Step aerobics is a great way to lose weight, build muscle, and tone and sculpt your body. When done correctly, step aerobics can work every muscle in the body, while energizing you for the day ahead. There are many step aerobic workout DVDs for sale on the market today and here five that receive five star ratings.
Reebok: Step Circuit Challenge lead by instructor Gin Miller is a high impact step aerobic workout combined with muscle toning exercises that are guaranteed to make you sweat. It is fast-paced, motivational, and includes moves such as leaps, power squats, and straddle jumps. The toning exercises, which require three to five pound dumbbells or a resistance tube, are geared toward the upper body and abs area. In this Reebok workout, a live jazz/funk/African band helps to keep you in time with the 45-minute workout. Ms. Miller provides good instructions and demonstrates the different moves expertly. Included with the intermediate to advanced level exercise and toning intervals is the all-important warm up and cool down sections.
Another five star DVD from Reebok is Power Workout with Gen Miller. This advanced 50-minute step workout is full of lunges, jumps and energetic movements. Because it is an advanced step workout, only well conditioned people who are proficient in step aerobics are recommended for this fast-paced DVD. However, if you start out slow and listen to Gin’s well-choreographed instructions you are sure to master this high impact workout in no time. It took me about two weeks, working out three times a week, before I was able to complete all the moves in this workout. The workout is performed to live music, with flashing lights and shooting flames giving it a futuristic appearance.
ShapelyGirl – Let’s Get Stepping also rates high by reviewers. A team, of shapely girls is lead through a beginning step aerobic workout by Debra Mazda, who is the creator of the ShapelyGirl DVD series. Do not let the name fool you as this workout is designed for woman of all sizes. This DVD boasts how easy and fun it is to learn the simple beginner-level step routine that will help you burn fat and tone muscles. This 45-minute workout includes a 15-minute tutorial section as well as a nine-minute toning bonus.
Karen Voight’s Ultimate Step Circuit step workout alternates between step aerobics and weight training. Karen takes you through seven to nine minute stepping sections complete with jacks and power leaps combined with arm movements. The toning sections are shorter and geared toward specific muscle groups such as abs, arms, and buttocks. This 57-minute workout is a mixed impact level and three to five pound dumbbells are required.
Another exciting step workout DVD is Step by Design with Carole Paradise. This intermediate to advanced workout has a somewhat more complex choreography making the moves more mentally and physically challenging. It took me a little longer to learn this one. However, Carole’s clear instructions on the upcoming moves made the learning easier. This 52-minute step workout is guaranteed to burn fat, and give you an energy boost.
These and other step aerobic workout DVDs can be purchased from Amazon.com, Jumpbumpy.com, Collagevideo.com, Wal-Mart, and Target
Source: Personal review of all DVDs.
