Suggested Step Height

fitover40

fitover40

Cathlete
Does anyone know (I'm sure someone here does!) if there is a suggested step height based on someone's height ?

The reason I ask is, I'm 5'5" and I'm using 1 riser, but wondering if 2 risers is something I should be aiming for for the best workout.

TIA for any info!
 
I have seen people discuss this, saying that taller people should use a higher step. I'm not sure what the guidelines would be. I'm 5'6" and I am most comfortable with 1 riser. I have tried higher, but it doesn't work for my knees (or the rest of me). I'm sticking with one riser.
 
I'm with you Jodi. I am 5'6" and use only 1 riser. My knees like this better. There are ways to up the intensity without increasing your risers. Do what is safe and comfortable for you!!
 
I'm 5'5" and I use one riser. I used 2 in my younger days, but now at the age of 46, I'm kinder to my joints;)
 
I'm 5'5 and 45, pushing the 46 mark....also use 1 riser... It allows me to go deeper into the moves like repeaters etc... I find if I use 2 risers I am overly focused on not "missing" the step and dont give it my all.....IE: LowMax on 1 riser is a KILLER leg workout for me because of this very fact- with 2 risers its so high in cardio factor that I lost the leg factor....I prefer legs;)

The greatest fitness wisdom I have gained is that higher doesnt mean better... Intensity & effectiveness of a workout is 100% dependent upon the form & focus of the exerciser.
 
I am 5'9" and I don't use any risers. My knees have been much happier since I have given up the risers and I can still work hard and get my hear rate up. I am also Mr. Bean clumsy so I feel much more confident skipping the risers and not landing on my arse.
 
I'm a nut that generally uses 2 on each side b/c I love the challenge :eek: I'm not sure how "old" my knees are yet or if I'm still in my younger days...but I refuse to believe otherwise :p
 
boybielicious said:
I'm a nut that generally uses 2 on each side b/c I love the challenge :eek: I'm not sure how "old" my knees are yet or if I'm still in my younger days...but I refuse to believe otherwise :p
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Your knees will let you know if they don't like the 2 risers. :) You're probably fine if they haven't.

My knees are not old, just naturally wonky and fussy, so I use only 4", though I used to enjoy 8" (I'm 5'5").
 
I'm 5'3" & I went from 2 risers to one when I discovered the difference in cals burned was insignificant, but the difference in how my knees felt was uber significant. :)

But I still use 2 risers for Low Max.
 
I'm 5' 3/4" and when I started with Cathe I did everything on 2 risers. Fast forward 9 years and now I'm using 1 riser for most workouts. I still use 2 for LoMax, LIC but notice sometimes my knees are more achy afterwards.

Not sure if there are any guidelines but you could always give it a try with 2 risers and see how you feel.

JJ
 
I am 5'11" and always used two risers for years and years... but now that I hit 40 my knees are really liking the 1 riser workouts MUCH better... And like Laura said - there isnt that significant calorie difference - so why push it... :)
 
I'm 5' 5 1/2" and about once a month I get this surge of energy and use two risers. The rest of the time I definitely use one. Can concentrate on the workout better.

Have a good one,

Janie

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I'm just under 5'6", but I use two risers on all except videos where Cathe recommends using one (Imax 2 & 3, Drill Max, for example). It really does make a difference in intensity when you add the second riser. But safety is important, so use what you feel is a safe height for you!
 
Ever since I started step I have used one riser. I also am short. I remember a discussion on here about how the second riser didn't make a significant difference.
Ellen
 
I think a person's height is only one factor ---leg length is very important since the angle of the knee when stepping makes a big difference. I am a long legged 5'6" person who used to use a 10" step regularly and now use an 8" step to make sure I don't have knee issues which I started to have with the 10" step. And I'm older than most people on this board :D

The bottom line is I think you listen to your body and if your knees hurt, lower the step, at least IMHO.
 
I am 5'7" and 40 and I used two risers until earlier this year when I started having major knee issues after doing Cardio Coach. At first I couldn't even do step, then I got back to four inches and now I am at 1 set of risers. My knee no longer likes 2 risers, which is okay because I found I can get a good workout with just one. Like everyone else said just listen to your own body and do what feels good.
 
Another 5'5" here - I have the old Firm step which is either 6" or 10".

I typically use the 6" and when my knees were aching (as many others have mentioned) I stopped using the 10" for step except Lo Max, which is a much slower and easier DVD.

With the lower step I just up my intensity such as jump on alternating knees, around the worlds, etc.

I did notice that a couple of the taller ladies use 2 risers, but I bet they are at least 5' 10".
 
Thanks for everyone's input. I'll quit feeling like I need to strive for 2 risers and not feel guilty. I was wondering how the heck I would ever do cross country or fast foot repeater with 2 risers.....now I can quit worrying and continue enjoying stepping. Cathe is so fun, isn't she?
 
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