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Step Aerobics – Is The 80s Fad Officially Dead?

Now, before you go crazy on me… hear me out.

I’ve been in the health and fitness industry (more specifically health clubs) for a while now and I really have to say that if I were to start a club from scratch… I wouldn’t include an aerobic program at all.

Why?

Because I’ve never REALLY seen these programs work.

Sure, I’ve seen people start to drop weight with step aerobics, but they tend to plateau extremely quickly and plateaus lead to frustration. Frustration leads to doubt and doubt leads to failure.

Studies have shown that aerobic activities can burn away valued muscle AND have shrinking effects on the heart and lungs. Now, of course I’m not taking about aggressive cardiovascular routines that truly challenge the body.

No, what I’m referring to are the activities that try to “put” you in a certain target rate… you know… the vaunted “fat burning” zone.

Listen to this:

Yes, it is true that your body burns more calories from fat when you are operating at a certain effort level like what is experience when most people are involved in activities like step aerobics.

However, what you truly miss out on are the “afterburn” effects that other types of exercises can provide. Most people lose any and all the benefits of a heightened metabolism within 30 minutes of finishing a step aerobic workout. Compare that to the 72 hour lift in metabolism that interval training and weight training can provide and you can now start to understand why many of the people that are actually on the workout floor subjecting themselves to more grueling workouts look and feel better than their “step aerobic” counterparts.

I’m sure you’ve seen all of the step aerobic DVD’s and tapes that go on sale in places like Walmart or even on TV…

Don’t waste your money.

Most people only do these tapes for a short amount of time and then they quit.

Why?

No results… it’s too convenient… it gets stale… etc.

Remember, your body is an INCREDIBLE assembly of systems and it’s ability to adapt to any given stimulus is quite remarkable. That being said, the other downfall of step aerobics is that you are always doing the same routines over and over again and you adapt.

Adaptation = NO RESULTS

There is one good thing about step aerobics though…

Most step aerobic classes are VERY SOCIAL and this social atmosphere actually helps people to continue their workout programs.

I like social programs and working out… the right social program properly formatted will give you incredible results.

Unfortunately, step aerobics really doesn’t fit the bill of what I would consider “proper formatting”.

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Aerobic Machine – Perfect Workout

Cardio exercise machines are excellent for people who are unable to get outside to exercise. Using exercise machines are a great way to condition your body, but natural exercise is the most effective way to lose those extra pounds and inches quickly. These exercise machines are related to cardiovascular and aerobic workouts. The latest exercise machines are so well rounded that they can act as an entire gym in one unit. Because of all their advantages, sales of exercise machines are booming. Also, exercise machines are becoming more adaptable for residential use.

Powered Treadmills

If you feel exercise “machines” are your cup of carbohydrates, give this section a go. Experts agree that weight-bearing activities such as jogging and aerobics are necessary to maintain healthy bone density. To lose fat in your stomach area you need to do aerobic exercises and eat healthy. Fat burning exercises are the slow, aerobic, long duration types of exercise that involve most of the major muscle groups. These fitness machines will give you the slow, aerobic, long duration types of exercise that work best to burn fat.

Peeling of pounds and building muscle tone through fitness training are important goals. Staying in shape makes us look and feel better, which is why health clubs and fitness centers are so popular. Many exercise scientists contend that natural training technologies such as free weights and body resistance movements like running uphill are best for achieving higher fitness levels fast. But remember natural exercise helps achieve fitness goals faster because of the extra muscle required to keep the body moving in balance.

Elliptical Exercise Machines

Elliptical exercise machines are becoming more and more popular and sophisticated in their overall design since their introduction in the 90s. The reason for their popularity is the low-impact design and total body workout these machines provide. Elliptical exercise machines provide an incredibly effective fat-burning workout without the pounding and jarring associated with treadmill running. Elliptical machines with built in, programmable computers and heart rate monitors help ensure that you are getting the most out of your cardiovascular workouts.

To lose fat in your stomach area you need to do aerobic exercises and eat healthy. Fat burning exercises are the slow, aerobic, long duration types of exercise that involve most of the major muscle groups. These fitness machines will give you the slow, aerobic, long duration types of exercise that work best to burn fat. Find out more about Exercises Machines

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