How do I learn Step routines??????????
- Thread starter galina885
- Start date
Fit_mommy
Cathlete
This is what I was going to say. I used a folded up towel as my "step". It was the only way I could do it when I first started out. Once you get used to stepping then you can begin learning new routines on it immediately but at first it's much easier to NOT use it.
Try counting out the moves. Most of Cathe's choreography is done to an 8 count pattern. When I started counting the steps I could easily see where I was missing a move or adding an extra step that was throwing me off. I didn't find watching over and over to be helpful...I just keep trying to do the moves and keep the count in my head (or lots of times out loud, lol) and somehow I get it eventually.
I remember the first time I did Step Blast I couldn't get anything past the warmup. I was just lost...then I started counting and suddenly it all made sense. Good luck with it - it's definitely worth it to keep trying becuase it is so fun once you have it!
I remember the first time I did Step Blast I couldn't get anything past the warmup. I was just lost...then I started counting and suddenly it all made sense. Good luck with it - it's definitely worth it to keep trying becuase it is so fun once you have it!
Fit_mommy
Cathlete
I never tried counting before but something made me try it recently and it did help me with a tricky move! I am going to have to remember to use it in the future b/c once I counted out the steps I was able to figure it out! Great advice!
llp
Cathlete
I count, too!!
That is the most helpful thing to me. It took me about 4 years of doing her step to figure that out. Just count 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8.That keeps you going at the correct rhythm, and it also helps with any of her tricky choreography(and other complex step routines of other instructors).
Even if Cathe says it is a 6 count mambo, or 3 count something, count 8 instead, and you will end the series of moves correctly. When she counts 6 or 3 or some other number, and I do the same I get all mixed up!
That's the best advice!
I started out backwards! Followed Cathe & crew left for left, right for right for the first couple months...finally got going mirror style, 'cause what you do on one side....you do on the other.....
counting works great in fours or eights, don't worry about the arm movements until you get the major leg, step moves, repeat one combo at a time, until you start to get it, then move on (you'll still get a great workout)...if you stick with it....after a while you'll start remembering....don't give up...just keep on going!
It really just gets better & better...
Linda
counting works great in fours or eights, don't worry about the arm movements until you get the major leg, step moves, repeat one combo at a time, until you start to get it, then move on (you'll still get a great workout)...if you stick with it....after a while you'll start remembering....don't give up...just keep on going!
It really just gets better & better...
Linda
Barbara P
Cathlete
Yup, counting. when you get used to counting you actually begin to anticipate the next move automatically.
Also, almost all aerobic music has "phrasing" at 32 or 64 count, you can hear it in the music, there will be some kind of change - drumming, or something....and when you train yourself to listen for it, it becomes automatic.
This is why when an instructor is "off the beat" many people, myself included, absolutely cannot follow them. I have walked out of classes (not many because instructors who cannot follow a beat don't last long!) because the instructor is totally clueless about this.
When an instructor understands the phrasing and count, they are very easy to follow even when they use complex choreography (well, easy being a relative term...it's easier )
Listen to the music...
Also, almost all aerobic music has "phrasing" at 32 or 64 count, you can hear it in the music, there will be some kind of change - drumming, or something....and when you train yourself to listen for it, it becomes automatic.
This is why when an instructor is "off the beat" many people, myself included, absolutely cannot follow them. I have walked out of classes (not many because instructors who cannot follow a beat don't last long!) because the instructor is totally clueless about this.
When an instructor understands the phrasing and count, they are very easy to follow even when they use complex choreography (well, easy being a relative term...it's easier
)Listen to the music...
RapidBreath
Cathlete
Also, sometimes Cathe will throw in something that is in a 3 count not a 4, so thats something to watch for, its that back ground she had in marching band (playing flute I think.) There is usually a 4 count pattern that has one move and then 3 moves that repeat (not just repeaters.) Don't be afraid to use the slow mo button on your remote. I just watch the DVD in the beginning and I never use risers the first time.
I started with Gin Miller and Kathy Smith. Gin's choreo is easier. But, then again the workouts are easier and I finally had to just step up my workouts (pardon the pun)
I started with Gin Miller and Kathy Smith. Gin's choreo is easier. But, then again the workouts are easier and I finally had to just step up my workouts (pardon the pun
)
Barbara P
Cathlete
Well it's more than counting how many times you do a move, it's counting the beats. That's why feeling the phrasing is important. Almost everything will end up being finished after 32 or 64 counts or beats (or be continued to the next 32 counts....)Also, sometimes Cathe will throw in something that is in a 3 count not a 4, so thats something to watch for, its that back ground she had in marching band (playing flute I think.) There is usually a 4 count pattern that has one move and then 3 moves that repeat (not just repeaters.) Don't be afraid to use the slow mo button on your remote. I just watch the DVD in the beginning and I never use risers the first time.
I started with Gin Miller and Kathy Smith. Gin's choreo is easier. But, then again the workouts are easier and I finally had to just step up my workouts (pardon the pun