+1(484) 883-7247 diane@dianecatrambone.com

I just started step training again. Back in the day, I was known as the “step queen” in certain circles (a small but powerful group of ladies). I took to step training because of my dance background and taught it for many years while doing the club circuit where I live. Hey.some people did the club circuit in bars, I did it in health clubs. Go figure. Anyway..as my body changed and I became more ‘mature’, I switched up my routines often and got away from step training. I have returned! For those of you who may not know, step training is a cardiovascular workout you can do at home with minimal equipment. All you need is a step platform and at least twenty minutes to fit in a step workout. If you’re just starting to exercise, step training is a great way to get started, and if you’ve been exercising for a while, step workouts are a fun way to vary your routine.

Step is a low-impact workout that’s not hard on your joints but still improves your cardiovascular fitness and burns a significant number of calories and body fat. And, if you’ve got the dance gene, it’s loads of fun! My favorite step guru is found at cathe.com. Cathe is amazing at creating DVD’s that will kick your butt every time.

I used to use an 8 inch platform, now I use a 6. Whatever you decide, make sure you buy a quality step. Make sure the surface is strong and there is no slippage. You want to make contact with the step every time without fear of falling off, so make sure it’s big enough. Place your entire foot on the step each time. That’s pretty much the basics.

I’m having loads of fun getting back into designing my own routines. I’m able to use my creativity, enjoy something new in my exercise routine, and, believe me, I’m being challenged again to raise the fitness bar to another level. When stepping you are constantly changing patterns and movement to motivating music. I’m also including jumping movements to help me with bone density. There was a recent study that showed that this type of high-impact step workout resulted in significant improvements in bone density: hip bone density increased by 3.3%, lumbar spine density by 1.2% and leg bone density by 0.9%.

Like I said, I’m having tons of fun while challenging my cardiovascular system and getting lots of variety in my workouts. Who knows….the ‘step queen’ may return to the health club circuit…Step Class Anyone??