Interval Training

SteppingFool

Cathlete
First, to Cathe, congratulations on the new arrival. I know you are busy, but I can't wait for your new videos!

To all,

I have been doing interval training (IMax) once a week since January. I have noticed considerable improvement since then. I used to modify 4 intervals, but now I can do them all (though not as pretty as Cathe and the crew). I have out grown a lot of other tapes since they are not as challenging anymore.

About a month ago, I stopped doing Interval Max, but started on a 2 week rotation on CTX cardio. My usual step height is 6", but since CTX cardio is so short, I increased it to 8". I found that at this height, it does not bother my knees or wore me out for the 30 mins of cardio.

I was back on Interval Max after CTX. Now I've noticed that my heart rate goes really low during recovery phase. I know it's a sign of my healthy heart (yeah!) - fast recovery time. I wear a heart rate monitor, and it beeps (low heart rate) during part of the recovery and through most of the aerobic section (not the blast, of course!). I also feel that the perceived exertion during this time is real low, probably around 5. Should I add more intensity so that my heart rate does not go too low? I could increase my step height to 8", but I don't feel it's the option I'd like to do. I would not mind doing CTX on 8" but not IMax. I'm short (5') and would like to save my knees so I could keep exercising. As of now, I do not have any problems with my joints. So, do I need to increase my intensity during the aerobic phase? If so, suggestions, please.

TIA!

Haslina

p/s
I hope you are still thinking of doing another interval training and kick-boxing tapes. I need more of Cathe interval and kick-boxing. May be my body is used to IMax; therefore the workout gets easier all the time... I need a new challege!
 
RE: I'm not Cathe but

Hi, Haslina! A couple of suggestions from an I-Max junkie:

1. During the recovery segments, instead of doing grounded walking recovery, try doing alternating rear and side leg lifts on the step; low impact, no propulsion;

2. During the mid-range aerobic segments, try modifying a few of the lower impact repeaters with Power 3's and Power 7's;

3. During the mid-range aerobic segments, try throwing in a few jumping jacks or modified plyo jacks during jack or other choreos;

AND (don't faint)

4. Try extending out some of the interval blasts by 8-16 reps.

These work to keep your heart rate at a higher level, within safety limits; obviously Cathe's promise that "as you get stronger and stronger you can go longer and longer", and you can do more! Congrats!

Annette
:):):):):)
 

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