I wasnt sure how I would like these either but with everyones great reviews I tried one and now I am hooked. These are awsome workouts and you definately will work yourself harder in those minutes. I couldnt believe how drenched I was after just 30 minutes. YOWZA! I just took advantage with Itrains special this month and got six new ones.try it you will love them.
CC or iTrain workouts
- Thread starter janiejoey
- Start date
fox2star
Cathlete
Hi,
I am another "Grace" addict from I-Treads...not sure if it was mentioned already here but they have a promo going on right now until the end of the month, buy 3 get 3 free...I did this last night..the Promo Code is MDAY2008... you just pick 6 workouts, put this code in and they take off the 3 most expensive ones!
Deb
I am another "Grace" addict from I-Treads...not sure if it was mentioned already here but they have a promo going on right now until the end of the month, buy 3 get 3 free...I did this last night..the Promo Code is MDAY2008... you just pick 6 workouts, put this code in and they take off the 3 most expensive ones!
Deb
>I'm joining this late, but I've been reading it all day
>wondering about their usefulness outdoors. I have an
>elliptical but not a treadmill, so I do all my running
>outside. Can you tell me which ones are for outdoors or work
>well outdoors? I've been to the website, but it's hard to
>tell much since I'm totally unfamiliar with it.
I think all the Cardio Coaches are great for outdoors.
The challenges and steady state phases are tied to a level. Green is Coach Sean's Level 2 and is used for steady state. Yellow and Red are Levels 3 and 4 and are used for the challenges. Blue is Level 1 and is used in the warm-up and cool-down. He equates these levels to level of exertion or percentage of heart rate reserve (based on the Karvonen method of calculation). I prefer to do the % of HRR, but lots of people use the exertion method.
When Coach Sean describes the challenges in the workouts, he often refers to them as sprints or hills. When I'm on the treadmill, I'll raise the incline for hills and the speed for sprints to reach the target zone.
But when I'm outside, I just keep my HR in the described Level. If I happen to be on a hill and I'm supposed to be steady state, I go slower to keep my HR from spiking. Sometimes that means I walk instead of jog. When I'm on the flat and supposed to be going up a hill, I just increase my speed until my HR is in the correct zone.
I really click with Coach Sean and running is so much more enjoyable now.
You can go through the Quick Start guide on Coach Sean's website to read more.
http://www.cardiocoach.com/about.php
April
>wondering about their usefulness outdoors. I have an
>elliptical but not a treadmill, so I do all my running
>outside. Can you tell me which ones are for outdoors or work
>well outdoors? I've been to the website, but it's hard to
>tell much since I'm totally unfamiliar with it.
I think all the Cardio Coaches are great for outdoors.
The challenges and steady state phases are tied to a level. Green is Coach Sean's Level 2 and is used for steady state. Yellow and Red are Levels 3 and 4 and are used for the challenges. Blue is Level 1 and is used in the warm-up and cool-down. He equates these levels to level of exertion or percentage of heart rate reserve (based on the Karvonen method of calculation). I prefer to do the % of HRR, but lots of people use the exertion method.
When Coach Sean describes the challenges in the workouts, he often refers to them as sprints or hills. When I'm on the treadmill, I'll raise the incline for hills and the speed for sprints to reach the target zone.
But when I'm outside, I just keep my HR in the described Level. If I happen to be on a hill and I'm supposed to be steady state, I go slower to keep my HR from spiking. Sometimes that means I walk instead of jog. When I'm on the flat and supposed to be going up a hill, I just increase my speed until my HR is in the correct zone.
I really click with Coach Sean and running is so much more enjoyable now.
You can go through the Quick Start guide on Coach Sean's website to read more.
http://www.cardiocoach.com/about.php
April
Vee
Cathlete
Janie,
I am going to answer this without reading other responses, so that I dont get influenced. I apologize in advance if what I say is a repeat.
a. To me this question is like asking why do we need audio-only formats of music if we have music-videos and live music performances? Seeing a music performance is exhilirating. Listening to great music without visuals is just as exhilirating in a different way. It lets you see with your mind's eye. It lets you experience the audio in more detail when the distraction of the visual is removed. I enjoy the music on both Cardio Coach and iTrain. I love all CC music (CC music is unique and specially composed to each workout) and I have some favorites among the iTrain collection (iTrain has a library of songs that they mix and match for each workout) that put a smile on my lips and a spring in my step.
