The Reebok Original Aerobic Step is stable enough to be used for many different compound and intense movements. This step is designed to be abused by the heaviest-footed workout enthusiasts with three different height settings and a secure base.
The step can be set at 6, 8, or 10 inches in height and remains equally stable throughout the range. Once you get the hang of adjusting the feet, the Reebok step becomes an excellent choice for a home or public gym setting. Reebok claims that this step is rated for up to pounds.
Throughout our testing, we had a pound man jump and step onto this bench while holding a pound kettlebell. The base never bowed or showed any signs of aggressive impact. The plastic and rubber come together to create a stable and useful platform with good traction.
As much as we love the Reebok Original Aerobic Step , it is worth noting that the joints for storing the feet are very tight. Our main tester was physically unable to pull the feet off without assistance. However, once we figured out the pattern and loosened the joints up by connecting and disconnecting them a few times, it became easier. Still, we find that adjusting this exercise step isn't as intuitive as other models — though that is our only point of criticism.
If you're looking to add a bench that can be used for step-up activities as well as support for heavy lifts, we think you'll be quite satisfied with this option. The Reebok is stackable and easy to move about 24 pounds , making it an excellent choice for group fitness and gym environments.
Throughout our research, this step stands out amongst the rest as a real winner for plyometric exercises. Plyometrics can be described as the rapid contractions of muscles as a modality for building strength.
Simply put, plyometrics is the act of jumping and rebounding to develop muscular strength and endurance. The Escape Fitness riser is octagonal, which allows for dynamic, degree motion during a workout. In addition to a multitude of accessories for this step, this highly unique shape makes it very versatile. Each step is sold individually, so if you choose to buy them, you can securely stack them to your heart's content.
The wide and balanced support base allows the Escape risers to safely stack to a height well beyond most of its competitors. If you opt to purchase the long, oval-rectangular platform, you open up your options to include a more traditionally shaped step or an incline bench. The upper and lower portions of this step are coated in a thermoplastic rubber that is super grippy. Additionally, the smooth texture of the surface allows for easy cleaning.
It is quite apparent that these risers are well made. Unfortunately, the Escape Fitness isn't always the most practical choice. To have more than a not-even-5" platform, you'll need to purchase extra risers separately. Many of the platforms in our roundup offer the option to purchase additional risers, but those options come with at least two risers included in your initial purchase. To gain some notable height with the Escape Fitness risers can get to be pretty pricey.
Overall, we think this particular platform and its corresponding accouterments would best be utilized in a functional fitness-type setting. The base is not quite wide enough for a true step aerobics workout, and it isn't a budget option. But if you are looking to outfit your home gym with some state-of-the-art equipment, you'll likely be pleased with what you get for the money with this setup. If you have ever attended a step aerobics class or participated in group fitness at your local gym, you are likely to have used the The Step Original Aerobic Platform.
This platform is ubiquitous in the world of fitness, and while we don't think it is the best on the market, there are many things we do love about it. Not only is it affordable, it offers a lot of versatility with its stack height.
You can choose to purchase it with two or four risers we tested it with two and then can buy additional risers as you wish. There is also a health club size version that offers larger platform dimensions — we tested the circuit size. Unlike many platforms in our roundup, this one doesn't max out after being built up to a mediocre 10" — you can stack away to your heart's content.
We do not recommend stacking it too high, but with the easy-to-move-risers, you'll be able to work on really improving those hops. The risers can be neatly stacked out of the way in your home gym if you need to create more space, and the lightweight design makes it very easy to move. The Step Original is known for being exceptionally slippery on wooden gym floors and Berber carpet.
This slip risk increases by quite a lot when the step is used without risers. Our head tester is adamant that she will not let anyone use a step in group classes without at least one riser on each side beneath the platform. On top of that, the loose-fitting stack structure of the risers creates an added amount of liability if the user doesn't double-check how they are stacked.
However, if they are properly aligned, The Step is truly a wonderful addition to any gym setup. We recommend this platform to anyone looking to try out an exercise step platform without a huge financial commitment. Because of that, this is also a great choice for bulk-purchasing for a public gym setting — probably why so many gyms use this recognizable classic!
This 16" square step platform is versatile enough to justify its slightly higher price tag. It comes with four risers that can stack up to create a 12" platform, allowing each workout to be fully customizable. The risers come together with the "loose-locking" mechanics of older-style steps.
