Do you think I should raise my step height?

[candice]

Hi,

I've been doing Cathe's step tapes for a looonnnggg time. In the past few months though, I've concentrated on interval training on my treadmill and with interval max, and I've gotten good results - but now the older step tapes don't seem as challenging. My heart rate for workouts like Power Max is at the low end of the range now whereas it used to be high end or even higher than suggested. I use 2 risers on my step (TheStep brand). Do you think I should order a third set of risers? I'm afraid of injuring my knees. I know that raising the step height can greatly increase intensity.
Whaddya think?

thanks,
Candice

 

[ebh87]

Hi Candice,
I don't think you should go beyond 2 sets of risers. I remember Cathe posting something about this a while back and she said something to the effect that the rate of injury greatly increases and isn't worth the small increase in intensity. I know some women do step at 10 inches with no problems, but I don't think it's considered safe.
Maybe try adding more intensity by making your jumps higher, arm movements bigger, etc. Or try a new activity - you said you are running and stepping, how about cycling, kickboxing, jumproping, hi/lo, etc.?? Maybe your body is getting too used to stepping?
Erica

 

[candice]

Thanks for the reply, Erica! And the more I think about it, the more I know you are right - if I run too much I injure my knees so I guess I shouldn't mess with a higher step. Hmmm - I've been wondering about Cathe's kickbox workout - I don't have it yet, or have any experience w/ kickboxing (except what is on the CTX series). Can anyone vouch for the intensity of this workout ( I know I should never doubt the intensity of a Cathe tape!)? Maybe I have to shell out for a new DVD!

Candice

 

[ebh87]

Hi again Candice,
I love Cathe's Cardio Kicks. The first part, to me, seems more like a hi-lo workout with some kickboxing moves thrown in. The second section - kickboxing drills - is my favorite. If you really give it your all, you will get a fantastic workout! It's great for crosstraining and will really tone your body with all of those punches. The first few times I did this workout, my upper body was sore the next day. Plus, it's just a lot of fun and Cathe seems especially motivating in this video to me.
You can do a search on the forum for Cardio Kicks and will probably come up with lots of other people's opinions!
Hope you love it if you decide to buy it!
Erica

 

[DebbieH]

Yes!

GET IT!! CardioKicks is awesome and very high intensity. As if the workout isn't enough, Cathe tacks a GREAT high intensity drill section on at the end of the workout. It will leave no hair untouched by sweat, trust me and I don't sweat that bad usually. Go For IT!!!!!

Your-Friend-In-Fitness, DebbieH http://www.plaudersmilies.de/wavey.gif If You Get The Choice To Sit It Out Or Dance...I Hope You DANCE!!!

 

[mogambo]

RE: Yes!

Just to be fair, I don't think this is a very hard tape. It's decent, but not a killer. I think MIC is harder. If you can't increase the intensity by leaping harder, I agree that you should try spinning or running intervals or maybe get CTX. I wouldn't recommend adding another riser, although if you are really really tall, like 5'10" or more, maybe it wouldn't be so bad.