Straddle Down


  • Start Position:
    • Stand on the floor near the front of a horizontally positioned step platform, facing toward its left end.
    • Position yourself so that you can step onto the platform and then place one foot on the floor on each side.
    • Use a stable platform at an appropriate height, with sufficient space on both sides for the straddle movement.
  • Description:
    • Straddle Down is an eight-movement step aerobics combination that begins with a step onto the platform and a knee lift. The participant then steps down with one foot on each side of the platform, creating a straddle position.
    • From the straddle position, both feet return to the platform before stepping down together on the left side. The movement can be reversed to finish on the opposite side.
  • Sequence:
    1. Step 1: Step onto the platform with the right foot.
    2. Step 2: Lift the left knee toward the front of the body while balancing on the right foot.
    3. Step 3: Lower the left foot onto the floor to the left of the platform.
    4. Step 4: Step the right foot down onto the floor to the right of the platform. You are now standing with one foot on each side of the platform in a straddle position.
    5. Step 5: Step back onto the platform with the left foot.
    6. Step 6: Bring the right foot onto the platform beside the left foot.
    7. Step 7: Step down onto the floor to the left of the platform with the left foot.
    8. Step 8: Bring the right foot down onto the floor beside the left foot, finishing on the left side of the platform.
    9. To reverse the movement, begin with the left foot and reverse the directions, finishing on the right side of the platform.
  • Notes:
    • The Straddle Down combines a knee lift, a straddle position and a return to the platform before exiting to one side.
    • In the example above, the movement begins with the right foot and finishes on the left side of the platform.
    • To reverse the combination, begin with the left foot and reverse the footwork to finish on the right side.
    • Practice stepping into and out of the straddle position slowly before adding the knee lift or increasing the tempo.
    • When stepping into the straddle position, place each foot securely on the floor with enough clearance from the platform edges.
    • Keep the feet within a comfortable distance apart. Avoid stepping excessively wide or reaching beyond your ability to maintain balance.
    • When returning to the platform, place the entire supporting foot securely on its surface.
    • Maintain an upright posture and use controlled knee and hip movements throughout the combination.
    • For a lower-intensity variation, reduce the height of the knee lift, use a lower platform or practice the straddle footwork without the knee lift.
    • Precaution: Avoid rushing the transition from the straddle position back onto the platform. Be especially careful not to catch a foot against the platform edge.
    • For related movements, see the Basic Step and Repeater exercises in the IFA Aerobics Library.