How often do you do step workouts?

[Calistro]

Originally Posted by kat999

Most workouts that use steps in an aerobic way have dancey moves that are needlessly complex. I prefer to use a step as a weight tool--like the tall box in various FIRM workouts (either to sit on for seated upper body or doing step ups for lower body) or using a traditional aerobic step for Jari Love's lying chest, pecs, and triceps work.

Frenetic step aerobics with complicated moves and dangerous step up/down that get boring once you master the combination are just dreadful. Steps can be great tools for strength and balance, and that's how I prefer them to be used.

I think this pretty much sums me up right now. If I can be bothered to use it. I have not used one for a few years now, but if I did it would be for for nostalgias sake. I might still drag it out for the odd step workout like Gilad's step and tone, Gins intense moves and a few Cathes.
Though nowadays I tend to use as least equipment as possible.

[laurajhawk]

Originally Posted by noodles

I hold the same hatred for step that you do unless it's purely athletic with absolutely NO dancey coordinated moves whatsoever which would basically be a workout using a step

I do USE the step occasionally for workouts that aren't "step workouts". Last week I did Jessica's Metabolic Conditioning with the step.

I'm awfully clumsy on a step, and I don't like choreographed workouts as a general rule. I just don't want to use my brain in that way while I'm working out. I totally get that some people DO want to use their brain that way, and love step for that reason.

[wendug]

It depends on what rotation I'm doing, but I usually do step at least once a week. I'm not very fond of very dancey step routines; I'm afraid I'll twist an ankle if it is too twisty! I recently discovered KCM's bonus step workout on Strength and Stamina and I LOVE IT! This is the kind of step workout I enjoy- great straight forward cardio. And I love her step-boxing, too!

If I'm doing a rotation that doesn't include step, I'll usually find a way to squeeze it in as an add on workout because I miss it.

[TinaT]

I only use Firms with the short box. It's not tradition step workouts like Cathe, Gin Miller etc. It's in a category all by itself. Not interested in anything that remotely has a traditional feel.

[muggle]

As often as possible. I love Step but can’t do complex choreography. I always feel great afterwards.

[cataddict]

I do step at least once a week these days, occasionally twice. I used to do it almost exclusively for cardio and on a 10 inch step---neither of which I do these days! I like dancier cardio like vintage step used to be and which I have rediscovered, but I will also do the more "recent" drill oriented step workouts. I feel the choreographed workouts go more quickly than drills.

I do want to comment that complicated up/down moves are not inherently dangerous on the step. We each have different levels of coordination and---for lack of a better term--rhythm. Some of the moves take practice, and if it looks too complicated to me at first, I just stop and watch and practice. Or do a different workout if I'm not in the mood to learn it! I know my limitations. Pretty much any activity can cause injury of some sort and step IMHO is no more likely than anything else.

[Fitstick]

I love step! I remember back in the day cursing out Christi Taylor because I couldn’t pick up the choreography, but eventually I did and have had tons of fun with it. I like some of the dancy moves because it seems more fun than just drills. I keep my step height at the lowest level and have done that for years, it works for me. I try to do a step type workout a couple times a month. I would love some new step dvds.

[anne]

I do step 1 to 3 times a week. For a long time I was stepping 4 to 6 times a week but I injured my hip really bad--the worst ever--several months ago and it's still not completely better. I really enjoy step class so I go but take it easier and leave early if I have to. Ellen Barrett workouts are helping a lot lately, too.

[Joni O]

When I do a Firm that has some step in it, I sometimes do it. Sometimes I FF through it. It hurts my knees. That’s about it.

[videofit]

Never