Recently, I got sent an ’80s aerobic workout video by one of Tom’s Guide’s editors-in-chief, and it got me thinking about old-school workouts.
My main workouts have been strength training at the gym along with CrossFit and yoga and running over the years. I have not really tried the classic exercises like step aerobics. But I hear they are making a strong comeback for 2026.
Intrigued, I decided to give a 30-minute aerobic workout a try, and what better way to introduce myself than with a Taylor Swift-inspired step routine? Here’s what happened, and how you can try it too. Trust me, you’ll want to.
Watch the 30-minute Taylor Swift cardio step aerobics workout video:
The routine is curated by personal trainer Christina Dorner, who shares step aerobics videos on her YouTube channel. The workout follows a rhythm of 130 beats per minute (BPM) and fits the basic-to-intermediate category. If a Taylor Swift workout sounds like your vibe, this is the one to try.
You will enjoy this 30-minute step aerobics workout that includes basic to intermediate choreography according to Dorner. Today we will be stepping to an all-Taylor Swift playlist for a fun and sweaty cardio session. All you need is your step as we will be stepping at 130 BPM. Whether you are a Swiftie or not you will be moving and grooving to the high-energy choreography & music. In the words of Dorner let’s get stepping.
Here’s my honest verdict
Once I’d closed my curtains and accepted my fate, I had to admit that I enjoyed this workout far more than I’d normally like anyone to know about. And yet, here I am writing about it. As we all know already, Taylor Swift’s music is insanely catchy, which makes this step workout feel less like exercise and more like you’re having a dance party in the privacy of your home.
I figured out fast that my feet lack coordination & step aerobics was not my natural talent. It took several attempts before I understood the choreography but I did not mind because I was enjoying myself too much. For me as a trainer the instructor’s charisma matters most in any workout. I think a good trainer can transform a workout while a bad one can ruin it completely. They can either motivate and inspire you or do the exact opposite. Dorner has contagious energy and I challenge anyone to resist her upbeat and cheerful personality. She gives clear instructions throughout the session so even people like me who struggle with coordination will manage just fine.
It took me a good few tries to catch on to the choreography. I didn’t care, though — I was having too much fun.
Let’s talk physical benefits of the step workout. The routine raised my heart rate more than I expected, but I decided to add a very light set of 2.5kg/ 5lbs dumbbells to increase the intensity on my muscles. As a beginner, you might not feel you need them, but it’s a simple way to increase resistance. You could also raise the height of your step.
I was most surprised by how much better I felt mentally and emotionally after the workout. The session was enjoyable and I danced around while getting my body active. My muscles and joints felt looser and my heart rate went up. This left me feeling lighter and more energetic when I finished. Learning about hippy lunges made the entire 30 minutes worthwhile just for that one exercise.
Benefits of step aerobics
Step aerobics can improve cardiovascular fitness, increase your daily step count and help prevent the impacts of prolonged sitting, all of which are important for boosting longevity. A healthy set of lungs and heart can help prevent chronic health conditions, such as high blood pressure, while improving endurance.
Although this routine focuses more on cardio than resistance training many step workouts include weight-bearing exercises that target the glutes, hips, quads, core, hamstrings and calves while also supporting bone density. If you want to lose fat doing step workouts regularly could help you burn more calories. These workouts also create a strong mind-muscle connection because you need to focus on following the steps during class while testing your balance and coordination at the same time. There is also a mindfulness benefit to consider. Harvard Medical School published an article called “Dancing & the Brain” that referenced work from 2008 in Scientific American Magazine. A neuroscientist from Columbia University explained that combining music with movement through dance creates a “double play” effect. Music activates reward centers in the brain while dance engages both sensory & motor circuits. Research published in The New England Journal of Medicine indicates that dancing might even improve how your brain functions. The researchers discovered that participating in leisure activities like dancing is linked to a lower risk of developing dementia. If that does not motivate you to try old-school step workouts, then nothing will!
