Find exercise boring? Have fun getting fit with a blast from the past
LOSE 7 lb IN 4 WEEKS*
If working out feels like a slog, we have some good news – ’80s retro step aerobics is back. Who remembers the bright leotards and leg warmers from the first time around when Jane Fonda’s workout video combined aerobic exercise with upbeat music, changing the fitness world dramatically? It’s not only a great mood-lifter, but it fires up important muscle groups and even boosts your bone health.
‘Step aerobics improves your cardiovascular fitness and strengthens the legs and your bum, as well as knee joints,’ says fitness coach Suzy Alvarez**. This simple workout will target those key areas and have you shedding pounds in no time. Get ready to step to it!
1THE V STEP
Stand tall facing the platform with feet shoulder-width apart. Begin by stepping up and down straight ahead, five times in total, to warm up. Next, step forward with your left foot, as wide as possible and then step forward with your right foot, as wide as possible. Finally, step down with left foot and then bring your right foot down. Complete your reps then switch the leading foot and repeat.
Place your step on a flat surface, wear supportive trainers and make sure it’s adjusted to the right height for you to comfortably step up and down to avoid injuries.
2 SUMO SQUAT PULSE
Place feet either side of the platform, bend knees to squat, and pulse there for a beat of two. Then bring your left leg up onto platform, then right leg up so you are standing on platform, before stepping both feet down again back into the starting squat. Remember, you are stepping, not jumping.
Alternate the leg you step up with each time to complete a rep.
3KNEE DRIVE HIGH KICKS
Step left leg onto platform, bringing right knee up so it’s bent in front of you. Lower right foot to ground for a beat before powering through to kick out leg in front of you. Step off platform. Turn your body to face the other way and repeat stepping up with right leg on the platform. Repeat on other side to complete a rep.
CHALLENGE YOURSELF Learn the choreography in this workout so you can perform it without the instructions. You’ll feel a sense of achievement when you grasp it.
4HAM
