The talk test is another measure of intensity. You should be able to talk without gasping for air while working at optimal intensity. If you cannot, you should reduce your intensity. Aerobic exercise reduces body fat deposits as they are used for energy. Weight training increases the overall resting metabolism by 50 calories for each 1 pound of muscle added.
Proper alignment includes head up, shoulders down and back, chest up, abdominals and buttocks tight.
When stepping up, lean from the ankles and not the waist to avoid placing excessive stress on the lumbar spine. Contact the platform with the entire foot flat. When stepping down, step close to the platform and roll the foot toe to heel. When doing lunges or repeater steps, however, the heel should not come in contact with the floor, and the weight should be on the opposite leg. Step Aerobics may aggrevate existing knee problems even if done correctly.