b. With machine cardio, unlike other forms of exercise, visual instruction is not important. The absence of visuals allows me to focus and concentrate 100% on what I am doing. iTrain and Cardio Coach make focusing 100% of your attention (rather than mindlessly putting one foot ahead of the other) on the workout enjoyable. I dont even focus intentionally - it just happens that I end up giving 100%. Really concentrating for 30 to 60 minutes on myself running/cycling/ellipticaling would be im possible in the absence of the audio coaching and the music. When I finish the workout, I am always amazed that I spent as long as I did working out so intensely and being so "present" (no mind wandering).
c. Have you tried watching a chase or tense scene in a movie without the background score? When you mute it, you will be surprised by how flat the same scene seems. Cardio Coach is designed like a back ground score of a really exciting movie scene where you are the star. When you have to sprint the music sprints with you. I feel like I am flying. When you have to climb the music exerts up-up-up. It literally propels you against resistance. There is a dramatic finish at the end of most challenges. The recovery intervals are soothing. Sometimes I find I close my eyes on the steady states and just experience the music.
d. On iTrain cardio, the music is peppy and upbeat and definitely adds zing to the workout. You get very specific instructions on iTreads in terms of speed or incline and these are constantly changing. Just keeping up is so satisfying and absorbing. Keith is outstanding too in terms of how he uses the beat of the music to vary the challenge.
e. Finally coaching on both is great. Sean, Grace and Keith are very, very good. I always work harder when I use one of these instead of running while watching TV or listening to my favorite music.
I love Walking Strong (treadmill DVD from Tacey Staehle)and one of the reasons is definitely because I like watching them do the workout with me. But even if there were several such DVD workouts, I'd still want my audio only cardio coach and itrain workouts, and would probably use them more often for machine cardio.
~* Vrinda *~
I am going to answer this without reading other responses, so that I dont get influenced. I apologize in advance if what I say is a repeat.
a. To me this question is like asking why do we need audio-only formats of music if we have music-videos and live music performances? Seeing a music performance is exhilirating. Listening to great music without visuals is just as exhilirating in a different way. It lets you see with your mind's eye. It lets you experience the audio in more detail when the distraction of the visual is removed. I enjoy the music on both Cardio Coach and iTrain. I love all CC music (CC music is unique and specially composed to each workout) and I have some favorites among the iTrain collection (iTrain has a library of songs that they mix and match for each workout) that put a smile on my lips and a spring in my step.
b. With machine cardio, unlike other forms of exercise, visual instruction is not important. The absence of visuals allows me to focus and concentrate 100% on what I am doing. iTrain and Cardio Coach make focusing 100% of your attention (rather than mindlessly putting one foot ahead of the other) on the workout enjoyable. I dont even focus intentionally - it just happens that I end up giving 100%. Really concentrating for 30 to 60 minutes on myself running/cycling/ellipticaling would be im possible in the absence of the audio coaching and the music. When I finish the workout, I am always amazed that I spent as long as I did working out so intensely and being so "present" (no mind wandering).
c. Have you tried watching a chase or tense scene in a movie without the background score? When you mute it, you will be surprised by how flat the same scene seems. Cardio Coach is designed like a back ground score of a really exciting movie scene where you are the star. When you have to sprint the music sprints with you. I feel like I am flying. When you have to climb the music exerts up-up-up. It literally propels you against resistance. There is a dramatic finish at the end of most challenges. The recovery intervals are soothing. Sometimes I find I close my eyes on the steady states and just experience the music.
d. On iTrain cardio, the music is peppy and upbeat and definitely adds zing to the workout. You get very specific instructions on iTreads in terms of speed or incline and these are constantly changing. Just keeping up is so satisfying and absorbing. Keith is outstanding too in terms of how he uses the beat of the music to vary the challenge.
e. Finally coaching on both is great. Sean, Grace and Keith are very, very good. I always work harder when I use one of these instead of running while watching TV or listening to my favorite music.
I love Walking Strong (treadmill DVD from Tacey Staehle)and one of the reasons is definitely because I like watching them do the workout with me. But even if there were several such DVD workouts, I'd still want my audio only cardio coach and itrain workouts, and would probably use them more often for machine cardio.
