Step aerobics can take your cardio workout to new levels. Who knew that stepping up and down on what's essentially a glorified milk crate could be so much fun, burn almost as many calories as running, and make you feel so good?

Take a rectangle shaped platform, stack it atop one or more sets of Lego-like blocks called risers, add some spicy music, an enthusiastic instructor, a group of ready participants and voila - you've got yourself a step class! Once you learn the basic moves for getting on, off, over, across and around the step, the instructor will have you put them all together in choreographed sequences.

If you prefer a home workout, you can find steps of various heights at many retailers, as well as DVDs to guide you on your routine.

• Burns tons of calories with about half the impact of running.
  
  
• Gives your butt and legs an awesome workout.
  
  
• It's fun and entertaining, especially if the teacher is good and the students are into it.
  

• Some classes require so much fancy footwork they're like auditioning for a Broadway play.
  
  
• Even if you're in shape you may find yourself stumbling over your step until you learn the basics.
  
  
• Excessive stepping can lead to knee or lower back pain.