier step first. Add that to 3 days a week of strength training, and you'll be good to go!

^^ Cher, Keli and Gin were my favorite workouts back in the day. The Gin Miller video is a classic and still a butt kicker. I was taking step up until a few years ago when my gyms phased it out. I only see the step used in bodypump now. Wish they would bring classes back.

To the OP, I can't imagine what is negative about it. I always found them to be a good cardio workout and fun.

I pulled my step out and my old favorite Cher workout with Keli Roberts (A New Attitude), and it kicked my butt. I think it's a great exercise if you like that type of workout. I read that Gin Miller strengthened her knees using the step, so I thought about getting back into using it again. I need to get a sturdier step first. Add that to 3 days a week of strength training, and you'll be good to go!

^^ Cher, Keli and Gin were my favorite workouts back in the day. The Gin Miller video is a classic and still a butt kicker. I was taking step up until a few years ago when my gyms phased it out. I only see the step used in bodypump now. Wish they would bring classes back.

To the OP, I can't imagine what is negative about it. I always found them to be a good cardio workout and fun.

Now I want to see that Gin video:)
We also used to set up out sound system and steps in public places to promote gyms back in the day:)
Loved it:)

Now I want to see that Gin video:)
We also used to set up out sound system and steps in public places to promote gyms back in the day:)
Loved it:)
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Here's some highlights! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B0L9jCDN8Bg The costumes were so much fun in these 90s videos. I also liked Kari Anderson.

I am doing step aerobics when I can not get out for a walk or have only 30 mins of free time on a work/commuting day. My HRM shows I burn 200 cals in 30 mins. so an hr would be slightly higher than your est. and lower than MFP for me anyway. I watch tv while I do it or listen to my Shuffle 130 bpm mixes. I do other things to mix it up zumba, rock'n'roll dancing, long hikes when I can get into the mountains. Can't do just one thing all the time.

Oh my husband commented the other say the steps must be working my butt is getting firm again. I'll take that NSV.:laugh: :laugh:

Go glutes!!

I absolutely love step class. You can increase the aerobic c intensity even more using hand weights. It's great for the legs, too. I've been doing it for years, among other things of course, and never tire of it. A lot of gyms stopped offering it in lieu of other activities such as the new kettlebell craze, but many still offer it. You can do it at home, in the warmth of the house, without a major expenditure too. I'm all for it.

Note to CallMeCupCakeDammit (I don't know how to repy to her specific comment, sorry), If you need hand weights and don't have them, try using bottled water in a pinch! Works great.

If you want to do step, then do step. But remember, the person you are seeing results in has a calorie deficit. Diet for weight loss, exercise for health/fitness. If you are having reservations on whether or not you will like it, then go take a class. Some places offer a free class, or you can get a coupon for a free week pass at a gym and try out the step class before investing in the gear to do it.

I do step aerobic cardio about every 2 weeks to change up my cardio. I have one at home and pull it out and put on my favorite fast dance music and go at it on my own because I used to teach step aerobics so I already have some fun routines in my head. You can pull up youtube and look up step aerobics and there are some fun routines for free on there. It's a good cardio workout and a nice changeup to keep working out fun. I love mine. If you're going to buy one, find one that's adjustable height so you can start out low and add on if you want to go higher.