Sometimes aquatic fitness classes have to be canceled due to weather or pool conditions. Rather than canceling, consider offering low-impact land fitness options for class participants. This low-impact stepping routine can be done with or without a step and as a fun cardio substitute. Join Jackie for a blast from the past with some old-school step aerobics choreography.
Fitmotivation continues to expand the land fitness video category. Whether you teach land fitness or not, these videos can supply you with alternative workouts. They can also inspire you to expand your fitness horizons. Currently, there are several land fitness workouts to choose from, including arthritis, chair exercise, low impact aerobics, muscle conditioning, yoga and more.
Step aerobics will always have a special place in my heart because it was the first fitness format I ever taught. In the early 90’s, I was basically picking careers out of a hat to see if anything would stick. Since I enjoyed going to the gym, I decided to pursue a job in fitness. The year was 1995 and I was offered a personal training position, but only if I agreed to teach step classes. Huh? I had zero experience but agreed anyway. Armed with good music and a heaping does of charm, I bumbled my way through my first year of teaching. However, I was determined to improve, and I eventually did thanks to putting myself in debt with endless workshops and conferences. The education I accrued during that time period still influences my teaching to this day, including my preference for instructing with the add-on, layering and pyramid choreography styles.
Low-Impact Stepping
Jackie teaches Low Impact Stepping with add-on and layering. The layer technique was utilized in step aerobics classes as a means of integrating new students into a more advanced class. The layer technique involves first teaching a move or combination in a simplified manner. New participants are encouraged to stick with the simpler moves. More intricate and advanced options are provided for more seasoned steppers. Regardless of skill level, practice and repetition are required to get better at following along. Instructors should start simple and then slowly add in more intricacy as the students improve their performance. The more you teach the routine the better they will get at it, and the more fun they will have.
With or Without a Step?
If you do not have, or do not want to use step platforms, there are other options. Students may find it helpful to mark a spot on the floor so that they have a visual of a step. Consider using a towel on a carpeted floor or a non-skid mat on a hard surface floor. In the video, an inexpensive yoga mat was cut to the specs of the original step, which was 40 inches (length) and 14 inches (width). However, you can feel free to adjust the size. You can also skip the marker entirely and just do the routine on the floor. WATCH Jackie talk about the Low-Impact Stepping Workout and all of the options.
Fitmotivation will be expanding their land fitness category. If you have any suggestions for land fitness workouts please let us know?
Get ready for three new water workouts to post in January 2022.