~* Vrinda *~
Vee
Cathlete
Kristi,
Cardio coach works great on an elliptical. For sprints, you need to keep resistance low and go for speed. For hills you need to pump up the resistance. You have little bursts of sprints and hills interspersed with recovery in each challenge (segment) of the workout. A workout is usually mutiple challenges strung toegther with intervening brief steady state segments where you stay aerobic.
ITread has great workouts for the elliptical called iClimb. In iClimb you are told to work at a specific resistance level and match the beat of the music at that level. (You can create your own scale of resistance and not follow the scale on the elliptical based on your fitness). Again these are interval training workouts where speed and resistance are constantly changing.
In iTrain, iTread has some outdoor workouts and there is a recent iClimb outdoor workout too.
Cardio Coach works great for outdoors too. You can run all through, or mix walking/running/jogging.
~* Vrinda *~
Cardio coach works great on an elliptical. For sprints, you need to keep resistance low and go for speed. For hills you need to pump up the resistance. You have little bursts of sprints and hills interspersed with recovery in each challenge (segment) of the workout. A workout is usually mutiple challenges strung toegther with intervening brief steady state segments where you stay aerobic.
ITread has great workouts for the elliptical called iClimb. In iClimb you are told to work at a specific resistance level and match the beat of the music at that level. (You can create your own scale of resistance and not follow the scale on the elliptical based on your fitness). Again these are interval training workouts where speed and resistance are constantly changing.
In iTrain, iTread has some outdoor workouts and there is a recent iClimb outdoor workout too.
Cardio Coach works great for outdoors too. You can run all through, or mix walking/running/jogging.
~* Vrinda *~
Vee
Cathlete
>I don't get the hype either and am debating with myself about
>buying them with this great deal. The thing is, for my cardio
>I MUCHO prefer either step or kickboxing. I hate the
>treadmill (although I have one) and avoid it at all costs.
>Also, I don't run too much for various reasons and instead my
>sheltie loves taking me on a speed walk every morning. So
>with that information, would this be beneficial for me?
>Thanks for any help you can give me in making this decision
>especially because right now I don't have many $$$ to waste
>since I just plunked down a lot of dough on buying almost all
>of Cathe's dvd's (not the really old ones) plus STS. :7
When you start machine cardio or running/power walking, you will see results because of the change. Your body is probably used to the cardio you do. When I first started treadmill running I was surprised at how tough I found it because I could manage intense cardio DVDs. Our bodies adapt so cross training is good.
Also machine cardio / running without CC/iTrain versus with is a whole different ballgame. I too hated the treadmill / cycle / elliptical un til I discovered these.
~* Vrinda *~
>buying them with this great deal. The thing is, for my cardio
>I MUCHO prefer either step or kickboxing. I hate the
>treadmill (although I have one) and avoid it at all costs.
>Also, I don't run too much for various reasons and instead my
>sheltie loves taking me on a speed walk every morning. So
>with that information, would this be beneficial for me?
>Thanks for any help you can give me in making this decision
>especially because right now I don't have many $$$ to waste
>since I just plunked down a lot of dough on buying almost all
>of Cathe's dvd's (not the really old ones) plus STS. :7
When you start machine cardio or running/power walking, you will see results because of the change. Your body is probably used to the cardio you do. When I first started treadmill running I was surprised at how tough I found it because I could manage intense cardio DVDs. Our bodies adapt so cross training is good.
Also machine cardio / running without CC/iTrain versus with is a whole different ballgame. I too hated the treadmill / cycle / elliptical un til I discovered these.
~* Vrinda *~
crazystepr
Cathlete
I was just waiting for Vrinda to jump in on this thread. If you're not an iTread or CC convert before her post, you probably are now. She's the best at putting into words the emotion, feelins, and vibes of these workouts. Thanks, Vee!!!!
Oh, and if you do a search on CC "Press Play" you'll find the most emotional, uplifting, inspiring posts ever written. This one in particular (but all the CC/iTrain workouts as well) are unbelievably inspiring (and FUN!!) but this one really gets me. I'm hardly a spiritual person but I have to say that this workout is, in some way that I can't explain, very spiritual.
Allison
http://www.picturetrail.com/allisonj90
Oh, and if you do a search on CC "Press Play" you'll find the most emotional, uplifting, inspiring posts ever written. This one in particular (but all the CC/iTrain workouts as well) are unbelievably inspiring (and FUN!!) but this one really gets me. I'm hardly a spiritual person but I have to say that this workout is, in some way that I can't explain, very spiritual.
