One of my favorite things about step aerobics class (besides the insane number of calories I burn) is the ability to take a few simple steps and turn them into a complete step aerobics routine. Even better, if you switch up the steps just a bit, you have a completely different, but equally aerobic routine! Given the many different moves used in step aerobics, the number of different routines possible is infinite. Of course, with so many steps to learn, and little time in class to learn them, it may be difficult for some people to make it through an hour of step aerobics without getting completely lost. I have found it helpful to learn and practice a few basic steps found in most step aerobics classes. Practicing has helped me get the hang of confusing “turn step” that would normally make me dizzy and disoriented.
Also, I now can recognize the names of these steps when the step aerobics instructor calls them out. This means that instead of watching the instructor too close and tripping over my feet, my muscle memory springs into action. Now I can execute most steps when I hear the instructor shout their names. This leaves more time to focus on learning the new moves introduced that day in step aerobics. These are the basic steps that I practice on my own. Try to practice them-you will be impressed by how much you improve at step aerobics!
Basic
Step aerobics classes are built around this move-it is easy for beginners, and can be made more challenging by adding height to the step or doing arms with the steps. To do a basic step, step up with your right foot, then your left foot. Step back down with your right foot and follow with your left foot. “Basic left” means you start on the left foot instead of the right.
Tap up
Similar to the basic step, a tap up means that after stepping on the bench with your lead foot, the other foot will simply tap the bench before returning to the floor.
Split Basic
Begin the split basic like a basic step by stepping up with your right and left feet. Instead of stepping back down, bring your right foot to the ground and tap it before replacing it on the step. Do the same thing with your left foot, returning your foot to the step. Then exit the step as you would in a basic step.
Repeater
Step up on your lead foot, and do a knee lift with your other leg. After lifting your knee, bring the same leg down and tap the floor lightly with your foot. Repeat the knee lift and toe tap three, five or seven times. If you are supposed to repeat three times, the instructor will announce “Repeater Three,” and so on. The knee lift can be replaced with curls or kicks.
Grapevine
The Grapevine is common in step aerobics, but found in many other aerobics and dance classes. To grapevine, simply step your lead food to the side, cross your other foot behind, step out again with the lead foot, and then bring the following foot next to the lead foot. Repeat in the other direction.
A Step
As the name indicates, an A Step should create an imaginary letter “A” on the step. Begin standing next to the step, facing sideways. Step up on the front of the bench with your lead foot and then with your following foot. Step down on the other side of the bench with your lead foot and then follow with the second foot.
I Step
Begin the I Step like you’re doing a basic step, but when both feet are on the step, do a jumping jack before stepping back to the floor.
V Step
The V Step is just like a basic step, except you step up wide, placing your feet on either end of the bench. Return to the beginning position on the floor.
Turn Step
This is where step aerobics starts to lose people, since the step is the simplest of many that involve changing direction.. You’ll begin standing next to the step facing the side. Step up with the lead foot (the one nearest the bench) and then place the other foot on the other end of the bench. You should now be on top of the step facing forwards with your feet wide apart. Now, step off with the lead foot and then step off with the other foot, facing the side you came from.
Corner to Corner
Facing the diagonal, step up on the corner of your bench with your lead foot. Use your other foot to do a knee lift, hamstring curl or kick and then place that foot back in the starting position. Bring the lead foot back to the floor as well and then repeat the step on the other corner, with the following foot from the first side now becoming the lead foot.
