Step or Not?

S

sammy123

Cathlete
Ok, so let's say that you are 54ish years old and up to this point you have never done one second of step... would you start now?
I have been hanging around this forum for a few weeks (way, way too much) and the more I read, the more I want to try it. Cathe's brand new step and a video clip that was posted of a very fun-looking non-Cathe step (footworksfitness) are making me want to start learning. On the other hand, so many people post about how their knees are killing them, etc., I wonder if I've missed the boat on this one.
I should also mention that I already have bad knees from years of running.
Right now I am doing Muscle Max 3x's a week and on alternate days I am doing HIIT for 30 minutes on my NordicTrack with a definite dread factor setting in. I have the three Gym Style dvd's also that I plan to start working in. I try to walk for an hour or so 4-5 times a week.
Is it worth my time to go through the learning process and the expense of starting now at an age when many seem to be giving it up?
 
Well, I'm only 30 but I say step is so fun - give it a go! You can do exercises to strengthen your knees (or any weak area). Before you would invest in the step or DVDs maybe there is a class you can take nearby to see if you like it? A $10 class is a lot more cost effective than $100 step and DVDs.

Good luck!
 
Absolutly, Possitively....DO IT Sammy123!!!! It is so much fun and makes working out something to look forward too.

With that being said, I am very close to turning the big "50" and I just love these workouts! I got my step for Christmas with several Cathe DVD's and honestly.......it's the best gift I've ever received.

I was introduced to Cathe through "Fit TV" back in November 2009, so I am very much a newbie to Cathe's workouts and this forum. Before I got the step.....I used a blanket on the floor!...... It takes a few times to get the hang of it.....but before you know it....you've got it! I say, BUY it.....Best thing I've done for myself in a long time.
 
You;re never too old to learn new tricks. Try just the step sans risers on some sort of padded flooring (no cement!) and keep it lower impact (you don't have to jump as much as Cathe does). A little ice of the knees post workout is also nice.....:cool:
 
I'm 48. I've got a bad knee (2 surgeries including an ACL reconstruction) and have been doing step for almost 20 years. I need to keep it low-impact (no jumping) and I need to be diligent about doing my knee-strengthening exercises, but as long as I do those two things I am perfectly fine. It's a great workout, and lots of fun. To keep the intensity up, I generally use 2 risers at each end of the step, but if my knee is acting up I drop it to 1 riser.

I say go for it. I like chefkate's idea of trying a class somewhere first - just be careful that you don't let the instructor or fit young participants intimidate you into doing anything you shouldn't! If you can find a beginner class, perhaps at a community centre, that might be a good intro.

Stebby
 
I would second (or third) the idea of trying out a class first. Step is kind of like kickboxing - you either like it or you don't. Also, if you have iffy knees, it may not work for you. My knees scream when I try to do step. And I just don't like it - it feels silly to me (I did not get the cheerleader gene, and step makes me feel like I should have ponytails and pom-pons - but that's just me). I love kickboxing, however.
Try it out somewhere first, before you make any investment. That way you can see if it works for your knees and for your own personal preference.
 
Thanks for the responses. I guess I'll just give it a shot because if I don't it's just going to keep nagging at me. It looks like fun and then I'll know if it's something I like (and can do) or not.
It''s not that I think that I'm too old to learn- I just wondered how long a person with questionable joints can keep at it. The more I think about it after reading your responses, the sillier my question seems... why not just try it? I can always use the step for the weight work and I already have workout dvd's that I don't use, so no big deal. Thanks.
 
sammy123 said:
Thanks for the responses. I guess I'll just give it a shot because if I don't it's just going to keep nagging at me. It looks like fun and then I'll know if it's something I like (and can do) or not.
It''s not that I think that I'm too old to learn- I just wondered how long a person with questionable joints can keep at it. The more I think about it after reading your responses, the sillier my question seems... why not just try it? I can always use the step for the weight work and I already have workout dvd's that I don't use, so no big deal. Thanks.
Click to expand...

YAY! Good for you!
 
I say try it (I love Cathe's Step Workouts -- I have them all)! I'm 45 but have been doing step with her for quite a while. Always remember that you can "modify" anything Cathe does (that's the beautify of your workouts!). So definitely give it a try -- I think you will enjoy the workouts and with the modified moves, you will love it!! Good luck!

Julie
 
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