THE MIND + BODY CONNECTION

For millennia, human beings have engaged in forms of rhythmic movement, and at our core we remain deeply rhythmic beings. From birth, we hear and feel our mother's steady heartbeat, are gently, rhythmically rocked to soothe distress as infants, and then begin to engage in rhythmic play through jumping, skipping, and clapping. As we age, we may gravitate towards the repetitive rhythms of running, swimming, cycling, or the full-body expression of dance. Ongoing research in neuroscience suggests that, in the simplest terms, rhythmic movement heals trauma.

Step aerobics takes this concept a step further. It is not only a rhythmic movement, but one involving on-the-go choreography, requiring the brain's frontal systems to activate and tapping into executive functioning skills like working memory, initiation, and processing speed. Additionally, step is essentially right on the edge of dancing, and a step class mimics a dance series in that participants are constantly building upon sequences and memorizing choreography. In a 2008 article in Scientific American magazine, a Columbia University neuroscientist posited that synchronizing music and movement constitutes a “pleasure double play"; basically, music stimulates the brain’s reward centers, while dance activates its sensory and motor circuits. Studies of the brain using PET imaging during dance indicate multiple areas of the brain illuminate and activate during choreographed, rhythm-based movement, and the expressive, physical elements of this movement also promote healthier brain function and have been shown to improve memory, mood, and coordination. Step aerobics transcends physical health, and promotes brain-body connection, healthy brain development, and enhanced neurological functioning, all while providing the soothing, satisfying, and healing rhythmic experience your body, brain, and heart crave.

- Dr. Ali Manion PhD, Clinical Child Psychologist

While Pilates and strength training have been leaders in the fitness world for well over a century, they’ve rarely been performed rhythmically. These are both types of exercise that have historically used sets and repetitions in their training methods. While there is absolutely nothing wrong with this type of execution, we have found that pairing these movements with music makes for a more mindful experience. There is something magical that happens while you are moving together with a group of people to the beat of the music. It is uplifting, inspiring and unifying. Music has the power to take you beyond the physical workout and allows you to tap into the inner workings of your mind - the WHY behind you showing up. We pull motivation from music to help push ourselves further physically. THAT is when the breakthrough happens.