6 inch step vs. 8 inch step

[roscoe415]

I've been working out for 20+ years and just switched to Cathe exclusively. (Sometimes I'll do a Firm workout if I need something a little easier.)

My question is this. I've always done step aerobics on an 8 inch or 10 inch step (Kathy Smith, Gin Miller, The Firm, Gilad), but since I have started doing Cathe's workouts, I find them much more difficult to do on the 8 inch step (mostly the Imax workouts). I use the 6 inch step until I learn the combos/choreography, and I'm pretty comfortable with that. But when I move to the 8 inch step, it's much more difficult. How long does it take to feel comfortable doing her workouts solely on the 8 inch step??? (With the exception of Low Max, Body Max and Step Blast which I do on the 8 inch step.)

Am I the only person that has been humbled by Cathe's workouts?

 

[MadnNatsmom]

>>>>Am I the only person that has been humbled by Cathe's workouts?

Uh, nope.


By "comfortable" do you mean your footwork or your exertion?

I switched from 8" to 6" after my second pregnancy and never felt the need to go back up to 8". I felt more grounded and "in control" of my moves, if that makes sense, and felt just as exerted as with the 8".

 

[roscoe415]

Exertion.

 

[singinggoddess]

As a rule of thumb, I do all the straight stepping workouts on an 8 inch step, but all of the Imaxes I do on a 6 inch step. I can put more into the blasts when I have the 6 inch step. It is also safer on the 6 inch, especially the Imax 3, where she is jumping off the step. I am 5'7 so the 8 inch is easier for me than someone who is shorter. Anyway, do what feels best for your body and don't feel bad if you use a 6inch

Susan

 

[Muffin Top]

Oddly enough, I have never had the urge to go to an 8" step except when I was still doing the beginner rotation and it started to seem too easy. I do all my Cathe workouts on a 6" step. From everything I've heard, no one should ever go higher than 8". Apparently, it's too hard on the knees. If you notice, Cathe uses a 6" step for most of her workouts (except some of the older ones). I figure if I can match Cathe, I'm doing ok!

 

[roscoe415]

I have noticed when I use the 6 inch step, I can give it my all when I get to the blasts. If I use an 8 inch step, I don't give the blasts my all!!!

 

[acatalina]

Nope, Not doing cathe on an 8 in step except for lomax ocassionally.
I am 5 4 and i will fall ove that bad boyyyy...
Imax 3 i still use a 4 . The w/o kills me...
You are not alone......
Anne

http://www.picturetrail.com/acatalina

 

[CDPotier]

I am only 62 inches tall, but I do most of my step on an eight inch step because my heart rate doesn't go high enough when it is on six inches. I think all the years of long distance running has something to do with it. Most of the time, however, I do the Imax's on a six inch step, but I do Step Blast on 8 inches.

An instructor in my gym does step at about 160 beats per minutes, and I think it is much too fast.

 

[CDPotier]

Imax 3 kills me on a six inch step, so you are not alone.