How to tailor your FitSteps workout to best suit YOU

Some helpful hints as to how you can take your FitSteps class at a pace to suit you, it really is for everyone!

We know that FitSteps can be done at varying levels of intensity and impact, but what does this actually mean, and how can you use it to tailor your workout?

Understanding Intensity and Impact

FitSteps is designed to be inclusive. You can adjust the intensity and impact to fit your needs. Let’s break it down.

Low Intensity

Low intensity means that the physical effort is made easier.

How?

• Keep arm movements below shoulder height. This helps lessen the raising of your heart rate.

• Reduce the bounce in dances like jive or samba.

• Avoid calf raises and dancing on the balls of your feet.

• Decrease the depth of squats or lunges.

• Skip floor touches and side stretches.

  
  

Low Impact

Low impact ensures that one foot remains in contact with the ground at all times. This reduces the amount of force against the floor.

How?

• Replace moves like “quickstep jump jump squats” with taps or points and closes.

• Keep one foot on the floor for “quickstep tap taps” or “jive Rock ‘n Roll kicks and combos.”

  
  

High Intensity

High intensity is when the physical effort is made harder.

How?

• Take your arms above shoulder height to raise your heart rate.

• Raise your knees higher on jive flicks and add higher kicks.

• Introduce more bounce or calf raises.

• Increase the size of strides and depth on lunges.

• Add twists, floor touches, wider arms, straighter legs, and bend lower into your legs on step points.

  
  

High Impact

High impact means that both feet leave the floor.

How?

• Ensure both feet leave the floor on moves like jumps and jive rock ‘n roll kicks.

  
  

Mixing and Matching Impact and Intensity

Can I mix and match impact and intensity? Absolutely! You can mix and match options to suit yourself. Here are some examples:

Low Impact & Higher Intensity

For instance, you can do jive kicks by tapping the floor while keeping one foot grounded and pushing your arms high into the air.

Low Intensity & Low Impact

You can also try a waltz lunge. Just reduce the size of your stride and keep your arms low while alternating arms forward and back.

Tailoring Your Experience

Remember, variations for both impact and intensity are always shown throughout the class. You absolutely WON'T be the only person doing something different. FitSteps is designed to be tailored and adjusted, and everyone's experience is unique.

You’ll find people of a wide age range and varying fitness abilities in classes. Trust me, you’ll fit right in! New class members are often surprised at how quickly the hour goes by. You’ll be having so much fun that you won’t even notice how hard you are working.

Always feel free to ask me or your instructor for advice. We are here to help you enjoy your journey!

The Joy of Dance

Dancing is not just about fitness; it’s about joy and connection. When you step onto the dance floor, you’re joining a community. It’s a space where you can express yourself and let go of your worries.

Benefits of Dance

Dancing offers numerous health benefits. It boosts your mood, improves your fitness, and enhances your overall well-being. Each class is an opportunity to meet new friends and share laughter.

Finding Your Rhythm

As you begin your FitSteps journey, take your time to find your rhythm. Everyone has their own pace. Embrace it! Whether you’re a beginner or have some experience, there’s a place for you in our classes.

Join Us

So, why not join us? Discover the joy of dance and the health benefits it brings. You’ll be amazed at how much fun you can have while getting fit.

Let’s dance our way to a healthier, happier you!