The square shape allows the grooves to sit together more firmly than rectangular-shaped versions, and this style is easy to adjust on the fly and lightweight. The risers are very sturdy, and each comes with four nonskid feet to help the platform stay put and protect floors. The rough upper surface is easy to clean and texturized enough for use during super-steamy workouts, and the platform is constructed of recyclable and highly durable high-density polyethylene.
While we could certainly get our sweat on with the The Step High Step , its small platform is less versatile than we prefer. The platform is not quite large enough to support a wide stance or big feet. You have to get creative if you want to use a platform of this size for a full-body style circuit. However, the ability to go from 4" to 12" so effortlessly is a bonus. The High Step won't cross over into a bench like many others in our roundup, but the compact size makes this a good choice for space-conscious exercise enthusiasts.
As with others of this shape and size, you may need to get creative if this is the only platform available to you. Still, we love how it goes from 4" to 12" with very minimal effort. The loose-locking risers come together to weigh about 13 pounds and are claimed to support up to pounds. This platform's technology is very basic, but the plastic definitely holds up to daily use. Each riser has four nonskid feet beneath it, which helps protect the floor surface beneath it while in use.
Our biggest criticism of the Yes4All Adjustable High Step is that the platform surface texture doesn't prevent slipping very well. Sweaty hands and wet shoes slide off of this platform easier than we prefer. To step up, bend from your ankles rather than your waist.
Press firmly into your grounded foot as you lift the other to step up. This prevents you from putting too much stress on your lower back. When stepping down, place your feet no further than one shoe length away from the platform and press into your heels for shock absorption.
If a move requires you to step further back, press into the front of your foot. Make sure you have a solid handle of the footwork before adding in anything extra. Start in a beginner class until you get the hang of it and want to advance your practice.
If and when you want more cardio, add arm movements into the routine. Some classes use jump ropes, resistance bands, and kettlebells. You can make it more difficult by using ankle or hand weights and incorporating arm movements. However, all of these should be used with caution since they can lead to injury.
The staying power and popularity of step aerobics speaks for itself. Get into the groove and have fun with it. You may start to truly enjoy it and find the time passing quickly as you reap all of its benefits.
Make step aerobics a part of a healthy lifestyle that includes plenty of exercise, a healthy diet , and stress-reducing activities.
Talk to your doctor before beginning any new exercise program, especially if you take any medications, have any health concerns or injuries, or plan to do a high-intensity class. Exercise is good for you, but getting started can be tough. Stepping Up Contact the platform with the entire sole of the foot. Stepping Down Step close to the platform no more than one shoe length away and allow the heels to contact the floor to help absorb shock.
Leading Foot Change the leading foot the foot that begins the step pattern after no more than one minute. Propulsion Steps Do not perform propulsion steps in which both feet are off the floor or platform at the same time for more than one minute at a time.
All propulsion steps should be performed up onto the platform and not down from the platform. Repeaters To avoid stress to the support leg, do not perform more than five consecutive repeaters in which the non-weightbearing leg repeats the movement, such as in a knee lift on the same leg. Arms Master the footwork before adding the arm movements. Music Music tempos above beats per minute bpm are not recommended.
Weights The use of weights during the aerobic portion of step training produces little if any increases in energy expenditure or muscle hypertrophy. Bricker Preview the PDF. Buy Now. Get in the Know Stay connected with us to get the latest health and fitness news, innovative workouts, healthy recipes and wellness tips. Enter your email. I'd like to receive the latest news and updates from ACE. Why do muscles tighten up? Do men and women have different nutritional needs?
Ray Irwin and Gin Miller, a collegiate gymnast and the creator of the original Step aerobic and fitness platform, found the American brand Step Fitness and Recreation Inc. The versatile and revolutionary platform did away with the need for bulky exercise equipment and costly gym memberships since anyone could use it for an aerobic step exercise or work out in the comfort and privacy of their home.
While the early iteration of The Step original aerobic platform did not offer much beyond aerobic exercise, advances over the years now mean you can also shape and tone your muscles, improve your cardiovascular strength, increase your stamina, maintain your balance, and burn fat on the same platform depending on how you use it. Not only does the The Step riser set work on all types of floors, such as wood or concrete, it also offers the following benefits to you:. Content provided for informational purposes only.
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