Do I HAVE to vary cardio??

[missyb70]

I know that you always recommend doing a variety of different cardio workouts in your rotations, etc. I'm wondering if it is necessary though? For example, I just started doing Rhythmic Step and I love it, I did it 6 days in a row and finally got all the steps down (yeah, I'm a tad bit uncoordinated!!) and I'd like to keep doing it this week since it's so much fun. Is there any harm in doing the same cardio workouts day after day??

 

[kathryn]

IMO, you are risking overuse injuries by doing not only the exact same TYPE of workout (step) but the exact same workout. I'd but a day between each workout. Also, vary the type of workout you do to work the muscles differently.

 

[Aquajock]

In addition to the potential for overuse injuries, your body becomes more efficient when it does the same workout, or as Kathryn noted the same MODE of workout, day after day; thus you lose part of the keenest edge of the challenge. I agree with Kathryn's suggestions.

A-Jock

 

[NY25]

If you do nothing but step aerobics, you also run the risk of overdeveloped quads. As previous posters stated, it's best to mix it up.

 

[gtmrfc]

My new plan is to do step twice a week -- it's my favorite and kickboxing and running two times a week. I would like to inlude some intervals -- the imaxes -- and some circuit training. (Along with my other strength training.) Would this be too much step? The idea of overdeveloped quads scares me.

 

[gtmrfc]

I'm dying to know this . . .

 

[Stepper86]

Hi Everyone!

I am a step instructor, and I teach 3 step classes a week in addition to doing Cathe's videos. I must agree with the previous poster who stated that you risk overdeveloped quads with too much step. I have recently gone back to serious weight training (I teach 2 body sculpting classes, but it wasn't enough), so I have added Power Hour and Muscle Endurance to my video collection and try to do them on alternating days when my schedule allows. I have noticed that my hamstrings, hip and glute areas are much more in line muscularly with my quadriceps now.

I love step just as much as you do- I would do it every day if I could. I absolutely adore IMAX 2 because it gives me the step portion, plus the cardio blasts, which is an ideal combination! Just a suggestion!