imax 2 vs circuit max dvds?

[chiro_ange]

i've been doing a lot of research reading old posts and everything but i wanted to ask those of you who have these videos already: how do the imax 2/cardio and wts dvd and the circuit max/cardiokicks dvd compare as far as difficulty, fun factor, intensity, and effectiveness? the effects i want are to lean out, lose inches, improve cardio capacity and strength.

i already have kickbox/legs and gluts dvd as well as the ph/mis/bodymax dvd so which one will best compliment those? i should mention that i'm also currently buying CTX)**

i also looked at buying the entire intensity series but i'm not sure whether having both ME and PH would be a waste or repetitious? also, i thought maybe terminator would be repetitious bc it's just combining some other intensity series routines?

can anyone give me advice? mostly about the first question here? thank you in advance

 

[wendyloo]

Hi! I really love the Imax2/C&W DVD, and use it more than the CMax/CK DVD. That may be because it is chaptered FAR better, and lately I love to mix and match or just use certain segments of certain workouts.

Difficulty: The choreography in all of these workouts was very easy for me to pick up on, but I don't have trouble with any of Cathe's stuff, or more complex instructors like Christi Taylor or Seasun Zeiger. I would call all of these moderate in terms of difficulty (of choreography/learning the moves.)

Fun Factor: I think Imax2/C&W wins out for fun factor. There is more of a dread factor with CMax and CK for me, because they are long and tough. Even though Imax2 is hard, it is also fun.

Intensity: I think the CMax/CK DVD is tougher overall. I think that Circuit Max and Cardio Kicks are some of Cathe's toughest workouts. They are quite high in impact, and the speed seems superfast in some parts. Imax2 is very intense as well, but Cardio and Weights almost (almost!) seems like a light day in comparison.

Effectiveness: I find all of Cathe's workouts to be effective in some way or another. All of these workouts are going to help a person improve their cardio capacity. The circuit workouts will both provide a nice total body workout. However, due to the chaptering on the IMax2/C&W, I think you can get a more varied selection of effective workouts. With Circuit Max, you are unable to select the weight segments on their own; whereas with Cardio and Weights, you'll be able to create an entire upper body workout... I guess that means Imax2/C&W is more effective.

I think since you want to improve your cardio capacity, you should go with the Imax2 DVD. You don't have any Cathe intervals yet, so that should help. Also, I don't think Circuit Max will really help with any strength gains, but as I mentioned above, the chaptering on C&W would make it possible for you to do some strength training with this DVD as well, even if just as an add on to other strength workouts.

Have fun deciding. You'll end up with all of them eventually, anyway ;-)

 

[chiro_ange]

wow!!! thanks so much wendy! your post was super useful. i think i'll get the cardio with weights / circuit max dvd. oh and i cant believe you dont have any trouble with this choreography! even though i am an advanced exerciser, i am a beginner in that department. thanks again. ange