Hardcore Extreme Hi/Lo

[lederr]

So, I did Hardcore Extreme Hi/Lo for the second time and I am wondering what everyone else does about step height. I am trying to be kinder to my knees, so I am doing everything but the low impact workouts on a 6 inch step. Anything without jumping, I still do on 8. For HE, it's a mizture of Low Max and IMAX 3. Both times, I have been pausing and changing my step height, but that seems crazy (and a pain). What does everyone else do?

Lorie

 

[hiitdogs]

Wow, you are in good shape, Lorie! I' impressed!

I do most of my high-impact on a 4" step and some lower impact on 6". But I never change during the workout, it's too distracting for me and brings my heartrate down.

So if I start out on a 4" step height, that's what I stick with during the whole workout, if it gets to easy (as if it ever would with a Cathe workout}( ) I just put more energy in my movements and jumps. Maybe go to the higher step height for the next workout.


Carola

 

[lederr]

I totally agree. It does bring the heart rate down to change and I really don't think it makes a huge difference. Like you said, it is better to put more energy into the moves. I find doing most of the workouts on a lower step is easier in terms of choreography.

I was starting to feel like a chup because (pre-Cathe) I ALWAYS used an 8 inch step, but her workouts are WAY more intense than any others (like Gin Miller or Kelli Roberts) and I found doing them on the 8 inch step was killing my knees. Although, I see so many people on here that do everything with an 8 inch step and it makes me feel like a slacker!!!

Lorie

 

[hiitdogs]

>Although, I see so many people on here that do everything with
>an 8 inch step and it makes me feel like a slacker!!!

LOL, Lorie. I know, me too. I used to do everything on a 8" step 10 years ago and now I feel like a whimp using the lower height step.

But then again, I am 10 years older, a LOT of pounds heavier (although that is changing now ) and so far I have avoided injury (knock on wood) and I'd like to keep it that way.

I just keep telling myself, that it really doesn't matter what step height I use, as long as I get a good workout and keep my heart rate in the "zone"}(

What's the point in feeding into my own vanity ("I CAN step on a 8" step, darn it!!"), it doesn't help me, if I get injured and have to stop working out for weeks and months.

Tell me about Cathe's intensity. When I started back up after over a year break and did the intermediate Low Impact Step DVD, holy snikeys, I thought I won't make it through it and die right on my 6 " step How pathetic is that????

Take care,

Carola

 

[Beavs]

I always go one riser lower than what Cathe uses. If she uses one I use none. I used to feel guilty about this considering I am rather tall and in good shape. However, given my knees' tendency to get angry with me and my inherent clumsiness, particularly when jumping on and off the step, I decided that keeping my step one riser lower than Cathe was the best move. I find I am able to get more out of the workout because I'm less preoccupied with landing on my arse and get a more effective workout. My knees also appreciate it. Doing Low Max with two risers made my knees angry x(

 

[beemerjen]

Hi
I do the whole workout on the 6 inch step. I don't want to have to change step heights during the workout. I usually do the low impact with 8, and do the high impact with 8. Istill get a great workout just using the 6.
Jen