Step height question.

[dlsc]

I'm 5'2" and I've been using a 6" step forever but I find my heart rate isn't getting up high enough. The last few step w/o's I used 8" step and my hr got up only I'm not sure if I should continue with 8" since I'm on the short side. Any opinions?

Thanks

Linda (not from the How you doing? scandle)

 

[amybmomofthree]

I think if you're comfortable with the 8 inch height you'd be okay. When you use the 6 inch are you doing as much as you can to increase the intensity? Going airborne, adding high intensity variations, even when the video isn't? I was doing that on my old step because it was small and I couldn't really get the range of motion that Cathe does on the big step. If you're already doing that with the 6 inch, and you don't feel like the 8 inch compromises your safety, I say go for it. You can always back off if need be. Maybe use the 8 for Low Max and the like, and go back to the 6 for Imax and the crazier stuff.

 

[dlsc]

I wasn't going to post this question because it makes me seem like a wimp when some of you are doing bootcamp 2x's thru but i'm glad I did. Thanks for your response - I did everything I could to keep up my hr using the 6" step, even stop stepping and doing plyo jacks just to keep it up. Now I have a use for those other 2 risers.

Linda

 

[winsomehill]

I'm 4'11 and a half"...I must include that half. LOL! I use an 8" step on some of my workouts and it's okay. It can be a little harder on the knees so I don't do it every day. But, I like to mix up my workouts anyway.
Heather

 

[Lunacat]

I'm 5'4" and only use a 6" step. 8" puts too much stress on my knees. You can put more intensity into your moves to get your hr up. Jump higher, squat lower and put a lot of power into the moves using a 6" step and see if that gets your hr in the right range.

Just my .02.



Becky

 

[dani21496]

I'm 5'1'' and I use a 6 inch step for all her workouts except for Low Max. I use an 8 inch with low max. If I were to use a 6'' step for any of the other ones, I'd fall I know it. Also, it would be hard on my knees too, like Becky said.

 

[hippahips]

I'm about Dani's height and I use just the top (4") most of the time. I can do PARTS of Cathe's steady state cardio with a 6-inch, but with some of the moves modified. I still stick with just the top for the most part. Friendlier to my knees that way.

Pinky