Help....I need input, please.

[fit@home]

Hello! I have been thinking about this for a while now, and I really need some opinions. Okay....I do my aerobic videos in my basement -- concrete with carpet, and then an extra piece of carpeting over my workout area. I am 5'1" tall, and I PREFER to use an 8" step. However, I am finding that my feet and knees are hurting after I'm done working out. When I use a 6" step, my feet and knees feel sooo much better, but I don't feel like I get as intense a workout, although I do tend to jump higher when I use 6". When I use the 6" step and make the moves more intense, that does not bother my knees and feet as much, but it still seems like I'm not getting enough of a cardio workout.

So, I guess I'm just asking for opinions on what I should do. Both my steps are handmade, and I've been thinking about asking my husband to make me a 7" step since 6" is a little too easy, and 8" bothers my knees and feet a bit too much. Incidentally, I was just at Home Depot today to buy that rubber flooring, but they don't have it!!! Boo hoo!!!!! What do I do now???? I would truly appreciate any suggestions!! Thank you!

Hollie

 

[Bobbi]

I think a 7" step sounds great but you definitely need to do something about the concrete. We put in tile and my knees didn't like that! I bought a 6 x 8 interlocking mat from http://www.greatmats.com which I love. Someone on the website recommended it!

Bobbi http://www.plaudersmilies.de/chicken.gif Chick's Rule!

 

[willowe]

Hi Hollie,
I read a similar post on this forum a while ago (I think it was under Ask Cathe), where someone was asking Cathe about lowering their step height from 8 to 6 inches, as they felt this was more comfortable for them, but did not want to sacrifice intensity. She suggested taking a couple of weeks off doing step workouts, and just doing aerobics/kickbox/treadmill/running, etc, but NO step. Then, when you come back to the step workouts, you will feel the intensity more at 6 inches, due to the break. I'm sorry I can't remember the actaul thread name, but if you do a search under something like "step height" for the last 3 months, you should find the question and her actual answer.
Sorry I can't be more specific, but I hope this helps!
Kaz.

Today Is The Tomorrow We Worried About Yesterday And All Is Well.

 

[fit@home]

Thanks, Bobbi!!

I have that link in my favorites now, and I will look it over. I appreciate it!!

Hollie

 

[fit@home]

Hi Kaz....

Yes, I remember reading that thread as well. I definitely don't do step everyday, but even when I do it only 2-3 days a week, it can be bothersome. I think I absolutely need to get those rubber mats for me!!

Thank you for taking the time to respond!!

Hollie

 

[wendyloo]

Hi! How are you judging your intensity? Do you use a heart rate monitor? I would guess that you are probably in a similar heart rate range even when you are just doing 6 inches, and that it would be fine to stay with six. I would recommend a heart rate monitor if you can afford one, so you can see where you really are.
It is ABSOLUTELY not going to benefit you to do something that hurts, so of course you should stop with the 8 inches. Think about how you want your body to be able to function in the future, not just the present, because if you push it too hard and ignore the pain now, it will probably not allow you to do what you want later in life. Obviously since you are asking the question, you are aware of this...

I also have great mats, and love them over my carpeted concrete floor.
Wendy

 

[fit@home]

Oh yes, Wendy....

I do think about the future -- you're right, that's why I'm asking! Hehehehehe.....About intensity, when it comes time to count my pulse, if I'm on 6", I'm not even close the the advanced range for my age group. You know how she's got two columns, one for beginners, one for advanced? On 6" the heart rate number is in the beginning range (and I'm NOT a beginning exerciser). So, anyway, I will be looking into mats and keeping my step at 6" with the higher intensity tapes, and probably 8" for the easier tapes. Thank you for the reply!!

Hollie

 

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RE: Oh yes, Wendy....

Hollie-
I could of wrote your letter myself!!! I have the exact same situation. I would get up at nigh to go to the bathroom, and I could hardly walk my knees hurt so bad. I did lower my step, and have been doing a treadmill routine that Cathe posted a few months ago, and it has helped. But, I think I will also check out that mat. Here's to our knees!!!!
Lori