Basic T Step Move in Step Aerobics

The term aerobic means "with air" in biological sciences, but it was first used to talk about exercise by Dr. Kenneth Cooper, of the San Antonio Air Force Hospital. He designated “aerobics” as the name for a system of moderate-intensity, long-duration exercise he employed to prevent coronary artery disease. It is appropriate nomenclature given that the exercises are designed to condition the lungs to more effectively use oxygen and to strengthen the cardiovascular system. Cooper’s 1968 book, Aerobics, was popular even before the 1980s fad of exercising to music began. For those who choose to use it, aerobics is an important part of fighting heart disease and obesity.

In this free video series, expert aerobics instructor Alice Monsaert leads you through the basic moves, combinations, and routines of step aerobics. You will learn the T Step, L Step, Grapevine, Elvis, Karaoke, Hop Turn, and more! Alice will show you dance-infused moves like the Mambo, Mambo Cha Cha, and Shuffle Box Step. Putting steps together into combinations is easy with Alice's expert instruction. She also covers the Quick Step, the Broadway, many crossovers and pivots, and more! Check it out!

"The T step is going to look like a T. If you draw a T. It's going to come up, out, back on the step, and down. I'm going to step up with a basic, add in that straddle down, step back up with my basic, and exit the bench. Up, straddle down and up, and exit the bench. To make it more intense, I can really step to the front. We call it large T, straddle, and then walk back. Lead that with a left foot. I was leading with the right. A little T is right here. Get comfortable with little T. Then you can expand it to really start to move. Another option is to do that large T and a couple hop backs to the end. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, or I can add a propulsion in that straddle. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. Notice I'm doing a jump propulsion with a soft lunge. 1, 2, 3, jump, and exit the bench. It is okay to jump up onto the bench, but jumping down onto the floor, that's a little bit too much impact on the knees and ankles. Save that propulsion move, power move for up on the bench. That's our T step from the end of our bench."