Allison
http://www.picturetrail.com/allisonj90
Kathy G
Cathlete
I own ALL the iTreads (yes, I’m that addicted, lol) and all the Cardio Coaches. I find myself using iTreads more often (only because I have more variety). The music and Sean’s voice on the CC's are more “ear friendly” but Grace has a way of motivating you like no one else!
The outdoor iTreads are in sets 6, 10, and 17 (they have Outdoor in the title). They go on the 6:1 rule of run 6 minutes and walk or jog 1 minute. I’ve used these for marathon training and running marathons, they’re incredibly useful. There’s also another one that’s for hiking in the iClimb 29 set. If you’re looking for variety, iTreads offer a lot!
As far as DVDs go, there are Runervals (www.spinerval.com – then look under Runervals). These are more “hard core” and the music pretty much sucks, lol. Coach Troy is standing there with a stop watch coaching people on treadmills. What I like about these are that they push me WAY beyond what I would ever push myself. Seeing people on treadmills running their little hearts out (plus little clips of them running hard outside) is very motivating.
I guess it all comes down to preferences. If you’re a visual person, you may prefer Runervals over MP3’s. If you don’t mind just listening, then iTreads and CC’s are perfect. Or if you’re like me, and just like variety….you’ll enjoy all three.
Kathy
The outdoor iTreads are in sets 6, 10, and 17 (they have Outdoor in the title). They go on the 6:1 rule of run 6 minutes and walk or jog 1 minute. I’ve used these for marathon training and running marathons, they’re incredibly useful. There’s also another one that’s for hiking in the iClimb 29 set. If you’re looking for variety, iTreads offer a lot!
As far as DVDs go, there are Runervals (www.spinerval.com – then look under Runervals). These are more “hard core” and the music pretty much sucks, lol. Coach Troy is standing there with a stop watch coaching people on treadmills. What I like about these are that they push me WAY beyond what I would ever push myself. Seeing people on treadmills running their little hearts out (plus little clips of them running hard outside) is very motivating.
I guess it all comes down to preferences. If you’re a visual person, you may prefer Runervals over MP3’s. If you don’t mind just listening, then iTreads and CC’s are perfect. Or if you’re like me, and just like variety….you’ll enjoy all three.
Kathy
crazystepr
Cathlete
Hey Kathy,
I just checked out the Runnervals. Boy, do those look hard core! I'm intimidated just watching the previews!! Those people look like intense marathon runners. They're so thin!
Do you have to figure out your "base speed" on your own? I don't know what mine would be...
Allison
http://www.picturetrail.com/allisonj90
I just checked out the Runnervals. Boy, do those look hard core! I'm intimidated just watching the previews!! Those people look like intense marathon runners. They're so thin!
Do you have to figure out your "base speed" on your own? I don't know what mine would be...
Allison
http://www.picturetrail.com/allisonj90
Kathy G
Cathlete
Hey Allison!
Yep, you have to figure out your base pace and then he'll add whole percentages to it. For example...base pace of 5 mph and then he'll say add 2 so that would take it up to 7.0. Then base pace plus 3 would be 8.0. And then most of them have you increasing incline every minute which is killer!
I find these way over my head as "filmed" so I go according to my own speeds, lol. My base pace is 5.5 mph and when they increase 2 points I go up to 6.0 - 6.5. When they increase to 3 points, I go up to 6.5 - 7.0. I usually get up and see how I'm feeling and then decide on levels. If I'm tired I go on my "lower end" and if I'm peppy I go on my "higher end"...hope that makes sense!
Kathy
Yep, you have to figure out your base pace and then he'll add whole percentages to it. For example...base pace of 5 mph and then he'll say add 2 so that would take it up to 7.0. Then base pace plus 3 would be 8.0. And then most of them have you increasing incline every minute which is killer!
I find these way over my head as "filmed" so I go according to my own speeds, lol. My base pace is 5.5 mph and when they increase 2 points I go up to 6.0 - 6.5. When they increase to 3 points, I go up to 6.5 - 7.0. I usually get up and see how I'm feeling and then decide on levels. If I'm tired I go on my "lower end" and if I'm peppy I go on my "higher end"...hope that makes sense!
Kathy
