• Step Exercise Program

Quark free trial. Step aerobics, which revolutionized the fitness industry when it was introduced in the late 1980s, is a versatile training modality that can be made more or less intense by simply changing the height of the step, performing movements through different ranges of motion or adjusting the step cadence. The research-supported benefits of step training include cardiorespiratory fitness, weight management and mood enhancement.

Platform HeightPlatform height is dependent on the exerciser’s level of aerobic fitness, current skill with step training and degree of knee flexion when the knee is fully loaded while stepping up. Deconditioned individuals should begin on 4-inch steps, while highly skilled and experienced steppers can use 10-inch steps. The most common height is 8 inches.Regardless of fitness level or skill, participants should not exercise on a platform height that causes the knee joint to flex deeper than 90 degrees when the knee is fully loaded (when all the body weight is on the leg of the first upward step). Individuals with chronic knee problems should seek their physician’s approval to perform step training. PostureThe head should be up, shoulders down and back, chest up, abdominals lightly contracted and buttocks gently tucked under the hips. Do not hyperextend the knees or back at any time.

When stepping up, lean from the ankles and not the waist to avoid excessive stress on the lumbar spine. Stepping UpContact the platform with the entire sole of the foot. To avoid Achilles tendon injury, do not allow the heel to land over the edge of the platform. Step softly and quietly to avoid unnecessary high impacts. Look at the platform periodically to ensure proper foot placement.

Stepping DownStep close to the platform (no more than one shoe length away) and allow the heels to contact the floor to help absorb shock. Stepping too far back while pressing the heel into the floor could result in Achilles tendon injury. If a step platform requires stepping a significant distance from the platform, do not push the heel into the floor. Keep the weight on the forefoot.

Leading FootChange the leading foot (the foot that begins the step pattern) after no more than one minute. The leading leg experiences greater musculoskeletal stress than the non-leading leg. Propulsion StepsDo not perform propulsion steps (in which both feet are off the floor or platform at the same time) for more than one minute at a time. Propulsion steps result in higher vertical impact forces and are considered an advanced technique.All propulsion steps should be performed up onto the platform and not down from the platform. RepeatersTo avoid stress to the support leg, do not perform more than five consecutive repeaters (in which the non-weightbearing leg repeats the movement, such as in a knee lift) on the same leg.

ArmsMaster the footwork before adding the arm movements. Avoid using the arms at or above shoulder level for an extended period of time, because this places significant stress on the shoulder girdle. Be sure to frequently vary low-, mid- and high-range arm movements.

Step Exercise Program

MusicMusic tempos above 128 beats per minute (bpm) are not recommended. Technique and safety are seriously compromised when music speeds are too fast. WeightsThe use of weights during the aerobic portion of step training produces little if any increases in energy expenditure or muscle hypertrophy. However, the risk of injuring the shoulder joint is significantly increased when weights are rapidly moved through a large range of motion, especially if the arms are fully extended. It is recommended that weights be reserved for the strength segment of a step training class.

Additional ResourceAmerican Council on Exercise.

There is strong experimental evidence to indicate that regular aerobic exercise can prevent disease, decrease the risk of falling, reduce physical disability, improve sleep, and enhance mood and general well being. Despite these benefits, approximately 50% of sedentary adults who start an exercise program stop them within the first 6 months of involvement.

To help older adults initiate and adhere to a regular exercise program, a seven step approach was developed and implemented in a continuing care retirement community (CCRC). The seven steps include: (1) education; (2) exercise pre-screening; (3) setting goals; (4) exposure to exercise; (5) role models; (6) verbal encouragement; and (7) verbal reinforcement/rewards. Following implementation of the seven step approach, 40 (19%) of the 212 residents living in the CCRC exercise regularly. Previous article in issue.

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