The Speed Issue - Will it Ever Be Resolved?

It's about as likely to see a complete return and adherence to the recommended "proper" step speed as it's likely that everyone on the highways of America will suddenly begin to drive all posted speed limits!

When you think about it, there is an interesting correlation of these two speed issues.

Speed limits on our highways are set based on studies that find increased risk of injury and death associated with excessive speed. Some cars and drivers are able to react nimbly to dart through traffic at higher speeds, others need a slower steadier approach to maintain control, and pretty much all cars are built with the capability of exceeding those safe speeds. A lot of people speed without any dire consequences, and they continue because they've yet to have a serious problem. Maybe a speeding ticket - but everyone speeds and if you want to avoid getting sideswiped, you better keep up the pace. With step, the same seems to be true.

Over the years, many instructors have written to ask what can be done about others who exceed the proper speed. They want something concrete - in writing - to convince step speeders that what they are doing is wrong or at least improper.

This usually comes from instructors that try to adhere to the guidelines, but are put under pressure, particularly from adaptive members, to "pick up the pace". One such instructor reported that a new instructor had informed her that the guidelines had changed and that it was now okay to step faster than 128 bpms.

But most often the plea for help comes from program directors and managers who are seeking a leg to stand on when they ask their instructors to adhere to the guidelines. They feel it is their responsibility to enforce the guidelines to ensure the safety of their members - yet, they meet resistance from their instructors who insist that "everybody's doing it", their students are capable, so it's really okay.

A few instructors have written to simply ask why the guidelines have not been "updated". Music companies offer "turbo" step mixes, presenters teach at bpms that exceed the recommended guidelines - why not just change the guidelines to fit what is actually being done?

The guidelines are based on research which was conclusive that 128 bpms is the top speed that allows the participant the choice between high and low impact. Guidelines are not just changed or updated based on what's being done - they stand "as is" - or until more research is done to support revisions.

It's not likely that the guidelines are going to change - no more than the posted speed limits on our highways will change - even with the argument that "everyone does it" and that there is the capability of going faster than the recommended "safe" speed.

For those who are looking for a leg to stand on, the leg is there. What is needed is a little backbone - based on educated common sense - to help support the leg.

Next - Dealing with the speed issue

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