Confused by Interval vs. All-Cardio DVD's!

C

CassBHealy

Cathlete
Hi. I just checked out the Ultimate Guide to the DVD's and I am a bit confused. What is the difference between the DVD I just bought (Low Impact Step) which seems like it is all cardio to me, and the DVD's that are listed under "Step Cardio"?

Also, if I just bought Low Impact Step (which I like) and Low Max (which I have not yet tried), what do you all feel should be my next DVD? (Please remember that I do not like to combine strength training with my cardio. I like ALL cardio!).

Thanks!
Cass
 
When you do Low Max you'll understand an Interval. Basically what Intervals are is about a 5 minute step workout followed by a 2-3 minute "blast". The blast either uses the step or not and is designed to get your heart rate higher than the standard step routine. It's all cardio - no strength training, although especially in Low Max, as some of the moves include squats and lunges to get the heart rate up, you'll feel it in your legs.

The IMax's use high impact blasts. Low Max uses low impact high intensity blasts. Watch it once and you'll see what I mean.
 
I believe LIS would be classified as Step Cardio. It isn't listed in the guide because it is new and the guide hasn't been updated.

Step Blast (SB) is all cardio, as are the Classics and Cardio Hits. You might start with those. SJP is on the Step Blast DVD but that is circuit so you probably won't like that. SB is very popular.
 
If you're good at step, go for Step Blast or Rhythmic Step. If you need some practice with Cathe's choreography, you might want to start with some of her earlier stuff. Cardio Hits is awesome, if you don't mind the early 90s fashion mistakes. ;-)

Good luck!
Marie
 
Low Impact Step actually has 2 "blasts" so I guess that's why it would be classified as an interval workout. Low Max and the other Imax's have 10 blasts though.

For all cardio workouts I would buy Rythmic Step and/or Step Blast, they are so fun, and if you like Kickbox I would recommend Cardio Kicks. I'm sure others would recommend Kick, Punch and Crunch as well, I just don't have that one.

Good luck and have fun!
Amy
 
>If you're good at step, go for Step Blast or Rhythmic Step.
>If you need some practice with Cathe's choreography, you might
>want to start with some of her earlier stuff. Cardio Hits is
>awesome, if you don't mind the early 90s fashion mistakes.
>;-)
>
>Good luck!
>Marie


OK, I have mastered all the steps in Low Impact Step DVD (got this down in about 2-3 viewings, as I was new to step). I also bought LowMax but have not yet started using that. SO...given that I find Low Impact an average challenge, how would I find Low Max if I am still new to step? Is the choreography insane or fairly manageable to follow?

And how does the choreography in Cardio Hits, Rythmic Step and Step Blast compare to Low Impact Step? Having these questions answered would be very helpful in knowing what to order next.

Thanks! :)

Cass
 
RS is toughest, choreo-wise, with SB not too far behind. These are Cathe's most complex (yet most interesting) step workouts. Cardio Hits was filmed years ago and Cathe's style was different than; she broke the moves down much more, so that might be a much more logical starting point to get used to Cathe's style.

Good luck!
Marie
 
>RS is toughest, choreo-wise, with SB not too far behind.
>These are Cathe's most complex (yet most interesting) step
>workouts. Cardio Hits was filmed years ago and Cathe's style
>was different than; she broke the moves down much more, so
>that might be a much more logical starting point to get used
>to Cathe's style.
>
>Good luck!
>Marie

OK and what about Low Max choreography-wise? I already have that one (it was a gift). Would I find it overwhelming at this point?
 
Low Max's choreography can be a bit tough. I don't have the Low Impact step, so I can't compare. Personally, I got the choreography in about 2-3 workouts. RS and SB still confound me.

I do recommend that you use the premixes that will be on your Low Max DVD. Those offer essentially 3 45-minute workouts that can really help you learn the choreography:
1. all step portions (no blasts)
2. intervals (meaning, step portion and blast) 1-4
3. intervals 4-7

This way you can work on the choreography and your endurance rather than feel like you need to tackle all 70 minutes at once.

Have fun!!!
 
>Low Max's choreography can be a bit tough. I don't have the
>Low Impact step, so I can't compare. Personally, I got the
>choreography in about 2-3 workouts. RS and SB still confound
>me.
>
>I do recommend that you use the premixes that will be on your
>Low Max DVD. Those offer essentially 3 45-minute workouts
>that can really help you learn the choreography:
> 1. all step portions (no blasts)
> 2. intervals (meaning, step portion and blast) 1-4
> 3. intervals 4-7
>
>This way you can work on the choreography and your endurance
>rather than feel like you need to tackle all 70 minutes at
>once.
>
>Have fun!!!

OK, so you're saying that I should start LoMax by getting right into the Premixes? Am I right in assuming that the premixes, altogether, make up the entire program?
 
Some of Cathe's earlier step workouts have easier choreography, such as Step Jam and Step Heat. They are on a DVD named The Classic Volume 1. I would begin with them instead of purchasing Low Max, which can be a little bit complicated. The step workouts on a three workout DVD named Cardio Hits are also a little bit easier to learn.

I did Rhythmic Step today, and the triples all around the step still eludes me most of the time. I find Step Blast to be equally as difficult as RS, but I still love it.
 
Caitlin, the triples get me every time. I swear my mind goes completely blank!! But RS is an awesome workout. :)

Marie
 
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