Tuesday, 7 October 2008
The Step - fitness, the step
To the reviewer who said you can make something like this for $20 or less, well, clearly they don't do step aerobics. This step is designed to absorb a lot of the shock of the moves, making it safer on your joints than wood. There is a nonskid mat on top. It is also sturdy and rated for up to 300 pounds. The step can be used for cardio or double as a weight bench. Additional risers can be purchased to build it up higher. Yes, it is expensive, but so very much worth it for the design and technology that went into making this safe for any level exerciser. I have been using my step for 10 years, and it's still going strong. It's made to last! The Step F1011W Original Health Club Step
This is the exact same size and type of original health club Step as used by Cathe and other instructors in the majority of thier home workout dvds! I had the home-size Step first and didn't like how unstable it was due to the smaller size, so I purchased this one from Amazon. It is more stable and safe to use if directions for use are followed correctly. Hard sturdy plastic with rubber traction, came with 4 risers. Besides stepping, its great to use for a weight bench. Amazon shipped it fast too!
This step is a quality piece of equiptment. It is sturdy and strong and can manage a large amount of weight. Also, when you are doing aerobic moves on it, it does not topple over and come apart like other steps that I have used. It also stores easily under a bed or in a closet and thus, does not clutter up your space. In addition to all of this, it is easy on the eyes as it is black and grey in colour.
I truly like this platform. I owned a Rebok Step platform for years that I thought highly of but I gave it to a friend and bought The Firm Fanny Lifter (the blue and purple one) to save space. While the Fanny Lifter was great (and is - I still use it for leg presses, lunges and other strength building exercises), it was not stable enough for the step workouts I like to do. I have some Cathe Friedrich and Christi Taylor workouts that you need to be able to do some travelling to get the most out of the routines. Also, it is more stable on my less than level 100 year old wood floors than my Rebok platform was. I would recommend investing in this platform to anyone that will use it. If you are new to stepping, perhaps try a class a few times before spending the money or try the less expensive, shorter version. I have seen it for $20-$25 at discount chains. Personally, I have been step training for 20 years (I'm 41) at different impact levels and have no problems. For higher impact I train on the 6" level and lower impact on the 8". My 9 year old cocker spaniel also uses it to get on and off the bed.
I purchased the original "Step" for the size. Most sporting goods stores sell a cheaper in price but also smaller version of a step. A step truly kicks up your cardio a few notches and with this size, it's convenient for doubling as a weight bench.
Once caveat, and it's pretty big for me as an apartment dweller, it is loud!! The step is hollow and echos - when I do more cardio intense exercises (jumping jacks using the step), you can't hear anything else.
This step is exceptionally sturdy and easy to assemble. I was dubious at first because it doesn't require any clips or other connections. You just stack the base pieces and set the step panel on top. The pieces fit together so well and the built-in traction is so effective that when assembled the step feels totally stable. I use it on a polished wooden floor and it doesn't slide at all. Also, it's sturdy enough for heavier people.
The product is great and works as described. Most of my clients however want a higher step so I have to purchase 4 total more of the blocks. The item is sturdy and can easily handle a 200 lb body plus 50 lbs of dumbells in the hands without the slightest visibility of any stress on the equipment.
No step board, nor step deck will replace this original Club Step. It is stable, shock absorbent and anti slippery. What you find at your gym. It came with two risers. Amazon had the best price. I've seen it all over the web for $130.00
I love this step. It was worth every penny to me. I use it all the time for my advanced step workouts. I used to do the firm all the time, but have recently converted to Cathe workouts which use this step. I can't tell you how happy I am with this step. It is sturdy, stable, and the color is nice and neutral - compared to my other firm steps and the old version of this one. I know this step will last for a very long time and is definitely worth the investment.
I researched all my options for step benches and this had more to offer than the rest. The black & grey color of this version is a huge improvement over the cheaper multi-colored outdated version, I'd pay more for something that looks 100% better. I like the multi functional use as a weight bench. - The Step - Fitness - Exercise - Step Platform'
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