Physiological Profile of Step Aerobics Instructors

Abstract

Step aerobics is one of the newer forms of aerobic training. The purpose of this study was to provide a physiological profile of step aerobics instructors (N = 24). The average O2max of the subjects was 43.75 ml · kg−1 · min−1 and relative body fat was 19.0% BF. The strength for six muscle groups was above average. The subjects scored in the 90–95th percentile for the sit and reach test. However, flexibility of the ankle dorsiflexors and plantar flexors was average to below average. The O2max, %BF, and teaching experience for step aerobics instructors compared favorably to data previously reported for aerobic dance instructors (23). The average O2 of step aerobics instructors was 5.4 ml · kg−1 · min−1 less than that of aerobic dance instructors, whereas the E (95.17 L · min−1) was significantly greater (76.22 L · min−1). The physiological profile of step aerobics trainers is superior to that of sedentary women and comparable to that of aerobic dance instructors.