Step Height

[Brenda Orth]

I love the new workouts that incorporate using the step. Cathe and crew use an 8 inch step height. I have been unable to do the workouts at that height. Would it be better to do the whole work out on a 6 inch step or do what I can at the 8 inch level? I love the new Ripped with HiiT Lower Body Circuit and X10 step segment, but as many times as I try I cannot maintain the 8 inch height.

 

[Justinef]

Are you struggling to do some of the moves at 8", or is it a case of the whole thing is just too much? If there are just some moves which don't work at the greater height, but others you can do, I'd do what you can at 8". If the whole thing is just too exhausting (and it doesn't necessarily mean you're not fit enough, it could be a biomechanical reason), then keep on at 6" until it feels easy (or easier!!)

 

[jamie vaughn]

Personally I find 8" too hard on my knees when it's a quicker paced workout like these even though I love the cardiovascular challenge of this height - so i keep it at 6" for the most part. I've finally come to terms with the fact that I need to preserve my joints. But if it's slower paced and heavy weights, then my knees can tolerate the higher step height.

 

[Cathe Friedrich]

I love the new workouts that incorporate using the step. Cathe and crew use an 8 inch step height. I have been unable to do the workouts at that height. Would it be better to do the whole work out on a 6 inch step or do what I can at the 8 inch level? I love the new Ripped with HiiT Lower Body Circuit and X10 step segment, but as many times as I try I cannot maintain the 8 inch height.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with doing the workout at 6 inches. In fact it's more common for people to step on 6 inches than it is on 8 inches.

You should step at 6 inches if you are cardiovascularly challenged on a 6 inch platform. You should also be stepping on a 6 inch platform if doing the choreography on 8 inches feels awkward (like you are going to trip) or uncomfortable to any of your joints (ie: knees). We all stand at different heights and are all at different fitness levels. So you have to find the right height that challenges you and is comfortable for your joints. For me personally 6 inches is plenty high for a cardiovascular challenge when I am doing trickier choreography. The fancy footwork, turns and travels keep my heart rate plenty high at 6 inches plus I feel safer doing the choreography at that height.

I like 8 inches when the choreography is more basic in nature or "blast" oriented with simple & repetitive explosive movements. It spikes my heart rate more quickly to a higher level for an interval training effect.

That all being said sometimes I have days where I just feel really strong and light on my feet and I enjoy doing a dancier step workout on 8 inches for a greater challenge and sometimes I have days where I am feeling more fatigued and I enjoy doing a HIIT workout on a 6 inch platform. So you really just need to be intune with your body and do what it can safely do each and every day you workout.

 

[Brenda Orth]

There is absolutely nothing wrong with doing the workout at 6 inches. In fact it's more common for people to step on 6 inches than it is on 8 inches.

You should step at 6 inches if you are cardiovascularly challenged on a 6 inch platform. You should also be stepping on a 6 inch platform if doing the choreography on 8 inches feels awkward (like you are going to trip) or uncomfortable to any of your joints (ie: knees). We all stand at different heights and are all at different fitness levels. So you have to find the right height that challenges you and is comfortable for your joints. For me personally 6 inches is plenty high for a cardiovascular challenge when I am doing trickier choreography. The fancy footwork, turns and travels keep my heart rate plenty high at 6 inches plus I feel safer doing the choreography at that height.

I like 8 inches when the choreography is more basic in nature or "blast" oriented with simple & repetitive explosive movements. It spikes my heart rate more quickly to a higher level for an interval training effect.

That all being said sometimes I have days where I just feel really strong and light on my feet and I enjoy doing a dancier step workout on 8 inches for a greater challenge and sometimes I have days where I am feeling more fatigued and I enjoy doing a HIIT workout on a 6 inch platform. So you really just need to be intune with your body and do what it can safely do each and every day you workout.

 

[Brenda Orth]

Thanks Cathe! I will listen to my body Thank you for inspiring me daily!

 

[nsaeolian]

I definitely find that as a person with wee 28" legs, the 6" step is plenty high for me. I have tried the 8 and it is verrry difficult for to not trip