Are you getting bored with your aerobic/cardio workout?  Does it seem less challenging than when you first started?  You might be ready to add an aerobic step bench to your routine.

An aerobic step bench is simply a portable step which measures about 3 feet by 1 foot.  It’s best to start with about a 6 inch height, then increase the height as needed.  You’ll want to choose a stable, well-balanced bench with a textured, non-slippery surface.

In addition to really ramping up the cardio benefits of your workout, adding a step strengthens and tones your thighs and butt.  Using these large muscles requires more energy so you burn more calories.

For my routine I like to create a circuit where I alternate step moves with other aerobic activities.  This is much more fun and less boring when I put on some lively music!  If you have trouble coming up with a variety of routines involving aerobic steps, there are plenty of DVD’s to get you going.

Do you have a Nintendo Wii?  There are several step aerobic activities available to go with it.  Using a variety of approaches will motivate you to keep doing your workouts regularly.

An aerobic step bench should not be used by beginners.  When just starting out, you should let your body become accustomed to less stressful activities, then kick up the intensity level gradually by adding a step.  Increasing the height of your step will increase your workout intensity but be less stressful on your body than jumping rope.

People who have knee or balance problems, and those who are obese, should use extreme caution when attempting to use an aerobic step.  If you feel  discomfort in any part of your body, or if you feel at all unstable, this is your body’s way of saying, “Don’t do that!”

Related link:  Nintendo Wii

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