Cathe, what is my future as a mature "stepper?"

[honeybunch]

Stepping is fairly new so the jury may still be out on this one. What is your experience with "older" steppers, meaning people who make it into their 50's and beyond and use step aerobics as part of their fitness routine? Do their knees give out on them after a while and do they need to use a lower step, or give it up and just do HiLo??

I only step (now) 2 days a week, so the wear and tear on my knees is not that great. I hope I can keep it up 'cause it's fun!!!

In the Taebo commercials there is a gal who is 75, and I want to be like her doing step and the like at her age!!

Seriously, do you have any tips to prolong my stepping years?

Thanks for any input!

 

[Cathe Friedrich]

Hi Carol!

Regardless of what your age, if you treat your body with the utmost respect, you can't go wrong. ALWAYS LISTEN TO YOUR BODY!!! On days that it feels strong, push a little harder. On days that it feels tired, do a light workout. On days that it feels OVER TIRED, take a day off. On days that it feels unmotivated, try something different. On days that it may feel unnaturally sore, evaluate the possible cause and how to improve the situation(did you factor in enough rest days?). If sudden discomfort should occur during a workout, stop the exercise, cool down, and again, evaluate the situation(too much too soon?...need a longer warm up?....time for new shoes?...are you on an improper floor surface?...etc).

If you are specifically concerned about your knees while stepping, here are a few form pointers:

1) Keep your weekly workouts to two or three days of stepping to avoid overuse(on the remaining days cross train with other cardio and strength activities for a well balanced fitness program).

2) Keep your step height on a 6 inch or lower platform.

3) Limit your power moves.

4) Keep your foot placement entirely on the step platform while stepping(no heels hanging off the edges).

5) Do not do high intensity step workouts back to back. In other words, alternate hard workouts with light workouts.

6) Let your foot roll down toe, ball, heel as you step off of the platform, therefore, avoiding bouncy stepping.

Follow all this cautious advice and one day, long from now, your nick name will be "steppin granny:

!

 

[honeybunch]

Thanks for the reply, Cathe!!!

I appreciate your taking time to answer my post!!! I DO want to keep steppin' as long as I can, and I find that one of my worst faults is not planting my entire foot on that blinkin' step...I tend to step halfway on, but I'm making it a point to watch that.

I'm glad your new set of tapes includes lots of crosstraining...the format is perfect for me timewise and activity wise.

You're the best, Miss Cathe!

Look at me, folks...I'm a Steppin' Granny! Catch me if you can!

 

[Forgetful]

Hi, Carol

I took up running a few years back including some racing. It has been my pleasure to finish a 5K with a 96 year old. He came in last but looked wonderful, fit and vibrant. I also ran a 10 miler with a 70-year old woman who was amazing. Listen to your body and you (and I, God willing) will be doing amazing things as long as we live. Here's to your good health and continued stepping enjoyment!

Sincerely,
Bobbi

 

[Amy Steppe]

Great Question--Great Response

Honeybunch, that was such a great question -- I have often pondered the same issues regarding the mature exerciser.

Cathe, thanks once again for the motivational answer. I was feeling rather guilty about taking this day off, but my knee has been rather sore, so I "listened to my body" -- thank you!