Comparing intensity of videos to running

[losinit]

Hi Cathe,

I just finished "StepFit" and this question came into mind - how does the intensity of your recent tapes (I consider those tougher than your earlier ones) compare to running/jogging?

At this moment, I feel like I worked out just as hard as when I go running (9 min. miles) except my lower body doesn't feel as stressed.

TIA

 

[Irene]

intensity comparisons

I am not Cathe. However, I also have added running (among other things) as cross-training to my video regimen. I, personally, find running more intense than Cathe's non-interval step workouts. However, I think that Imax, and MIC have sections that are more intense than running.

Of course, all these comparisons depend on many factors, including the definition of intensity that you use, as well as your running speed, step height, and many other factors that are too numerous to list. Also, IT IS GOOD TO VARY INTENSITY and change the type of intensity of your workouts to get the best results (and enjoyment) from your efforts and minimize stress on your joints. This is why cross-trainng is constantly recommended and used by people on this forum (as well as anywhere people are serious about working out and are informed).

Irene

 

[Cathe Friedrich]

Hard to answer!

<center><font size="1" color="#ff0000">LAST EDITED ON Dec-08-99 AT 06:26PM (EST)</font></center>

Hi TIA! Thats a tough one to answer. Without actually wearing a heart rate monitor, you will never really know. The fact that you say that you feel like it was just as intense is a sign that they are definitely comparable. I would encourage you to stick with doing both(not that you said that you weren't). You always benefit from using your muscles in different ways. Since you said that your legs feel less stressed when you do step tapes obviously means that your muscles ARE being used in different ways. Using your muscles in different ways is just as important, if not more important, than the intensity issue itself.

 

[Stacey DeLapp]

Steppping Intensity vs. Running

When I first started power stepping a few years ago (before finding Cathe!), I had Kathy Smith's Power Stepping tape and she said that power stepping is the same level of intensity as running an 8 minute mile without all the added stress to your joints. I'm not sure where she got her information from. I know for me, personally, running has been a lot easier since I started power stepping.