Aerobic Step Routines for Men

More and more aerobic workouts that were dominated by women are attracting men. Spinning classes, Pilates and Aerobic Step classes have all seen an increase in male attendance. It’s due to the amazing sculpting and toning results that are being seen with classes that encourage many repetitions of the same muscle movement. There are classes designed especially for men that incorporate more upper body work at the same time that the step aerobics are taking place to create an overall workout that will improve any body.

  1. The First Class

    • Your first step aerobic class will introduce you to the step. It is a platform about six inches high and three feet long. As you begin, it may not seem like a tough workout-- stepping up and down from this small shelf--however, as you continue the class and modify your pace and movements, your instructor will have you sweating in no time.

      The stepping up, down and to the side while adding an occasional kick is the core of the lower-body work out.

    Upper Body is Important

    • A lower-body work out, however, is not the end of the aerobic program. Men specifically seem to want to focus on the upper body, and step aerobics incorporates this as well. By punching or raising your arms in time with the movements, you continue to work all of the core muscles of your body.

      If you’re looking for a particular challenge, you can add weighted gloves or arm bands to make this a more intense workout. These weights are available between one and ten pounds to accommodate your fitness level.

    Facts and Images

    • What draws men away from a step class is the image of a female-dominated class that is highly choreographed and difficult to keep up. Some men find the idea of aerobics and step aerobics to be feminine, or they believe that it will not do as much as core weightlifting and running and other male dominated exercises. Step aerobics raises your heart rate almost 9% more than if you were to run alone. Add to that the joint impact of running (2.3 times the weight of the person) compared to step aerobics (1.75 times the weight of the person), it’s a clear choice that regardless of gender, step aerobics can help you achieve the body results you’re looking for.