? about 6" vs 8" step

C

ckanuckel

Cathlete
I've recently increased my step heighth to 8" from 6". I felt that I need to boost and challenge my workout and feel that this has done the trick. My question is this, does the heighth increase build more bulk and muscle in the legs or only increase the intensity of the workout.

Thanks for any help.
 
RE: ? about 6

Hi! I've always gone back and forth between using 6 or 8 inch step heights(when I run too much I fight IT band friction syndrome and lower it so my knee doesn't get more aggervated while I can't run. Like right now;( ) But when I am up to 8 inches, I never notice an increase in bulk, just definition. Now this is just me and I'm sure some people do bulk up. So you'll probably just have to keep going at the 8 inches and keep track of your thigh measurements. Honestly my thigh measurements haven't changed in 2 years. I think you'll probably be ok.

Hope this helps!

Aimee
 
RE: ? about 6

I tend to always use an 8 inch step on all my workouts, except Imax. I have noticed that I have increased the definition in my legs and it always gives me a stronger workout!

Jenn ~
:)
 
RE: ? about 6

I also use an eight inch step except for the Imax workouts, and my legs are not any bigger. I find that I can't get my heart rate up when I use a six inch step, and, although I wear one pound weighted gloves, I have trouble getting into and staying in my training zone, when I kickbox.

I have recently started running again, and doing a nice four mile jog keeps the intensity of my workout up. Doing an advanced step workout on an eight inch step usually does. I have thought that I might have to eventually have a cardio mix of just running and step and give up kickboxing.
 
RE: ? about 6

I used to use a 10-inch step on everything but caused myself injury to the Achilles tendon. So I stay at an 8-inch now. I have not noticed any difference in muscle size or definition in coming down, so maybe it works the same way going up.
 
RE: ? about 6

I think alot depends on your height, etc. I am 5'6", and have shorter legs, so 6" work just fine for me. I used to use 8" and noticed my legs slimming down a bit when I reduced my step to 6". I also lost more weight, maybe because I was more in "control" of the movement and could really put 150% into the steps. I don't have any professional answers, but I do know what has worked for me.
 
RE: ? about 6

I just recently went down to 6 inches and I enjoy the workouts so much more. I still get my heart rate up pretty high because I put a lot into the steps but I like it a lot better than 8 inches. It feels more natural to my body and my feet feel better. I have read and do not know if it is true, but you burn 3 calories more per minute with a 8 inch versus a 6 inch step. I would much rather cut back on a snack or two than have it at 8 inches now.

Susan
 
RE: ? about 6

I'm with Susan. I lowered my step height from 8" to 6" and I've actually been able to raise the intensity of my workouts and burn more calories. And, I'm 5'10, with long legs. I don't know why, but I get a better workout on a 6" step.
 
RE: ? about 6

Also on a 6-inch step here. I used to go to 8 inches but I find I can concentrate much more on form if I am not so out of breath! And I agree the workouts are much more fun!

Marie
 
RE: ? about 6

Doooood. I bow down to those of you that can use an 8in step height or higher and not leave step imprints on your face. I think 6 works for me because I'm shorter and I can really concentrate on making the move dynamic. I am the biggest klutz out there so I am a 6 incher for sure ;)


"you miss 100% of the shots you never take"


Debbie
 
RE: ? about 6

I now use an 8" step (except for 1/2 of Imax 3 when I go down to 6"). I used a 10" step for years before that. I never noticed that my legs got bulkier with a taller step, but it is definitely more intense, at least for me.

Leslie
 
RE: ? about 6

Okay, having said that, how many of you do Lowmax on an 8 inch step???

I admit I do, but I am not really happy about it, kind of a dread factor, I guess.
 
RE: ? about 6

I have no choice but to do most of my step workouts on an eight inch step. I tried using a 6 inch step on Tuesday night, and, according to my heart rate monitor, I spent very little time in my training zone. Even when I do Low Max on an 8 inch step, my heart rate goes down too often.
 
RE: ? about 6

>Doooood. I bow down to those of you that can use an 8in step
>height or higher and not leave step imprints on your face. I
>think 6 works for me because I'm shorter and I can really
>concentrate on making the move dynamic. I am the biggest
>klutz out there so I am a 6 incher for sure ;)
>
>
>"you miss 100% of the shots you never take"
>
>
>Debbie


I come close sometimes Debbie!! The other day I kicked the step as I was jumping over it flew about 3 ft. and what a horrible noise. Everyone in the house thought I crashed and burned. :+
 
RE: ? about 6

I only do lomax and low impact step on an 8" step. All of Cathe's other step workouts I do on a 6" step. I have knee issues and cannot do step everyday. I did The Firm years ago (before Cathe) on 10" step and my PT at that time told me I was ruining my knees with that height. I like using the 6" step I can get my heart rate up just by working harder; jumping higher, squating lower etc..
Jen
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Our Newsletter

Get awesome content delivered straight to your inbox.

Top