Need New Cardio

hriacobacci

hriacobacci

Cathlete
I primarily use Cathe's step DVDs for my cardio. I also try to run a few times a week, but I am not in love with running. As the weather gets cooler, I want to run even less. However, step really aggravates my plantar fasciitis. I'm also getting a little burnt out on the step workouts I have. However, I have tried other instructors and their workouts fall sooo short compared to Cathe. It's really getting hard to be motivated to do any cardio now. I need some new ideas.

My gym offers spin classes, but I have never tried them. Any thoughts on those? Are they super leg intensive? For some reason I have been afraid to try them. They are always packed though, so they must be fun.

I'll take any DVD suggestions as well. I think I'd like Shaun T Insanity, but it's not cheap! I have also had a recommendation for Turbo Kicks.

Help!!!
 
Jump rope? Would that aggravate your pf? Its good for when its dark because you can stay close to the house (assuming you don't live in an apt.) and make up your own wo. Like a combo of boot camp moves with the jumps as your intensity intervals. Does that make sense? How about cardio coach plus an elliptical?
 
Have you got Amy Bento's workouts? Her Hi/lo kickbox is awesome! articularly Kickbox surge, Hi lo cardio knockout, Hi lo Dome.... they really are fun :)
If you already have them, or are not a fan, how about Mindy Mylrea? I have All Systems Go and I really like it :)

Sorry I can't be of more help!
 
Spinning

Spinning is really fun. I wouldn't recommend it on a day after you've done a hardore leg workout, because it can be intense on the legs. However, you are in charge of adjusting the resistance. And each class is different, with options like hills, jumps, etc. If you have access to a class, I'd definitely recommend trying it!

That's strange that step aggravates your PF but running doesn't. I'm the exact opposite!
 
Thanks for the suggestions.

Zozo - I have tried a few of Amy Bento's workouts. She's "OK". I'm not a huge fan though. I do have one of her hi/lo workouts and Step Challenge 3. I have not tried Mindy Mylrea yet. May see if I can Netflix one.

jamiehorn20 - I think a big worry for me on spin has been the intensity of legs. I think I am going to try a class tonight though. My last leg workout was one of the STS discs last week. I'm over the DOMS and my next leg workout will be tomorrow (providing my legs aren't sore from tonight!). Running does bother my PF as well, but I can run through that. It'll hurt maybe the first couple of minutes then it's fine after. With step, it just gets worse and worse. :confused:

RapidBreath - I do like the idea of some bootcamp style workouts. I really like Cardio Fusion just b/c the last bit is the bootcamp stuff from Drill Max. I have never used Cardio Coach before, but everyone who posts about it makes it sound like it really helps you get through a workout. May even help take my mind off of running on the treadmill???
 
Just thought of something, Heather!... Have you even heard of Lalofit? He's this (hot) hispanic guy who does an intense bootcamp style workout. His cue-ing and accent are a LITTLE off, but it doesn't really matter, it's "fun"! There's one out now ($14.95 at his site) and another coming soon!

here's a link:

http://www.lalofitness.com/LaloFit_DVD.php

Also, it was recommended to me that Kettlebells are a great cardio workout and low impact. I'm interested in trying it, but not sure how to learn how to use them right. But that's an option, maybe? You can do your own thing with them and listen to music, INdoors.
 
Another vote for spinning! It's my only non-Cathe cardio, other than an occaisional run. And DITTO the leg w/o suggestion. Hope you liked the class - spinning is FUN, FUN, FUN! (Especially after about 3 times, when you're bum gets used to it! LOL)
 
Hey Heather

I am not sure if HITT is part of your workout sphere but I have been trying to expand mine and someone in an earlier post introduced me to Bodyrock.tv. This is her 20 min interval challenge. http://www.bodyrock.tv/category/workout-routines/20-minute-interval-cardio-workout/ I did this one after weight workout because I really didn't believe that I could get a great workout in 20 minutes. Most of her workouts are only clips of her doing a portion of a circuit and you can do it yourself at home but this one she has taped herself doing each 4 minute segment individually. I think it should be okay for your PF. I have been recovering from that myself. I was told to be very warmed up and that walking lunges in the warm up are a good idea? Anyways, the other thing is you may be off put by the fact that she seems to need to show some cleavage in every shot. Apart from that fact the workouts are short but very intense, some are circuits some are all cardio, not all are HITT. Check it out. They are different and cheap! I have been enjoying the change.

