Interval Max

[DanielleS]

I just got Inteval Max today and previewed it and I'm really excited to try it. I consider myself to be an intermediate level exerciser. I do Step Heat, Wedding Step section, Mega Step Blast, and Step Max without any problems, except that last section of Step Max is tough! Anyway, when I try Interval Max for the first time, should I try to do all the intervals? How do I ease into this one? Also, I use a HR monitor when I work out and I set my target zone for 55-85% of my max heart rate. Should my heart rate be above 85% during the intevals? Thanks in advance for your help!

 

[SusanR]

My Suggestion

Hi Danielle,

If I was you I would try and do all the intervals and modify any if you have to. I have had the tape a year and I still have to do some modification because of my knees. I would probably keep my heartrate right around the … during intervals but the most important thing I would do is listen to your body. If it feels like you can push harder, do so, if you feel like you are going to collapse then back off a little. Don't let this tape intimidate you. Its a great workout and a good way to shock your system.

Good Luck,
SusanR

 

[DanielleS]

Thanks Susan!

Thanks Susan for your input. I was going to try it on Saturday, but after previewing it, I chickened out. I'll try to do it this weekend, though. Thanks again for your help!
Danielle

 

[Joanna]

I agree...

...that trying the whole tape works well, especially if you modify each part. I found that it took about 2 months (8 or 9 times) for me to feel ready to go from the 6 inch to the 8 inch step with this tape. Even then, I was still modifying quite a bit. Now I pretty much keep up with all the intervals, and even have the jumps at the end

! The best part is that I really feel like it has improved my overall fitness.

As far as heartrate is concerned...my understanding is that it will fluxuate with each section but basically be out of target range during the actual interval.

Hope you have fun when you do it...

Joanna

 

[Amy Steppe]

Danielle, I would lower my step to 6" the first time I do IM. Also, Cathe shows some modifications that you may want to try at first. Beware Intervals 4 and 10. Those two just slay me. Especially Interval 10.

Isn't the music in IM grand? I love it and even bought the soundtrack tape and play it all the time. It always puts me in a great mood. It's my favorite Cathe soundtrack EVER!

 

[DanielleS]

Thanks Amy and Joanna!

I appreciate your advice. I'm going to try it hopefully this weekend and I think it will be fun!
I did love the music in it, too. I already do all my stepping on a 6" step and I can't go lower than that because I have a Reebok step. I'll definitely report back how it went.
Thanks again!
Danielle

 

[DanielleS]

I did it!!!

I did Interval Max this morning and I loved it! It was so much fun except, of course, when I was dying during intervals 8 and 10! I feel so great having finished this one and the music was the best! I can't believe how fast the workout went by, too! Thanks for encouraging me to try it, I'm so glad I did!
Danielle

 

[honeybunch]

Now you are an Amazon!!

Isn't it the greatest feeling to have conquered I-max?!!!

I did it all the way through a couple of weeks ago.

Since I've done Cathe tapes, nothing can measure up (except Intense Moves for a little shorter interval workout). I am sold!! Completing those interval workouts makes other forms of exercise seem like sissy stuff! But we do "other stuff" to crosstrain, right? We could never do all interval workouts.