The tall (14") step makes a big difference!!!

[mojolisa]

I finally broke down and bought a 14" step, and all I can say is, Ouch!!! I am really feeling this in my glutes. It also increased my heart rate considerably. I had been using my 8" step, to do reverse lunges and step ups, but adding those extra 6 inches makes a huge difference. I know I'll stick to the 8" for regular stepping, but the 14" step is great for muscle toning/conditioning.

So far I've only incorporated the tall step into Firm workouts (no wonder I used to think those tapes were only moderately challenging). I'm almost afraid to use the tall step with Cathe's tapes, but at the same time I'm really looking forward to see how it gets used in this new series.

Is anyone else having good success with the taller steps?

 

[cmoroney]

Mojolisa,

I have used the 14" srep for step ups and reverse lunges from Leaner Legs since it came out - it does make a big difference because a few times I wasn't feeling so good and did 12" one made a huge difference. I use the 8" club step for stepping.

The sit and stand squats in LL really work you harder when you use the 12" step because you have to sit down lower and then get up - you wouldn't think that 2" makes a difference but believe me it does.

Cheryl

 

[amyfit30]

How much are the bigger steps?? I've been thinking of getting one. I've been using a milk crate, about 11.5 in.


Thanks!

Aimee

 

[m3gbarbara]

Where do you get the tall step at that Cathe uses in her CTX videos.

Thanks,

Barbara

 

[cmoroney]

Aimee,

The bigger club step is 42" long and is 4" in height, you can add stacks at 2" each. If that is what you mean. I use an old Firm wood step for my weight workouts. It makes for a harder step workout going over the longer space.

They sell a bigger step at Colage Video for $99.95 - that is quite high - I think you can get them cheaper in other stores. I remember seeing them for $79.95, but that was a while back. If you use or do step alot then it is worth it.

Cheryl

 

[naughtoj]

You can also just buy more risers for your step. The Original Club Step risers are sold at Spri (?) products online which is where I got mine for 5 or 7 dollars each. It also helps to have extra when you want to decline your step. I think this "extra riser" option is much more versatile than purchasing the Super Step that is in some of Cathe's other videos. However, to get your Original Club Step to 14" you would have to purchase 6 extra risers. I use a Rubbermaid Tool Box on most days but have enough risers to incline as well..

http://www.picturetrail.com/thrashej

 

[pepino]

I am fairly new to the forum here so this may be a repeat-suggestion but here goes...if you are feeling flush, I recommend the Novel Notion step cube...I needed it because the step up to 14" is too high for me (I am very short). This cube is made of wood & adjusts to 4", 6", 8", 10", 12", 14" Heights. It is $108 incl. s & H. (I add a piece of rubber non-slip stuff - used for under rugs or in kitchen drawers - to set the cube on so it doesn't slip on my wood floor).

This has been invaluable to me & so worth the money. I use it at 10" to 12" for step-up work & then use it at 14" for certain ab & stretching exercises. For videos that use a lower step for cardio or lunges & the higher step for other stuff I can just leave my regular full-size step in place at the lower level & nearby is my cube at the higher level, no changing around in the middle of a video. I had such buyer's remorse when I first got this cube but now I believe it was one of my smartest fitness purchases.

http://www.anovelnotion.com/step.html

P.S. Thanks to everyone for the reviews of the new videos - I ordered them all & was having buyer's remorse again thinking the videos would be hard but no fun. sounds like they are fun after all!