Step ups

A quick and easy exercise suitable for beginners; that can be made more difficult for progression if required.

Workout focus:

Legs/bum/lower tum and cardiovascular fitness (heart and lungs) 

Type of activity:

Strength/mobility/cardiovascular 

Benefits:

Increase your fitness and weight loss (fat burning) 

Time needed:

5 minutes 

Intensity level:

Easy to moderate 

Instructions:

Use a step that is no more than 12 inches high - to begin with, the smaller the better.

Place your right foot on the step and step up with the left foot, then step down again with the left foot: only use the same leg for the stepping action for your desired amount of repetitions - then change over until all sets are completed.

Try 4 sets of 10 repetitions on each leg (rest in between each set if required).

How to make it more difficult:

To make this a little harder, try eventually doing all sets without resting and then, as this becomes easier, try a bigger step or increase the repetitions.

Depending on your level of fitness, do not push too hard and stop if you become uncomfortable. Being slightly breathless is expected and will be beneficial in the long run.

Supplied by:
Ian Stringer
Personal Trainer
Fitness Matters

www.fitness-matters.co.uk