Does two inches really make that much of a difference???

Tamster

Tamster

Cathlete
Hi everyone,

I am immensely enjoying my progression from my Firm tapes to my new Cathe tapes (Bodymax, Imax, Imax2, MIC, MIS and the Ab tape).

So far I have successfully completed Imax2, the Ab tape (alternate that one with the Firm 5 day Abs) and Friday I did BodyMax for the first time.

I moved slowly into Imax2. First just the warmup, and added intervals as I learned them. I finally put it all together and did the tape all the way through using just the top part of the club step.

When I felt comfortable enough with the choreography, I added one set of risers. My question is: Since adding the riser for a total of a 6" step, my lungs are SCREAMING!!! Can just 2" make that much of a difference?

By the way, I loved BodyMax...what a great, thorough workout. I'll be doing that at least once a week when time permits.

I still have to tackle Imax and MIC. Which one should I do first???

Yours in fitness,

Tami
 
RE: Does two inches really make that much of a differen...

Yes, Yes and not just because my mind is in the gutter}( .

signed,
too embarrassed to sign my name...insert blush here
 
RE: Does two inches really make that much of a differen...

Hi again Tami,

Sorry, I couldn't resist. It's the weekend and I am feeling frisky. Lucky dh, oh I know TMI. For me the risers do make a difference in the intensity. Good for you and all your progress. Both MIC and IMAX can be killer workouts. MIC can sure test your endurance and make you sweat buckets. IMAX can really challenge you in so many ways. Good thing is both of these can be done in parts. Remember to ease into things and lower your step height if neccessary.

Have fun but don't over due,
jordan
 
YES! It seems that 2" is not a big deal, but it is! It really kicks up the intensity.

As far as a suggestion between IMAX and MIC - it's really a toss up. MIC is nice because you can break it into 2 workouts if you want, but you can only do parts of IMAX also. I would suggest you start with MIC. They are both very challenging so good luck and have fun!


Jo
 
Yep! I agree that those silly little two inches makes a big difference! There are some step or interval workouts I simply won't do on 6 inches anymore because permanently hurting my knees is just not worth it, but you know what? I still get a kick-a** cardio workout with that step right on the floor - LOL!!

As for Imax vs. MIC, I find Imax a LOT easier to get through than MIC, but that's just my opinion. Imax 2 is my favorite though! I'm 5'2" as well, and the way I see it if I'm up too high, I'll get dizzy from lack of oxygen and fall off, so I'm not meant to be that high up in the air and workout at the same time - LOL!!

(okay everyone - I know that's just silly and not true - I'm just having fun!!!)

Workouts I can almost always do on 6 inches without my knees complaining (I have VERY BAD arthritic changes in both knees - courtesy of my mother's side of the family!) are:

Cardio & Weights
any of Cathe's step tapes pre- Rhythmic Step
Rhythmic Step once in a while
Step Blast once in a while
The step portions of Step, Jump & Pump anytime
All cardio portions of Crosstrain Express workouts anytime
Imax and Imax2 once, but it hurt my knees too much and I probably won't try it again. That would be stupidity on my part.

I guess what I'm trying to say is yes it makes it more intense to raise the step, but you have to out-weigh any potential for injury you might have as well. It's simply not worth it. There are way to add intensity without risking injury, and IMHO that's working out SMART.

Carol
:)
 
I feel so much better now...

Thanks for all of the replies....I just couldn't believe that just one set of risers could make that much of a difference.

I started to preview Imax last nite and it scared the HECK out of me. Good Lordy! They were doing that on an 8" step!!! Unfortunately, we lost power half way through the tape. I think I'll preview MIC next and then decide which one to tackle.

I love it here, and can't wait to add some DVD's to my inventory. I have read great things about the intensity series and I think I will purchase those as soon as the pocketbook allows!!!

Thanks again, yours in fitness,

Tami
 
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