Intensity Series VHS'ers: ???s

[Aquajock]

Okay, you little Intensity Series VHS critters, questions:

1. Does the Upper Body Pyramid workout include and forearm and/or wrist curls?

2. What weight loads does Cathe use in LBP, UBP, Muscle Endurance AND Boot Camp? (I checked out one of the pix in the Boot Camp section, and her barbell looks like it's got about 200 lbs worth of plates on it!)

3. Do you find I-Max 2 to be more challenging than I-Max 1? Or about the same?

4. Is there anything resembling complex choreography and/or souped-up music speeds in the step routines?

All comments welcome -

Thanks!

A-jock

 

[EricaH]

Hi Annette,

1.No wrist curls/forearm work in UPB, but my forearms were definitely fatigued from the bicep work.

2. Can't remember the weight loads - sorry! I don't use the same weights as Cathe. Cathe has seven sets of dumbbells in UBP 3-20 lbs.

3. So far, I think I-Max 2 may be more challenging for me. But I've only done it twice and that might be because it's so new - my opinion may change. Except for the format, they are very different.

4. I didn't think the choreography was difficult (haven't tried Cardio & Weights). I can't get one move in Imax2, though - side shuffle step? Something like that. The pace doesn't seem fast to me.


HTH!
Erica

 

[frostyjan]

>
>3. Do you find I-Max
>2 to be more challenging
>than I-Max 1? Or about
>the same?
>
>4. Is there anything resembling
>complex choreography and/or souped-up music
>speeds in the step routines?

3. I thought IMAX 2 looked easier, but my HR monitor told me otherwise. It is so much more fun than Imax that it seems easier.

4. The choreo is familiar but put together in a fun, fun way. The music is not superfast, in fact the last section is slow. I wanted a cardio-only workout and did C&W last night, but when they picked up weights I jumped on my Stairmaster for long tough intervals. I still enjoyed the music they were lifting to, and it made for a nice 43 minute cardio session. I added the pushups and abs and felt nicely worked out in about 55 minutes.
The third cardio section of C&W is my all time favorite cardio section on ANY Cathe tape that I own. It has this great funky song with what sounds like Elvis singing it--I just love the way the familiar choreo is put together. I could pass on the Buttercup song (cardio section #4)--but even though I dislike that song, the choreo is fresh and interesting-although slow, so be prepared to make your movements big and give it your all if you are looking for high intensity. I would say this is a very mixed intensity workout, so don't expect a super killer intense routine, just an excellent one!
Just my 2cents. Janet

 

[susanz]

Just to go with what Erica said... Her weight loads in PUB range from as little as 3#'s (in shoulder work) to 20#'s.
In PLB she ranges from 25-40#'s with her barbell,then on to the stability ball. In previewing her Bootcamp(I'll be actually doing it today) I think she uses anywhere from 8# dumbbells to 40# barbell. I will be previewing Muscle End. today!
I found the choreography in IMAX2 just as wonderfully cued as her first. Actually a bit simpler, except for as Erica said, one move with her shuffle. I found it equally as challenging as the first. Her blasts are not the same thing the entire time. She has like 2-3 different moves per blast.
I think you'll enjoy them! Susan

 

[pfive]

Just chiming in here - I started previewing the lower body video this morning and Cathe and crew start out with either a 20 or 25 pound barbell for the first set, move to 30 at the 10 count rep and 35 for the 8 count. The first exercise is step ups on the (tall)box. I think the next exercise was front lunges using the same amount of weight.

I agree with Erica, no forearm work in the upper body tape. I haven't done it yet but if she says you'll feel I'm sure you will. Those hammer curls followed by your basic dumbbell curls, had me cringing! So I know the forearms and wrists will be stengthened right along with everything else.


To me it seems as though Imax2 is easier than Imax but that could be because there isn't so much plyo this and plyo that. There is some in Imax2, more than enough for those who enjoy a lot of high impact but not too much for those of us who on ocassion have knees that talk back. The work is tough but (for the moment) appears to be easier than Imax. Now once I actually do it, I may toot another horn, because we all know looks can be deceiving!

Annette, I think you'll enjoy Boot Camp! I don't think the dumbbells were heavier than 10 lbs. I thought that seemed light myself, but once I saw the things she was doing, I started reconsidering. I may make my heaviest weight 8 lbs. I can't remember the weight of the barbell.

I must say that I am having to quickly preview my tapes for SNM because I found one of my tapes to be defective. So before having one replacement tape sent I was told to watch them all first. Cathe has THE BEST customer service. I have never encountered such a quick response on phone calls and emails. Her company puts all others to shame!

Angie

 

[suzannaerin]

AJ - Cathe's using a different barbell this go round, not the Troy model. The plates are extra thick. One of the big ones was a 10#, so don't worry. She varies the weight in all workouts--never goes heavier than 40# on the barbell, though. I think her heaviest dumbbell was a 20#er for chest or back. Don't think using the 3# dumbbells will mean you're a wimp---you'll be glad you did when you do upper pyramid for the shoulders.
Choreography thus far is interesting but not tough.
I thought IMAX2 was tougher than IMAX1, especially since she shows NO modifications. It goes faster than IMAX1 because the workout has a lot of variety.
Suzanne