Step aerobics originated in Atlanta about 20 years ago, where it was invented by an aerobics instructor named Gin Miller. Ms. Miller had injured her knee, and was rehabilitating it by climbing her porch steps over and over. She soon realized that this was not only a low-impact exercise-it could also raise the heartbeat and provide a good cardiovascular workout at the same time.
Ms. Miller began introducing the idea to her classes, and eventually teamed up with Reebok to form Step Reebok. Since then, step aerobics has taken off.
What is step aerobics?
Step aerobics is a form of exercise that utilizes a platform ranging in height from four to ten inches. The platform, or step, is usually made of polyurethane and has a rubber tread. To increase height, steps are stacked one on top on another and nested. Participants combine a series of floor foot patterns with those that require stepping on and off the platform. Step exercises are normally performed with musical accompaniment. The recommended tempo ranges from 125 to 140 beats per minute, depending on the skill levels of the participants.
Benefits of Step Aerobics
Research shows that step aerobics
- Is an effective means of improving aerobic capacity
- Increases minimal oxygen consumption
- Increases the efficiency of the heart
- Helps in the quality of sleep
- Reduce levels of stress
- Improves the level of self esteem
- An increase in flexibility, balance, and coordination, body control, rhythm and dance ability.
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