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What are the Benefits of Step Aerobics For BJJ Athletes?

What are the Benefits of Step Aerobics For BJJ Athletes?

BJJ (Brazilian Jujitsu) as a sport puts a lot of demand on your cardiovascular system, which most athletes always find surprising. Your first grappling sessions might have you gasping for oxygen within the first five minutes. If you’re pursuing BJJ, you’ll need to warm up with cardio exercises, such as step aerobics.

 

Step aerobics, also called step exercises by some, prepares your body for physical activity. It reduces the chance of an injury because it stretches your muscles out as a warmup. You can do a full step aerobic routine in a gym or buy some simple bits of equipment for your home. An exercise stepper and a pair of gym shoes are enough to get you started.

 

But why this specific cardio exercise over other choices? What is so great about stepping up and down repeatedly?

 

Simply put, it’s a convenient exercise that has tons of benefits for athletes. Keep reading to learn more details about step aerobics and how it can help you as a BJJ athlete.

 

Benefit #1: Optimum Cardiovascular Health

 

Your cardiovascular endurance levels are one of the key factors to a good performance during a BJJ match/competition. Step aerobics is a great way to increase your stamina.

 

The most basic step aerobic exercises train your heart to efficiently pump blood around your body. A more efficient blood flow through the body means your muscles get more oxygen. This means they can work for longer without getting tired. Increased stamina will also decrease your recovery time after exercise.

 

Benefit #2: Leg Strength

 

Balance is everything in Brazilian Jujitsu, especially if you are slower than most of your grappling partners. Step aerobic routines involve your legs, which greatly strengthens your core and your leg muscles for your next competitive match. These routines exercise each leg individually, which increases your single-legged balance, which can aid you greatly during a match.

 

Benefit #3: Musculoskeletal Health

 

Step aerobics will increase your musculoskeletal health. The density and strength of your bones affects you mobility and helps your balance. Seeing as step aerobics is a weight bearing exercise, it is a great way to increase your bone density. Weight bearing exercises encourage your bones to generate more mass, and acting against gravity will force your bones to be stronger.

 

Benefit #4 It’s Easy and Convenient

 

People love step aerobics because it’s convenient. You can bring your steps with you anywhere – to the gym, park, or a friend’s house. Unlike other forms of cardio like, biking, or running, you don’t have to stray far from your own home to benefit from a daily step routine. You can use your steps in your room or backyard without having to leave anywhere.

 

Bottom line

 

If you are a BJJ athlete, you definitely should try out step exercises. This is especially true if you are just starting out. These aerobic exercises offer all the benefits of a high-intensity workout without putting pressure on your joints. You build strength and balance, while also boosting your cardiovascular health. If you have a competition coming up, and need to shed a pound or two, it is the ideal cardio routine to burn fat and attain your target weight quickly.

 

As with any exercise or strenuous sport, even something as simple as step aerobics can lead to injury. Use this exercise to stay in top condition, but also be careful. Don’t assume that you should warmup with this activity if you start to feel aches and pains or notice something isn’t right. Seek a doctor before you return to your routine.