Work your glutes and thighs with this beginner-friendly six-minute step workout

I have to admit, having an aerobics step back in my life has been really fun.

I usually prioritize strength training in my pockets of free time, but I’ve found myself surprisingly enthusiastic about ditching my weights and using this retro fitness equipment.

For the uninitiated, step aerobics became hugely popular in the ’90s. This low-impact cardio workout involves stepping up and down on a raised platform, often to the beat of music. Many platforms have adjustable risers that let you increase the height and challenge of your workout.

What I love about this style of movement is that it doesn’t really feel like exercise. It’s a fun way to get my heart pumping, work my legs, and challenge my balance and coordination.

I’ve created a quick six-minute step workout that is ideal for beginners. In it, I demonstrate some of the basic steps as well as the travelator, a move I remember fondly from my ’90s step aerobics classes.

Needless to say, you will need an aerobics step for this workout, so I’ve included two quick options for U.S. readers to consider before the workout. I used the lowest-height step in my demonstration. When the workout starts to feel easier over time, you can use the risers to make it higher and more challenging.

Glutes and thigh workout moves

• Basic step
• Side step and leg raise
• Alternate step and kickback
• Alternate knee drive
• Travelator

How to do the moves

Do each exercise for 30 seconds, moving straight into the next move.

After completing all six exercises, rest for 60 seconds, then repeat the circuit once more.

That’s six minutes in total, excluding your warm-up and cool-down.

Go at a comfortable pace and practice the travelator slowly first.

If this feels easy, you can add another circuit or go at a faster pace.

1. Basic step

Sets: 2 Time: 30sec

• Stand facing the long edge of the step with your feet hip-width apart.
• Place your right foot on the platform .
• Step your left foot up beside it.
• Step your right foot back down, followed by your left.
• Repeat at a steady pace, changing your leading foot after 15 seconds.

2. Side step and leg raise

Sets: 2 Time: 15sec per side

• Stand next to the short side of the step, with the platform to your right.
• Step sideways onto the platform with your right foot and lift your left leg out to the side. Keep your toes facing forward and your torso upright.
• Lower your left foot to the floor, then step your right foot back down.
• Repeat, switching sides halfway through.

3. Alternate step and kickback

Sets: 2 Time: 30sec

• Stand facing the long edge of the step.
• Step onto the platform with your right foot and push up to standing.
• Bend your left knee and bring your left heel to your buttocks.
• Lower your left foot to the floor, then step your right foot down.
• Step up with your left foot.
• Bend your right knee and bring your right heel to your buttocks.
• Continue alternating sides, keeping your chest lifted.

4. Alternate knee drive

Sets: 2 Time: 30sec

• Stand facing the long edge of the step.
• Place your right foot onto the platform.
• Push through your right foot and lift your left knee in front.
• Lower your left foot to the floor, then step your right foot down.
• Step up with your left foot and lift your right knee.
• Continue alternating sides, swinging your opposite arm forward as each knee lifts.

5. Travelator

Sets: 2 Time: 30sec

• Stand next to the short side of the step, with the platform to your right.
• Step into the middle of the platform with your right foot.
• Quickly bring your left foot onto the platform, close to your right foot.
• Bring your right foot down to the other side of the platform, followed by your left.
• Reverse the movement to travel back across the step.