Step Aerobics: The step in between.....

Sometimes what a class is on paper actually appears a little different in reality. Step aerobics is designed to be a counter activity to Power Hour, using less weights and more emphasis on the use of the legs - with a platform to step up to - and stressing cardiovascular development. All of this is true to a degree, but I found the class to be similar to Power Hour but definitely easier. This is not a bad thing by the way. Except for the trip to the emergency room, the oxygen mask and the transfusion that I needed after, I did just fine in Power Hour. It makes all the sense in the world to have a class that approaches many of the same goals but with an intensity level that isn't quite as extreme. This makes Step Aerobics a good choice for a senior athlete, someone who hasn't done athletic activity for a while or someone who is working towards attending Power Hour as a goal. It is ideally the step in between and may be just perfect for many YMCA participants.

Katie, the young instructor, is amazingly fit and while the routines used in Step Aerobics aren't as complex as Zumba, one still has to pay attention. Many of the steps are taken up and down off the platform which of course adds to the cardiovascular demands. The class also mixed in some stretching and use of light weights. This was similar to Power Hour, but again at a lower intensity level. In Power Hour my heart rate was at the upper end for almost half the session while in Step Aerobics it stayed in the working zone (65-85% of maximum) the entire session. If one wants to raise the physical demands in this class however, this can be easily done by increasing the height of the platform or by using heavier weights.

There is nothing wrong with having a "step in between."  One of the class members noted that she liked this class more than Zumba because the steps were simpler and repeated more often, so in a way this class is a step towards Zumba as well.. If you are ready to step up your workouts, this class would be a good choice. 

Next: Afternoon senior swim time..