Clear Up My Confusion

[syzygy314]

Okay, so MissLee said I should check out Cardio Coach, which I did! I'm interested in trying it, but want to know if you have to be a good runner to do it (that's question no. 1)?

Second, can I do it outdoors as I do not have access to any cardio machines. Strictly a workout at home girl!

Third, is CC considered HIIT training or is it something else?

I do way too much steady state cardio (I'm a step-lover )! As MissLee knows, I'm using C5K as my cardio right now trying to gear up to where I can actually run! However, I feel like I'm not getting enough cardio and my CV endurance is suffering since i'm not at a good amount of running (only 3 min and 5 min spurts so far).

So, I thought I could add in some CC.

Any help to clear up my brain would be lovely!

Thanks!

Tricia

 

[kariev]

Oh your going to love cardio coach.
To answer your first question: no you don't have to be a good runner to do it. Its based on HR training zones or perceived exertion (which is what i use b/c i don't like dealing with my HR monitor) So you work at your own intensities levels. One persons 85% HR or Level 3 exertion is different than someone elses. You control how far you want to push.

Second question: yes you can do it outside you just have to be creative. The increased speed is easy to adjust outside but when its asked of you to increase your resistance you can do many different things such as: walking lunges, jump squats, hip thrusts, run in the soft sand if your buy a beach, run bleachers if your at a track, etc. You just want it to increase your HR and make it harder. You can just do increased or decreased speed if you wish but i think its good to mix it up even more.

Third: I do not consider cardio coach HITT. HITT is no longer than 20 minutes and you are going all out for about 45 seconds with recovery periods. Cardio coach does have some challenges where he wants you to reach your level 4 HR (90%) but the workouts are mostly in the level 3 zone so i consider it intense interval training similar to a spin class.

I hope this helps. If you have any more questions don't hesitate to ask. Good luck! I think your going to love it!

 

[Miss Lee]

Oh Tricia, you will LOVE Cardio Coach!! And no, you don't have to be a good runner to use the workouts. Coach Sean uses a system of training levels that rely on perceived exertion which makes them appropriate for anyone at any fitness level.

The workouts begin with a nice warm-up and then alternate interval challenges with steady state. The challenges each have a different interval structure that includes hills, sprints, or treks (a fast hill), alone or in combination. Sometimes it can be an issue when the workout calls for a hill and you're on flat terrain, but you just have to improvise a little bit. It's simply a matter of making sure you're working at the level called for in the workout. There's a wonderful Quick Start Guide on the CC website that explains the levels and zones. http://www.cardiocoach.com/Quickstart.php

There are so many creative ways to increase intensity if you need to. You can increase speed, add arm movements, carry hand weights (I hate to do this), or incorporate cardio drills ala Cathe! She recently posted a drill on Cathe TV where you do 5 or 6 sets with 10 reps each of jumping jacks, jump squats, squats, and push ups . I've done that several times, but I guess it depends on how you feel about doing these things where people can possibly see you.

And actually, I know lots of people who simply run faster. Right now running is a huge challenge for me and it doesn't take much exertion to get my HR up there.

I'd start with Volume 1 and see what you think. My guess is you'll love it! And if you ever join a gym or get your own cardio machine, then you'll be good to go! The workouts are great with ANY cardio machine. Do you have a bicycle? A bike would be ideal, and if you already have one all you need is a trainer and you're set for indoor cycling (BTW, Coach Sean is a spin instructor and a hardcore cyclist and he usually tests the workouts on his spin class ).

 

[syzygy314]

Thanks Ladies! That clears it all up for me! I'll let you know how it goes when I get my first one! I just want this rain to stop so I can get back outside!

Tricia

 

[hiitdogs]

Miss Lee, the Enabler-in-Chief struck again

I just wanted to add, I wasn't a good runner when I started last year. I was no runner at all. In fact, in the beginning I was only able to jog 20 seconds at a time. I used Cardio Coach exclusively for running outside with my dogs. As I have progressed over this past year I went from jogging for 20 seconds and almost dropping on the floor after that to running 11.2 miles just a few days ago.

What I love about Cardio Coach is that you can tailor it to your specific needs, no matter if you are a beginner or very advanced.

 

[Miss Lee]

Miss Lee, the Enabler-in-Chief struck again

I just wanted to add, I wasn't a good runner when I started last year. I was no runner at all. In fact, in the beginning I was only able to jog 20 seconds at a time. I used Cardio Coach exclusively for running outside with my dogs. As I have progressed over this past year I went from jogging for 20 seconds and almost dropping on the floor after that to running 11.2 miles just a few days ago.

What I love about Cardio Coach is that you can tailor it to your specific needs, no matter if you are a beginner or very advanced.

I was hoping you'd chime in here!!! You're my sheroe! 11.2 miles!!!!! Holy WOW!!!

 

[syzygy314]

Miss Lee, the Enabler-in-Chief struck again

I just wanted to add, I wasn't a good runner when I started last year. I was no runner at all. In fact, in the beginning I was only able to jog 20 seconds at a time. I used Cardio Coach exclusively for running outside with my dogs. As I have progressed over this past year I went from jogging for 20 seconds and almost dropping on the floor after that to running 11.2 miles just a few days ago.

What I love about Cardio Coach is that you can tailor it to your specific needs, no matter if you are a beginner or very advanced.

Woah! You guys are bionic or something! I'll be happy with a 5K! I won't think beyond that until I can at least do a mile straight through!

This may take longer than I thought, but I am determined to do it! Y'all have inspired me even more!

Tricia