does step aerobics make your legs bulk up?

[thaispice]

Hi VFers,

I finally caved and got a step. My biggest problem area has always been my legs, especially my thighs. Not only do my quads build up very easily, I have inner thigh fat that persists no matter what the scale reads.

So I'm wondering, what are your results from step aerobics? Have you found that your legs bulk up when you increase the frequency with which you do step? And is there a difference in results depending on the style of step aerobics, e.g., complex dancy but lower-impact routines vs. athletic plyo-heavy routines?

Thanks in advance for your input!

[moonbeam31]

I think I heard that if the step is too high it will build the quad up too much. If you are short-keep it to 4"-6" in height. If you are tall (long-legged) you can go higher like to 8'. Correct me If I am wrong here-but it makes sense to me. I am 5'3 and would never really go higher than a 6" step for faster cardio step routines. Later on I started using just a 4". I really do not step much anymore though...It never really seemed to help my thighs and I did step quite regulary too. I don't eanymore and they are not much different. Good Luck!

[mabyrd1]

I do step every week but I am short 5'3 and only use 4' step!!I love step as my cardio (older cathe and Christi Taylor are my fav)!! I also so a good bit of The firm for weights!! But my husband always tells me how sexy my legs are and co workers always comment on how toned my legs are, lol!! My mid section is my trouble spot!! I hope this helps!!

[bfit]

I've been stepping for years (although not every day), and I don't think my legs are bulky or have gotten any bulkier over time. I think step aerobics is a really good cardio workout and helps with endurance, especially in the legs.

[Mopsy]

Originally Posted by mabyrd1

But my husband always tells me how sexy my legs are and co workers always comment on how toned my legs are, lol!! My mid section is my trouble spot!! I hope this helps!!

A little off-topic, but what kind of work do you do that your co-workers can get away with comments about your legs?

thaispice: Step is a cardio workout. Any time you do the same type of cardio workout repeatedly, you may create a muscle imbalance, whether it's step, spinning, running. I like step for it's cardiovascular effects, but I do different types of cardio in order to work different muscles. I hope this makes a little sense.

[Jennifer R]

I loved step for many years, and still do, but I don't do it much any more because it aggravates an SI joint problem I have. boo hoo

I'm short, and short legged to boot, so I have had to come to love my quads. The only thing that made them bigger was heavy weighted lower body work. Step didn't make my quads bigger, but I used a 6 inch step for many years, moving to a 4 inch before I drastically curtailed my step workouts.

Step was not what injured me, BTW, it just aggravates the pain so I only do it rarely any more.

Just remember--when you get older, strong quads are what will keep you out of the nursing home! As long as you are able to get up and down off the toilet by yourself you can be independent!

/nursing perspective provided free of charge/

[Sophie]

Originally Posted by Jennifer R

Just remember--when you get older, strong quads are what will keep you out of the nursing home! As long as you are able to get up and down off the toilet by yourself you can be independent!

/nursing perspective provided free of charge/

Truth. Leg strength and power is a crucial factor in independence in later years. Not just the toilet, but stairs, sofas, in and out of cars.

All that said...I don't think step aerobics created substantial muscle mass for me. But then again I've never done step all on its own - always mixed with other things.

[mabyrd1]

Originally Posted by Mopsy

A little off-topic, but what kind of work do you do that your co-workers can get away with comments about your legs?

thaispice: Step is a cardio workout. Any time you do the same type of cardio workout repeatedly, you may create a muscle imbalance, whether it's step, spinning, running. I like step for it's cardiovascular effects, but I do different types of cardio in order to work different muscles. I hope this makes a little sense.

LOL-I guess I should have stated it was my girlfriends at work!! I guess I would probably faint if any other the guys said anything. I mostly work with women and we are very close-no problems with comments from them, LOL!!

[Mopsy]

Originally Posted by mabyrd1

LOL-I guess I should have stated it was my girlfriends at work!! I guess I would probably faint if any other the guys said anything. I mostly work with women and we are very close-no problems with comments from them, LOL!!

After I posted I realized it's really none of my business, and yes, I can see where "friends from work" can discuss things like this. It was just my initial reaction and I posted in a hurry. Glad it's all good

[moonbeam31]

Originally Posted by Jennifer R

I loved step for many years, and still do, but I don't do it much any more because it aggravates an SI joint problem I have. boo hoo

I'm short, and short legged to boot, so I have had to come to love my quads. The only thing that made them bigger was heavy weighted lower body work. Step didn't make my quads bigger, but I used a 6 inch step for many years, moving to a 4 inch before I drastically curtailed my step workouts.

Step was not what injured me, BTW, it just aggravates the pain so I only do it rarely any more.

Just remember--when you get older, strong quads are what will keep you out of the nursing home! As long as you are able to get up and down off the toilet by yourself you can be independent!

/nursing perspective provided free of charge/

I This! So true, though!