Step Aerobics?

[Octoberbride03]

Hi all

I'm thinking about starting step aerobics as part of my exercise routine. But I don't have the actual step and its a little more than i want to spend right now.
So I was wondering if any of you have done it and substituted something else for the step while getting used to the program. I do have The Firm's Fanny Lifter, but I'm wondering if it would actually be wide enough to use.

TIA

 

[Stephanator]

I used to take a step class and when I first started out, I actually just did all the moves on the floor without the step. It was the best way for me to make it through the whole hour long class without giving up. Also, I was able to get really good at understanding the step pattern basics. It's better to work out on the floor (without a step) than not at all, I say.

 

[Octoberbride03]

What did you do when when you were supposed to step up? Just lift your leg like you were stepping or take a wider step on the floor? I really doubt I do a whole hr. I'm looking at collage.com and getting s video from there. I work out a stability ball usually but need something new.

 

[Stephanator]

I just visualized a square on the floor as the step and do the step "inside" that box without really stepping "up". Just making the motions. So if I was supposed to step up with my left leg and kick with my right, I'd just step with my left leg and kick with my right.

The reason I did an hour was because it was a class at our local community center I signed up for and that's what was offered. If I was doing it on my own, I'd probably stick to shorter routines too! I was also thinking you might want to see if you can find a step second-hand. We all know that exercise equipment is one thing that folks get rid of, so you could check thrift stores, garage sales, cragislist, etc... if you decide you really do like the stepping routine.

 

[LuvBaloo]

I started stepping before I had one, and to try it at first, I just put a mat on the floor to have a target, then I tried a piece of 3/4" plywood. I've done it in hotel rooms using the phone books (one for each foot) but I only did that in bare feet otherwise it was slippery.

Another option:
If you have access to paper boxes, the lid from them is the right height for a beginner step (about 1.5") and you just put some books down on the floor with the lid on top, the books give it sturdiness, and the box lid, just keeps them from sliding around.

Good luck!

 

[Octoberbride03]

oh that's a really good idea about the boxes. Dh has access to those at work. He's moving from 1 building to another right now, but when he's done I'll ask him to bring some lids home. I have tons of books to go under them. Thanx a lot

 

[AmberInWonderland]

I don't know if you have any good sized thrift stores around you, but I got my step bench at the Salvation Army for less than 10 bucks - and it was one of those really fancy ones like at the gym with the risers you can add on or take off. I come across them quite frequently- might be a way to find a step bench on the cheap!

 

[englishteacha]

My husband made me a small step. It's not quite as wide as I'd like, but it works for basic stepping. I also bought a rubbermaid type step stool for $6.50 the other day that's almost perfect for stepping...it's just a bit high. My mom has one that's a bit lower so I might see if she'll swap. The one my husband built is out of scrap wood and some screws. I could have made it myself, but he's a bit picky about what is "scrap" wood and what isn't. Your fanny lifter would probably work for basic stepping, but some of the more complicated moves might not work. I mainly just step up and down while watching TV. Steps take up much less space than a treadmill!

My thought in my quest for a cheap/free yet perfect sized step was to either convince hubby to build me a new one (but the first took an act of congress so I doubt it) or make one myself out of stacks of old newspapers/magazines and some duct tape. We live in a rural area so our phone books aren't very thick!