Cathe- 6" vs. 8" for Stepping??

[Roses]

Cathe and the Educated Crowd...

I did Step Works last night for the first time ever on a 6" step (I typically only use 8"). I see in some of your newer videos you use 6" for stepping. Do you always use 6", or when you teach do you switch between 6" and 8"? I felt like I was cheating, but I did the explosive moves with all the gusto I had and my heart rate was lower just a bit. How about the rest of you? Just wanting to hear if I should push myself to stay at 8" or not? My ankles felt better this time but I still felt guilty.

....Sami

 

[pace1987]

RE: Cathe- 6" vs. 8" for Stepping??

Sami I'm not Cathe but she alway says "listen to your body" I wouldn't feel guilty at all. For me I switch days sometimes I do 6" and sometimes I do 8" when I feel my body can handle it that day.

 

[Cathe Friedrich]

RE: Cathe- 6" vs. 8" for Stepping??

Hi Sami! I am pretty much always on a 6 inch step height now. As long as you are still in your training zone, you are getting full benefits. At first, you will feel the difference because your body is making all kinds of adjustments (height, speed, air time travel etc). But if you are more comfortable on a 6 inch step height, stay with it. In about two weeks your body will acclimate to the new changes and you find yourself propelling your body more efficently for the power moves and opening up your stride with greater confidence on the lateral moves. Right now you may feel a bit awkward, almost clumsy at times, because your body is so used to accomodating the 8 inch step height. Give it a chance and you'll be right back up to your original huffing and puffing

Side Note: Stepping at 6 or 8 inches is a matter of preference. Doing either height at any given time is entirely up to you and will certainly change the feeling of your workouts, but if stepping at 8 inches ever presents a problem to your knees, hip, ankles etc: then it is wise to switch to a 6 inch step height.