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SCMP Reporter

NOT so long ago, aerobics was the buzz word for fitness fanatics in health clubs around the world.

   Now, it is stepping, benching, step aerobics, or Step Reebok; all of which mean the same thing - stepping up and down on a platform.

  Conventional aerobics kicked off in the United States in the mid-1970s, reaching its peak of popularity in the early 1980s.

   Stepping was introduced at the end of the 1980s.

  It was launched in Hongkong a year ago by local fitness guru Beth Narain, followed by the step's main promoter, Reebok.

   The international sportswear company launched Step Reebok in the US, and it was subsequently introduced to other parts of the world, including Hongkong. Liz Bradley, a certified instructor and personal trainer working in Hongkong, said: ''The step has taken off well here, and in some health clubs the step aerobics classes are proving to be the most popular.''   There are two reasons why stepping has developed such a following, according to Bradley.

  The first is that it is a new way to work out; a way completely different from the different types of aerobic styles.

  The second point in its favour is that the step routine can be very simple, appealing to men who are too self-conscious with the dance moves in aerobics.

  ''The benefit of a step class is that it is a phenomenal work-out which emphasises the lower body or larger muscle groups - and that's the bottom line to an effective cardiovascular work-out,'' Ms Bradley said.

    However, while the actual moves of the workout are much simpler than in conventional aerobics, a higher degree of concentration is required.

  Hand-held weights can also be used during step classes but, as Bradley explains: ''Physiologically, the hand-held weights will not make that much difference to the work out, because the primary focus should be on the lower body muscles. However, perceived exertion does increase a great deal.''   If steppers do insist on using weights, they should ensure that they are not carrying more than two kilograms.

  A simpler way to increase the intensity of a step workout is to use a higher platform. For example, the basic Reebok step is 10 centimetres, so to increase the intensity of a workout, levels should be added to a maximum of 20 cms.

  Having different step heights also enables instructors to teach multi-level classes.

  It should be noted, however, that the height of those stepping should be taken into consideration.

     And once local fitness enthusiasts feel they have progressed to the highest point with basic step aerobics, they can start exploring the new varieties of stepping that are appearing in health clubs throughout Hongkong.

  ''As with conventional aerobics, step has now diversified to incorporate such new techniques as the power step and the funk step, and there is even the interval step, in which the class alternates between conventional aerobics and the step,'' Ms Bradley said.

  So, step up to a healthy time this summer.



Take a step towards a new craze