Home > Health > MOMania > Archives > 2008 > November > 30 > Entry
Steppin’ back in time to lose weight
Confident, yet unprepared, I stumbled into my first step aerobics class in 14 years.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
In four years of working out at our gym, I have rarely made it there early enough to attend classes. But a few weeks ago, in an effort to avoid germy children in the childcare area, I got there super early. (I figured fewer children, fewer chances of my baby getting sick.)
The woman dropping off her child in front of me said she was headed to a class. I was surprised that I might actually be on time for one and asked what class it was. They said, “Step.” I said with confidence, “I used to do step in college. I can do that.”
For any woman that grew up in the ’70s and ’80s, headbands, leotards and Olivia Newton John were all de rigueur. We were the aerobics generation.
In elementary school I would listen to my mother’s workout record (long before Jane Fonda’s aerobic video tapes), and prance around the room to Billy Joel’s “Just the Way You Are,” the cool-down song. In middle school, I actually took a PE class where we designed an aerobics routine to Michael Jackson’s “Thriller”!
In college, the new aerobics trend was step. If you went to the University of Georgia in the early ’90s then you probably saw me in the step class at the O’Malley’s fitness club/bar. (They played the same music for the bar as the gym.) I was the one hiding in the back half-assing my way through the routine.
So with all this experience under my belt I sauntered on into that aerobics class.
I picked a spot in the back, per my normal pattern. I felt like I could keep up stamina-wise and thought I would be sort of familiar with the basic steps. However, I tend to be one kicking the left leg out while everyone else is kicking the right. It doesn’t really affect the workout, but you do look stupid.
Step aerobics started out how I remembered.
Step up, step down. Grapevine left. Grapevine right.
I got it. I’m doing it.
To reinforce my aerobics flashback, the instructor was playing all songs from the ’80s and ’90s. It made me wonder: Can you ONLY do step aerobics to songs from that time period?
We had Salt-n-Pepa “Push it,” and a little “Rock the Casbah.” I think there was some Human League and New Order in there too.
I kept up fine through her warm up but then she started doing stuff I had never seen before. Apparently, there have been some developments in the 14 years I’ve been out of the game!
L step — no clue.
Around the world — also no clue.
Something, something straddle. What? Huh?
Luckily the instructor forgot a big chunk of the routine part way through so she just kept repeating the middle section. It was my only hope Obi-Wan.
So the new — well new to me — innovation in step aerobics is that you work your way around the ENTIRE step. So half the time the class is facing backwards — which doesn’t really work for me for two reasons. A. They’re looking at me doing the routine wrong. B. I can’t watch what the teacher is doing if I’m turned around.
So I just decided to face forward no matter what the rest of the class was doing. I was literally looking front while all 24 other people were turned around facing me.
When I got especially clueless I just sort of danced in the back and sung along picturing myself at O’Malley’s at night.
The good news is I don’t embarrass easily, and I figured as long as I kept moving I was still getting a workout
Two ladies came over to me during the class to let me know this was the advanced class and there was an easier class on Monday.
I told them I didn’t care if I was off. I had enough stamina just not the coordination.
The teacher came up to me afterward and said I did a good job keeping up and to come back. She apologized for forgetting sections of the routine. I told her that was my favorite part!
How do you stay in shape during the winter? Do you do aerobics? How do you normally fare in the class? Can you keep up with all the new moves? Is it like you remember from ’80s? What is your favorite class to take at the gym?
You can email Theresa at tgiarrusso@yahoo.com. Ideas are welcome!
Permalink | Comments (17) | Post your comment | Categories: Health
Comments
By smh
December 1, 2008 6:28 AM | Link to this
Martial arts classes keep me moving and it’s done indoors so no worries about weather. There is a school on every corner. It is the only thing that I have stuck with in my adult life. I too did all the aerobics; land and water. Hated every minute. I was really self conscious. I consider my tae kwon do school my gym. I go several times a week. If someone would have told me I would start this at 40 I would have said no way.
By JJ
December 1, 2008 8:06 AM | Link to this
With two hyper active dogs, and a teenager, and a house and yard to maintain, I get plenty of exercise, thank you!
The dogs get walked at least 2 miles every day, unless it is pouring down rain, then it’s a quickie up and down the street.
By Kathy
December 1, 2008 8:18 AM | Link to this
I used to do aerobics through Duluth Parks and Rec several years ago and loved it. I started running with a friend and discovered that I love it more. 4 years, 3 Peachtrees and 3 half marathons later, I still love running.
By Jesse's Girl
December 1, 2008 8:56 AM | Link to this
3 words…..Jazz-er-Cize!!! Throw in some Duran-Duran and Rio is ready to sweat!!
By MILF Hunter
December 1, 2008 9:17 AM | Link to this
Tone MILFS are nice but there’s nothing wrong with a little curves either.
By nurse&mother
December 1, 2008 9:18 AM | Link to this
Your recent experience in your aerobics class sounds like my pitiful attempts many years ago. I am not coordinated in the least. Just when everyone is moving on to another move, I am just getting the last move. For this reason, I will not subject myself to such torture. I must look like a complete idiot.
Believe it or not, I attended UGA 92-94 (until I transferred to nursing school) and never went into O’Malley’s. My husband can tell you some memories of that place.
By Jesse's Girl
December 1, 2008 9:44 AM | Link to this
Ah yes… nasty fruity drinks at O’Malley’s and break dancin’ on Baxter St. Good times!
By Gina
December 1, 2008 9:59 AM | Link to this
Who cares if you are in the back of the group and out of step! you are still getting a workout.
Stick with it, Theresa!
By Patiently Waiting
December 1, 2008 10:38 AM | Link to this
I normally try to do a range of things during the winter to keep myself in shape. I have considered getting a Wii fit because it looks fun. They don’t offer classes at my gym but I do workout there. I’m not into aerobics unless it’s water aerobics. And I know nothing about aerobics in the 80’s because I was a tad bit young then.
By Name Game
December 1, 2008 11:33 AM | Link to this
I do the pole dancing workout. It caters to women only in all shapes, sizes and skill levels. Not to mention, it helps in other areas of your life too. It’s a big confidence boost.
By MILF Hunter
December 1, 2008 11:51 AM | Link to this
Name Game is a MILF…..
By Razz
December 1, 2008 11:55 AM | Link to this
love Jazzercise! i know it sounds cheesy and 80’s but it’s actually a lot of fun. i tried the step class once too, totally not happening!
By My Own Girl
December 1, 2008 2:23 PM | Link to this
Nothing like some head sets, some rockin’ music, a beautiful day and plenty of room to run. Guaranteed to keep you in shape!
By Jesse's Girl
December 1, 2008 4:15 PM | Link to this
I only run if someone is chasing me…..and even then I might just turn and fight!
By Kathy
December 1, 2008 5:59 PM | Link to this
My Own Girl….I couldn’t agree with you more!! Oh, but don’t forget a great pair of shoes.
By ijustthrewupinmymouth
December 1, 2008 6:14 PM | Link to this
elastic only stretches so far over pasty white cottage cheese. Off beat, excuses made out loud,,,my brain eyes, my brain eyes!!!
By Teresa
December 23, 2008 3:42 PM | Link to this
I remember working out at O’Malley’s in the 90s, too! I met a lot of people in my aerobics class when I fell off the step…decided the Nautilus machines were the way to go for me!