Step Platforms

Step platforms are one of the most basic forms of exercise equipment. A mobile step platform is easy to transport because it is usually one piece, and sometimes a step platform can be folded so that you can carry it more easily. In general it does not matter what brand of step platform you buy, because whether you get a Kathy Smith step platform or a One Step exercise platform the basic idea is the same: it is a platform that you step onto and off of. Some step platforms are made from different materials, but there seems to be little concrete reason to justify the additional cost of spending up to several hundred dollars for what is essentially the same step platform.

The exercises that are done using step platforms are varied but all revolve basically around stepping up and down. Step platforms are often used in large scale gyms for classes where anywhere from a handful to a couple dozen people will perform different steps onto the step platforms in front of an instructor who will demonstrate the moves and keep up the energy of the room along with music. There are various steps that are used including straight forward and back steps as well as cross steps and these exercise slightly different sets of muscles in the legs.

Performing exercises on step platforms is a good source of cardio exercise as well as being a good high impact form of exercise for the legs. It can also be a more low impact form of exercise depending on the technique that you use and the material that the step platforms are made out of (if they are a soft material, if they have padding, etc.), and can be easy or stressful on the joints. Because of this step platforms can be used to burn fat and they can be used for a range of exercise goals. Since a lot of the differences in the types of exercises that you do with step platforms have more to do with the form that you use and the amount of effort you put in than anything else, you can easily go with one of the inexpensive varieties of step platforms or even make one for yourself if you are planning on using a step platform for home exercise from an exercise video cassette. Good luck burning fat and getting good cardio with step platforms.