Could Aerobic Steps Fit
Your Blood Pressure Program?

Once I thought that aerobic steps was climbing stairs. Good exercise maybe, but boring. Let's take a look at how wrong I was.

Blood pressure and exercise go together. Generally, the more exercise you have maintained over your lifetime, the more likely you are to have normal blood pressure.

But, let's face it - most of us are not exercise maniacs. If you are one of those who aren't, aerobic steps might be for you.

Step aerobics is a type of aerobic exercise. It is often done to music, but doesn't have to be.

You can do them in a class, in front of your TV as directed by a DVD, or on your own as a simple exercise.

Although you could do the exercise on the first step of a rise of stairs, this is not optimum.

Step platforms are better and safer. They are relatively cheap and can be purchased at most stores selling exercise equipment.

The platforms provide a sturdy surface for a variety of exercises.

The impact level is midway between walking and jogging depending upon the vigor with which you use the steps.

The basic move is to step up with one foot, then bring the other up, then step down in the same order.

Dozens of variations of this pattern exist to break the monotony of repetitive motions. Many are choreographed to music.

You can buy books and DVDs on it. Most libraries have them, too.

Try this type of exercise and hypertension could improve, but first you'll need the steps.

These examples come from the sportsunlimitedinc.com web site, but you can find good equipment in any store having a large sporting goods section.

Step Home Trainer Step - For beginners and intermediate steppers. Non-slip surface on platform supporting up to 200 pounds, portable, 28.75"L x 14.25"W with support blocks, adjustable heights of 4" or 6," lightweight for easy transport, comes with instructional DVD, lifetime warranty.

Cory Everson's Step with Training Program - For value-conscious person with active lifestyle. Quality components, colors and designs, adjustable step board, step training program by Cory Everson.

Step Aerobic Step - Same step used in over 18,000 health clubs. Non-slip surface and non-skid floor pads on platform that supports up to 200 lbs, 43"L x 16"W x 4"H, adjusts from 4" to 6" to 8," has support blocks, can set for incline or decline, includes basic step + cardio & weights DVD, lifetime warranty.

"High Step" Aerobic Step - Muscle endurance emphasis. Non-slip surface on platform that support up to 200 lbs, 16" square x 12" height, 5 adjustable height levels, includes "Muscle Endurance" VHS by Cathe Friedrich, lifetime warranty.

These are only a few of the large variety of steps available.

Prices range from about $50 - $100.

They all fit our exercise and hypertension mode.

For blood pressure and exercise, consider aerobic steps. Of course, a good high blood pressure diet comes first.

But, you need exercise, too, in order to get your body functioning well.

If you don't like the steps, you have other exercise options.

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