🚀 go-pugleaf

In article <4160021@hpcc01.corp.hp.com> zornow@hpcc01.corp.hp.com (Claudia Zornow) writes:
>OK, I'm confused.
>
>The "Introduction to The Step" step aerobics video shows
>the use of hand weights to increase the intensity of your
>step workout.
>
>On Kathy Smith's step aerobic video, she has an M.D. and
>a physical therapist saying you shouldn't use hand weights
>while stepping because it increases the stress on your knees.
>
>Who's right?
>
>Claudia

I don't know who is right, but I suspect that if it were possible to
over-stress the knees by stepping with hand weights (aren't these on
the order of 1-3 lbs each?), then what would happen if you:

	ride a bike (with or w/o climbing hills)
	climb a flight of stairs (with or w/o groceries)
	go skating/rollerblading
	gain 5 lbs
	indulge in any athletic activity whatsoever
	do anything whatsoever that might develop your quads

Maybe we should all just stay in bed? ----- NOT!

Keith R

In article <13050027@hplvec.LVLD.HP.COM> vicki@hplvec.LVLD.HP.COM (Vicki Moore) writes:
>
>when doing step aeorobics.  Most of the stuff I've read (I can get 
>you references, if you'd like) points to the fact that *most* people
>tend to start flailing their arms as they get tired, and weights 
>put more stress on the upper body ligaments and tendons when the
>upper body movements are erratic or uncontrolled.  

True. Use of hand weights, or even ankle weights, when a person does
jogging or step aerobics increases your risk of tendonitous.

The best way to enhance intensity of step aerobics is to increase
either your cadence or the height of the step. The problem with
increasing step height, however, is that doing so requires more
leg strength. If your legs are weak, they may tire before your 
heart has had a good workout.

Weights should only be used in strength training, and should not
be integrated into an exercise aimed at aerobics. Wearing weights
while running won't make you a better runner, and wearing weights
while doing step aerobics won't make you better at step aerobics.