Yes, you can do it with a normal step. I have just a normal step, and use this. It doesn't make all that much different. Occasionally I'm aware that the step isn't as high as Cathe's, but it's never an issue. Simple things like when she rests her hand on it when doing rows.. it's not a problem, because you just either don't rest your hand, or use a chair. Don't let not having a high step put you off the workout! Really, the difference it makes is tiny