Recommendations from you Pros

[rjroubi]

I am 45 years old and in excellent physical shape (by appearance only) but have trouble with interval type step work. I have just recently been introduced to Cathe's workouts. Now I am addicted.. My question is I have difficulty with adding the Blasts into the Step portions of Imax2. I can easily do the step portions alone but once I add the blasts it becomes so much more difficult and I need to lower the step back down to 6 inches (which is not a challenge) to do the entire DVD. I can do the sections 1-4 on 8 inches with the Blasts. Any recommendations on her other DVDs which may improve my interval type step work?

Robin

 

[tina72382]

HI, Robin. I would reccommend lowering the step for blasts 5-10 and then the more you practice it, you can push off the lowering of the step to interval 6, 7, and so on. You can also keep the step at 8 inches but modify the moves during the blasts. For instance, jump not as high or cut out some plie jacks. It might take some time to work up to it. It is very high intensity and high impact, so take it easy. You will get there! Good luck -Tina

 

[ugafitnesscrazy]

The step height that Cathe uses in the Imax videos is only at 6 inches...so if your problem is the height being too intense with the combinations then keep it at the 6 inches. It is a difficult cardio workout so if youre having problems completing all the cardio then take your time working up and doing more and more of the intervals. Have fun!
Christina

 

[clareMc]

There is no disgrace in having your step height at 6"!!

I would say that 70 % of Catheites on these boards use the 6" height.

Use the height that will get you through the intervals, because that's where the challenge lies for us all. The challenge is never in the combos before and after blasts, not for anyone. These are sections that keep your heart rate at a steady state, but also let you breathe a little befre the next blast. So, they are not supposed to be challenging in that sense.

The best way to get better at intervals or at any workout in particular is to do them. Try intervals twice a week, no more. Start with Intervals 1-5, as someone else suggested, then each week add on another interval and be proud of your achievements, until you have the whole lot down.

It is also perfectly acceptable to take slightly longer breaks between each interval and sip water, if that helps you get through. I certainly do. I don't believe in busting a gut, in making myself sick or giving myself "nosebleeds" due to cardio interval exercise. That is just foolhardy. So, take the breaks you need. March about, do grapevines, sip water and then tackle the next interval when you are ready.

Clare

 

[Rose11]

I only use 8" on low impact workouts. I think it would be insane to start with an 8" although taller people prefer to do it at that height.

 

[Elaine Keller]

This sort of reminds me of something I read in a recent issue of Runner's World:

"The only way to run faster is to run faster".

The only way to be able to do the intervals is to do the intervals. With modifications until you can do them without.

Elaine

 

[candi]

Clare's recommendation is how I managed to get through IMAX in the beginning. Started with 1-5 and then kept adding on.

 

[saia11]

I might also recommend a few of Cathe's other videos that incorporate blast/interval type work but that are mixed w/regular step such as; CTX Step and Intervals, Maximum Intensity Cardio, the Kick Max Blast Challenge, as well as Step Blast with the Blast Challenge at the end for example. Some of the circuit workouts such as Boot Camp, High Step Training Advanced, and High Step Challenge have bursts of higher intensity cardio.
Just keep at it! Some days I'm still not sure I'm going to make it, but I start and that's what counts;-)
Mattea

 

[smoogy]

How tall are you? Six inches is a decent height. That's what most of the crew uses. Rhonda is taller, longer legs so she goes higher.

You say the blasts are harder, well, they're supposed to be! Duh! Just joking with you, girlfriend! :+

Maybe on the blasts, just modify, which I believe she usually cues you on how to modify, then you'll eventually see some gains and can do all of it. Trust me, those plie jacks in Imax 3 have me modifying more than anything else! Don't fret. You will get there.

Marla;-)