I want to order the CTX Series...Is it right for me?

[erinburt]

I am looking for a full set of workout tapes. The CTX Series seems to the one for me. I like the combinations of Step and Weights. I already have the ALL STEP tape.

My concern is with my knees. I have had problems with my knees since high school. X-rays show some bone on bone. I have been told to avoid biking. I wear knee braces any time I workout whether it's walking or doing the ALL STEP video which seems to help.

Question: How high impact are the CTX tapes? Are there options to make it less impact if needed?

Thank you in advance for the help. Erin

[catwoman]

I don't have the CTX workouts, but regarding Cathe's other workouts: I have asthma and can't do high intensity workouts with a step. I can do the same high intensity workout without the step, but to use the step would be "too much" for my lungs. I find that I have to modify several moves to accomodate my weak lungs, but I still get a fantastic workout. I've gotten so used to modifying that it's pretty simple for me. I just have to keep the impact lower. So, if you get the series and find that it's too much impact for your knees, you can probably do a modification to keep the impact down.

[jordan]

Hi Erin,

Your knees sound pretty vulnerable. I don't know if I would recommend CTX. I really like this set but it can be intense. The intensity, impact and speed may be too much for your knees after a while. Maybe you can get this set later when you have more variety and can use it spareingly with modifications. If you really want a step and cardio set, try the timesaver DVD. I think the cardio is a little less intense (you can modify parts if needed) and the leg workout may be easier on the knees than meaner legs. If you want more upper body work and don't mind VHS, add CTX upper body tape to your order. While we are at it, why don't you try (preorder) LO MAX. All of this may not be much more expensive than the CTX set. You can add some walking (when your knees are sore), which works wonders.

Happy shopping,
jordan

[mogambo]

You could buy the CTX upper body only video, which is beyond wonderful. And Leaner Legs. I wouldn't do the cardio if I were you. Your knees are too vulnerable. If you can't bike, then all the cardios are going to be too high impact, in my humble opinion of course.

[mmis29]

I also love CTX, but from the sounds of it, you may want to try something else with lower impact. I'd also suggest using interlocking matts on your workout surface to lessen the strain on your knees when doing low impact work. Cathe has Low Max coming out with the hardcore series, that one may be up your alley.

[lorrayne]

Erin,

I would NOT consider the CTX series as the impact is very high. I would recommend the timesaver DVD instead as the impact isn't as high.

Hope this helps.
Lorrayne

[erinburt]

Thanks everyone. I'm dissappointed that this series won't work for me but I sure appreciate all the responses. I unfortunately don't have a DVD player in our gym so DVD's are out. I'll keep looking...

Erin

[dss62467]

The 10-10-10 workout in CTX is kind of high impact (there's 10 minutes of high/lo). And I think that Step and Intervals has a couple higher impact intervals. Of course, you don't actually HAVE to do all the jumping that Cathe does. When the workout does a jump, sometimes I might just go up on my toes. But as you get stronger, it's easier to make your landings soft. Maybe you could invest in a nice springy flooring.

CTX is nice because none of the workouts are more than an hour long.

I find that interesting that you've been advised to avoid biking - there's no impact in biking. How can that bother your knees?

[clareMc]

Erin:

reading your post and thinking you might embark upon a course of Cathe cardio, which is 99% high impact, frightened me to death, given the description you make of the state of your knees. I'm in agreement with everyone here. The best cardio for you will be walking and swimming and you know, there's nothing to be ashamed of or disappointed at with this. After all, you want your knees to be around for the rest of your life, right? You have to take care of them. Walking and swimming are perfect for your body and will not harm your knees. Swimming will work every muscle in your body and give you a very strong core. It also allows for a certain degree of tranquility and meditation time as you plough through the laps in the relative silence and calmness of the underwater world.

By all means let cathe help you sculpt those muscles with her strength and muscle endurance tapes, of which Leaner Legs (checking first with your doctor that it's OK to do step ups, squats and lunges) and the CTX upper body split are excellent examples, but there is a great advantage and maturity to knowing yourself, knowing and recognizing your limits and working to be the best you can be within those limits.

I wish you well, and please look after those knees

Clare

[kweller]

I love CTX cardio, but the cardio work is definitely high impact - no getting around that. HTH.