Circuit Max - OMG!

[JenniferAnn]

I just finished my first time with Circuit Max. I think that was the hardest workout I have ever done in my entire life. And I thought that Intense Moves was hard! Frankly I'm amazed that I was able to do it. I had to modify a little bit. I was not up to most of the power moves in the final circuit and had to do the second set of french presses while standing instead of while lunging. I was shocked at how light I had to go on the weights. At first I thought I'd use 5# if Cathe used 8# and 3# when she used 3# but that wasn't going to happen. I quickly shifted to 3# for the whole workout.

What is the benefit of using weights during Circuit Max? I didn't go heavy enough to gain any strength and I went a lot lighter then I think I'd need to go for endurance. But is there an endurance benefit given that I was tired from the cardio?

 

[starbuck]

Hi JenniferAnn

Let me just say hate CM when I'm doing it love it when its done lots of mods can't always keep up with Cathe and the crew.

Babs

 

[laventi]

I use the 5 and 8 lb. weights, and it is a great overall fitness conditioning workout, but I do not count it as one of my weight training workouts. I use it to kind of "polish off" the muscles after a good week of PS, PH, or MIS...

 

[Madonna]

I have been using 10lb weights with circuit max. You talk about hard, it is so damn hard. But I am sore afterwards. I have been using it as part of my weight training even though some people dont use it that way. The overhead presses and squats with 10 pounders is a killer. Toward the end, when we balance on one foot and do hammer curls, I am dying. I have the most trouble with the planks. My secret: stay focused, work through the pain.


Madonna

 

[JenniferAnn]

I'll try to use heavier weights the next time I do the tape. Maybe I need to work on my cardio capacity (CM would be an excellent tape for this) so I'm not so tired from the cardio that I can't use heavier weights.

 

[bebop]

I use this as a cardio only tape. I find it challenging enough. I do the leg work without weights, and the pushups and the ab work - I just do the other weight work without the weights. I find it challenging enough areobically this way - I tried to do it with the weight work a couple of times - I had to go really light too - 5 - 3lbs. I almost died!

I love this tape and if I ever can do it the way Cathe does it with the weights I will know I am in shape.

 

[lis1]

The Firm's whole "mantra" is that mixing weights w/ cardio burns 3x's more fat than doing cardio alone. I don't know if this is true, but I do think you burn more calories. You're adding weights, which is good, and your HR is going up and down slightly which is also a calorie burner.

I think of this as a cardio tape, but realize I'm getting *some* toning benefits. I like lighter weights anyway. So if I only lift weights one other time during the week, in addition to CM, I think it's ok.

It's a great workout though- I don't think I could handle any more cardio or weight work towards the end!!