When do you replace Step

[smartchick]

When should an aerobic Step be replaced?

I have been working out at a community rec center for eight years and they have the same aerobic steps--the STEP brand. (The rec center opened 11 years ago). Three years ago, I quit using the steps for power workouts (only lightly) because they seem to be less buoyant, or supportive. Perhaps no shock absorbency; the steps seem dead.

Everyone avoids the steps with the black tread peeling up at the corners, which can be dangerous if you don't hit your step just right.

I searched all over the Internet and couldn't find information that addresses the life of an aerobic step equipment.

Thanks

 

[MAYNARDSMOM]

Good question!! Maybe you could post it on Ask Cathe if you don't get a respose here. I have had mine well over 10 yrs! Of course mine doesn't get the use like one at a club would. No peeling of the black on mine.

 

[Peaceful Rainbow]

I've had my step for at least 17 years and it's still fine, but that's just me using it and I'm not very big so not a lot of weight coming down on it. Steps in a club would potentially get a lot heavier use.

 

[lesliew1]

My step looks just like it did when I bought it 6 years ago. I wish it started peeling though, so I could replace the teal with a black one. It's so well made I doubt that'll ever happen!

 

[kathryn]

I think a lot depends on usage.
A step at a club, used by many people on a daily basis, would get more wear than a home step, even if used every day.
And a 130-pound person would put less strass on it than a 200-pound (or whatever their upper limit is) person.
I'd look for wear rather than just amount of time its been in use.

I've had my step for over 15 years, and it's still in fine shape (but I don't use it daily, and sometimes not for long periods).

 

[cataddict]

I've had a Reebok step (well, actually it's a Peebok step--the bottom of the r peeled off) for 18+ years and it's in fine shape. There's no "tread" like the club step to peel or wear off so I figure it will last close to forever with only me using it (except the remaining letters will probably go bye bye sooner or later).

I think it comes down to safety---is the tread worn out, is the step cracking, unstable or sagging or otherwise "dangerous?" If not I don't see that it would be necessary to replace it.

 

[dorothyrd]

I have both Reebok and the Step Company. I had to glue the tread back on my Step company, but both are fine. I have had them 13 years.

 

[Runcrazy]

I've had my Reebok Step for 16 years and it REFUSES to wear out! I also have a club Step but haven't had that nearly as long. They are both in excellent shape and I use them both alot. I'm sure steps in clubs have a shorter life but I think they are made to last a long time!

Jo

 

[fargomom]

I own Cathe's small circuit step (25" wide), originally bought from Walmart in 2005. Came with the basic step dvd.

Last week the top cracked ... my husband assures me it's still usable. The crack is on the longer edge, and is about 2 inches long. I'm assuming it occured because I always placed the step the same direction when using it. It's right where I would do the "7-knee repeaters" or similiar moves.

I've wanted to buy the larger, original health club step for a while now. Perhaps I just got my motivation!

(anyone else have similar problems with the smaller step cracking?)

 

[fit44]

My step is over 20 years old This post made me pay closer attention to the tread. Thanks for bringing it up!
I noticed have one tiny area that is lifting so I just ordered a new one from Cathe. I haven't really paid any attention to it because I wasn't using it for step aerobics. STS has given me a renewed interest in Cathe's cardio. I'm working very hard to learn her style! Before, I was too frustrated and gave up on the step.

 

[smartchick]

Everyone thanks for the comments.

As many pointed out, home use by one person will have a lot less wear and tear than a step used in a club.

FYI...the steps are used at least 4 times per week that I know of (more classes may exist). The weight, shapes, sizes of the people varies greatly.