Boston Marathon champion’s secret to fitness: step aerobics
Maybe it's time we all took notes from Kenya's John Korir
Photo by:
Kevin Morris
The secret to winning the Boston Marathon may not be the bonkers mileage or superior nutrition you’d expect–it might just be a good old-fashioned step class. Last week, 2025 Boston Marathon champion John Korir shared his unconventional cross-training methods on Instagram, where he’s seen breaking a sweat in a step aerobics group fitness class.
“The off season is over,” the Kenyan wrote. “Now, back to work.”
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What is step aerobics?
Step aerobics classes are instructor-led fitness sessions that use a 20-cm elevated platform. Particpants follow choreographed routines to upbeat music, stepping up and down in time with the beat. The result is a low-impact but high-cardio workout that challenges coordination, rhythm and endurance.
The class allows Korir to add variety to his training program while reducing the impact on his legs–all while logging valuable endurance time on his feet. He ups the intensity with light dumbbells, and flashing lights turn the studio into a dance floor.
Korir, an Asics athlete, has been posting his step aerobics sessions for at least a year–and likely participating for much longer.
Should you follow suit?
If you’re a member of a gym, chances are there’s a step aerobics class on the schedule. If there isn’t, some alternatives that deliver similar benefits include Zumba, dance cardio, kickboxing or HIIT. Besides having a serious fun factor, these classes can improve your cardio endurance, coordination and cadence. If you prefer to work out at home, online classes and free YouTube videos can be just as effective.
The Boston Marathon victory
At last month’s Boston Marathon, Korir surged to the front with 10K to go–and never looked back. He crossed the line in 2:04:45, the second-fastest finish in race history. The win made him the second Korir sibling to claim the prestigious title; his brother, Wes, won in 2012.
The Boston victory also marked Korir’s second Abbott World Marathon Major title in just six months; he also won the Chicago Marathon last October in a personal best of 2:02:44.
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