Feeling Lame

S

Stacy

Cathlete
Hi everyone. I needed some advice/encouragement from the educated crowd. I've been doing step for almost 15 years always using an 8" step height. For the last few months, I've been having some knee and ankle pain so I took two weeks off and restarted my step routines using the 6" height for the first time. I know I shouldnt feel discouraged but I felt like this was a major step backward not to mention making me feel like I am getting old (even though I am :( ) Anyway, during my step tape (I only use Cathe's) my ankles and knees felt much less stressed, but I didnt feel like I was working as hard intensity-wise, BUT during the heart rate check it was still elevated in the "advanced" range. Do you think I would lose any weight loss ground permanently keeping my step at 6" height???

Thanks for any thoughts,

Stacy
 
Hi Stacy,

I have had knee pain for the past year, and completely eliminated the step from all my step workouts (just did them with and imaginary step) for many months. I now use the step (6") during Imax only, and my knee is much improved.
I haven't gained any weight by doing this, and when I do use the step, my cardio capacity is right there where it has always been, maybe even better... I tried using a step with Rhythmic Step recently, and noticed that I REALLY increase my range of motion by NOT using the step. I use up all the space in my living room when I don't have a step, but when I do use it I feel so confined...
I don't think you have to worry :)
Wendy
 
I agree totally with Wendy!

It seems to me that all the signs are pointing to the fact that you are getting a great cardio workout on the 6" step, PLUS you are cutting down on your pain, which is a good thing! Lowering the height of your step does not mean that your intensity is necessarily lower...just think of how much more ooomph (not a real word but couldn't think of a better word to use :))you can put into your exercise if your knees and ankles and feet are healthy.

Veronica
 
I agree with the above replies. I just recently started using the step (without the risers) with step videos after knee surgery in the early part of the summer. I had been using the 'imaginary' step for a long time. I don't jump on the step, and though I don't feel I'm getting the same high intensity workout as I was when the step was on the risers and I was jumping, my knees are thanking me for it. Protect your knees and ankles, they're the only ones you've got!!
Best wishes!
 
I agree with the above replies. I just recently started using the step (without the risers) with step videos after knee surgery in the early part of the summer. I had been using the 'imaginary' step for a long time. I don't jump on the step, and though I don't feel I'm getting the same high intensity workout as I was when the step was on the risers and I was jumping, my knees are thanking me for it. Protect your knees and ankles, they're the only ones you've got!!
Best wishes!
 
Hi, Stacy!

Even though I'm 5'9", with Cathe's tapes, I rarely go above 4" for a full tape. The high bpm and opportunities for power are more than plenty for me--and me being a youngish thing and all. Took me a while to get comfortable with staying so low. I did finally figure out that the beauty of exercising at home is that you can do what your body needs, and don't have to be embarrassed.

:) Gretchen
 
RE: Hi, Stacy!

Stacey,

You are being really hard on yourself! I mostly use 6" these days. I am 38 and have mild knee problems. A few years ago I would never have considered dropping my step height. But I am not only getting older, I am getting wiser. Th intensity is there so it's no probelm. I can do more strength work also. Stop beating yourself up. Listen to your body. That way you'll be exercising years from now instead of sidelined with injuries.
Have you noticed in Cathe's latest tapes, she stays at 6"? She used to use 8" but times change, our needs change. What's important is that you are healthy and fit, not the height of your step!

You go, girl!

Peace,
Bobbi
 
RE: Hi, Stacy!

[font size="1" color="#FF0000"]LAST EDITED ON Sep-24-01 AT 04:14PM (Est)[/font][p]I totally agree with Bobbi. I am also 38 (almost 39)yrs. old and I have just lowered my step to 6" after stepping for the last 11 years. My ego took a little beating but my knees feel so much better. I figure that I am in this for the long haul and there is no sense injuring my knees and getting to the point when I can't exercise at all. My goal is to stay fit and be steppin' into my nineties!! :D

redrocks
 
Hi,
If you have done any of Cathe's older tapes she always used and 8" step but take notice even Cathe has come down to a 6" step the past several years. Most step instructors have done the same thing so there must be something to it. I am sure it a much safer heighth and they feel that you can still get the same workout intensity with fewer injuries. So don't be discouraged about lowering your step look at it that you will be stepping safely and continue to keep stepping no matter what your age.
From someone else who is getting older and has been stepping for about 12 years but when Cathe lowered hers so did I.
Deb
 
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