Circuit training DVDs

LauraMax

Cathlete
OK now DM has me hooked on getting in one circuit training workout a week. But I've done DM once a week since it came out & I could use a little variety.

Does anyone know of any other high intensity DVDs that don't require a lot of equipment? I just don't have the space for a barbell or a high step. I have space for some handweights & obviously a band, but that's about it.
 
Laura, CircuitMax is tough and uses a step and hand weights. The warm up and first couple of cardios are floor only so I don't take my step out until the second half of the workout. I think you'd really like CM it is intense!!:)

Take Care
Laurie
 
BOOTCAMP!!! Definitely one of my favorites.
Brandi

eta: Cathe uses a barbell in this one, but I don't...she does use a high step too...so nevermind:)
 
Ditto both of the above! Bootcamp is TERRIFIC, just terrific. And she saves the most fun circuit for the last, so you have to hang in there until the bitter end!
 
You can use a regular step if you don't have a high step (until you decide you MUST own one). I used to do that and even though I wasn't getting the benefit of stepping up high, I would up my intensity in other ways.

Have you tried the other new workouts?
 
Sounds like BC is out & CM is in. Cool, thanks. Any other instructors you can think of?

Marie, I do have Body Max 2 but I've only done the cardio premix. I think a barbell is needed for that also?

I seriously cannot fit anymore equipment into my house. My end table is set up so I have a bit of storage behind it, where I keep my step, risers, yoga mat & med ball. My stability ball & hand weights are on my porch. I guess I could put the high step there but jeez, I do my cardio early in the mornings, I hate going out onto a cold porch at 6 am! x(
 
Oh, I say go with the Terminator - it combines three favorites into great circuits and has a wonderful fun factor to it.

Another goody if you have a high step is HSTA. This one always leaves me a bit breathless - although beware of the endless leg presses... You do 6 sets of 15 each in this one.

Laura - your high step will simply go on top of your risers.
 
Well duh, I didn't even think of that, thanks Christine. Guess I'm off to buy myself an Xmas gifts..........
 
I wouldn't toss Bootcamp out of the running yet, she only uses the high step for leg presses and tricep dips (both of which could be modified easily). For the leg presses, just do them as she does in Muscle Max, she uses the narrow end of the step and loops the band under the risers. Then, gripping the band in both hands, arms bent into a bicep curl, lunge back off the step, and when you come back to tap your foot on the step, don't straighten the leg all the way. As you need more resistance, just choke up on the band.
Tricep dip off the step, couch, end table, whatever is stable.
She uses a barbell on plie squats, regular squats, and bicep curls, but you can sub dumbbells for any of those easily.

HSTA ans HSC both use a barbell in addition to handweights, but just sub dumbbells for the exercises. The point is light resistance and cardio, and trust me, you'll be able to keep your HR up there.

I love circuits b/c the time just seems to go so much more quickly.

Enjoy!
Mattea
 
OK I checked & all of these require a barbell, including CM. I think I'll go check out what Collage has to offer with other instructors. :(
 
Circuit Max in my opinion is still one of Cathe's best! Just need weights and your good to go...Also, really, really like HSTA but, you will need a short box for that one. deb
 
I don't have a barbell set yet, and use dumbells (I have some fixed and one adjustable set.) I haven't had a problem modifying yet! :)

I really like circuit workouts. I don't have a High Step, but still do HSC (just modify the leg presses as in Muscle Max,) SJP, LIC, and DM. I also sometimes like the circuit premix of Low Impact Step/Total Body Sculpting if I want a lighter workout.

I think my next circuit w/o will be Bootcamp.:7
 
>Sounds like BC is out & CM is in. Cool, thanks. Any other
>instructors you can think of?
>
>Marie, I do have Body Max 2 but I've only done the cardio
>premix. I think a barbell is needed for that also?
>
>I seriously cannot fit anymore equipment into my house. My
>end table is set up so I have a bit of storage behind it,
>where I keep my step, risers, yoga mat & med ball. My
>stability ball & hand weights are on my porch. I guess I
>could put the high step there but jeez, I do my cardio early
>in the mornings, I hate going out onto a cold porch at 6 am!
>x(


Besides those two workouts from Cathe. (I also like BC). Kelly Coffey's "The Shape Of Things To Come" might be a good one. The music is good and it is fast paced and to the point.
 
You can really do any w/o with dumbbells. I love HSTA the most. It really has the most unique exercises in it. I also love that she uses a fixed weight for the barbell b/c it's a PITA to keep changing it out. Don't you love focused laziness?


Debbie


Peter: Oh my god, Brian, there's a message in my Alphabits. It says, 'Oooooo.'
Brian: Peter, those are Cheerios.
--Family Guy
 
I just don't know if I have dumbells heavy enough. My heaviest are 10 lbs. Enough to sub for the barbells in the other circuit workouts?

Either way I'm definitely getting CM. If I order it early enough (as in now) I'll probably receive it tomorrow. Is there complex choreography? Because I can't see my stupid TV until the tree comes down.
 
I know you said you do not want to buy a barbell, but it really doesn't take up much storage space, you just store it standing straight up and you don't even have to take the weights off to do that. They're inexpensive and honestly take up LESS room than having the various dumbells. Just a thought...:)

Ashley

P.S. I too have space issues but I have managed to make it work. I store my high step under my desk (there's enough room under there for it and my legs) and my regular step stands upright against a wall. All of this is in my "multi-purpose" room as it is a small room and has my desk, a bookshelf, a dumbell rack,a huge tank for my husband's ball python :eek: , and my stability ball. My husband gets a little irritated when he has to step over the barbell (if I have it just set on the floor) to get to the desk :p . Well, he should just be glad he has a fit wife!
 
I didn't realize you only had up to 10 lbs. Yeah, that does make a difference. I do think eventually getting a barbell is an awesome investment. It doesn't even have to go that super heavy. I have very limited space but I seem to be able to hide it behind all my son's toys ;) Good luck & have fun w/ your purchases.


Debbie


Peter: Oh my god, Brian, there's a message in my Alphabits. It says, 'Oooooo.'
Brian: Peter, those are Cheerios.
--Family Guy
 

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