Good luck
the other Heather
 
Spinning is good. Don't worry about the intensity on your legs because you control the tension on your bike.

But better than spinning is Insanity. Really, from a cardio stand point, it's awesome. Plus, it give you some strength work at the same time.
 
I was wondering when someone was going to mention Insanity - it gets my vote too! I also like CardioCoach- but I really like my CC premixes better than his original workouts, just because I can customize them for me - so that's another nice feature, that you can do that with his workouts. He's always having sales too.
 
Ok, to report - I did do spin last night. It was a good class. My legs are a bit sore. I definitely think I'll try to add it in to my cardio rotation. I'll just have to plan it around leg days!!! :eek:

Chris - thanks for that link. I'll definitely check it out.

Other Heather (LOL) - I really like HIIT workouts. They are just about the only way I can stand running on the treadmill. I'm focused on my interval and not the overall time. I did look at the Bodyrock link about a week ago. Not sure about having to keep opening the videos from the PC. Wondering if there is a workaround?

Sancho - thanks for the vote on Intensity. I really really want to get that program. I have been eying it on Ebay b/c of the cost.

Thanks again for everyone taking the time to give ideas and suggestions!
 
Heather, try a CC on the TreadClimer;) You burn a lot of cal. and it's low impact! It's the only cardio I do, since I hurt my back. Give it a try!
 
What about some Cardio Coach sessions on a bike or elliptical? Cardio Coach is da bomb! :D

I also like Kelly Coffey Meyer's workouts and as someone already mentioned Amy Bento. I also recommend taking a gander at Collage Video and see what they are offering. You can check out previews and if you end up with a DVD you hate you can return it.

I know this sounds kind of old school, but perhaps you'd consider checking out Jazzercise. I used to work out there up until a few years ago and they were good workouts which one could easily modify to be easier, or harder. That being said, try any group exercise class for a change of pace.
 
I absolutely LOVE Insanity. I did the 2 month rotation as recommended and now I do 2-3 of the workouts a week mixed in with running and full body weight training. For me it is exactly the challenge I was looking for.

I don't find Shaun T at all obnoxious or "in your face". I find his style encouraging. There isn't anything about him I don't like. I've been doing these workouts since they came out (August???) and I'm still not bored of them (but I really want MORE of them).

Basically, here's an idea of what the workouts are like:

Take the first 4 intervals (blasts) of Imax 2 or 3. Do them one after the other without a break in between. Take a 30 second break. Do the 4 again and take a 30 second break after completing the 4. Do the 4 intervals one more time (3 times total). Take a 30 second break. Now, do the same thing with the next 4 intervals. And now do it one last time with 4 more intervals. Bascially, that's the jist of Insanity.

Each of the workouts is a variation on that. One workout is like taking all the Imax intervals and doing them 1 minute each, back to back without a break. You do about 30 minutes worth. They vary in intensity, so sometimes you are getting a "break" with an easier interval.

Many of the intervals also work your arms and core (while keeping the HR up). So, you are getting your cardio while you are also working your upper body and core.

It is "bootcamp" style in that there is no choreography. It is just drill after drill.

For me, there aren't a lot of videos that really challenge me. This is one that does. I get a great workout every time.

The first month workouts are easier than the second. When I was doing the first month in the rotation, sometimes I would repeat one of the sets of intervals or add on a little something else. But the second month workouts are great as is. He does a pretty tough warmup and then stops you to stretch. Now that I have completed the rotation, I skip the stretch. I'd rather stretch at the end.

These are my absolute favorite workouts. I can't wait until he makes more.

By the way, I really like cardio coach also. I use them when I run and on the stepmill.
 
Hey Heather,

I second...or fifth Cardio coach. I usually only can run outiside or I get way too bored but with CC I can run for an hour inside and can't believe where the time has gone!
Even on a bike.

Heather
 
Sancho - I too have a very difficult time finding DVDs that are challenging and even remotely get my HR up, even the ones deemed "advanced."

I hate to waste more money on workouts that I end up hating too. So I really appreciate your review!

sancho said:
I absolutely LOVE Insanity. I did the 2 month rotation as recommended and now I do 2-3 of the workouts a week mixed in with running and full body weight training. For me it is exactly the challenge I was looking for.

I don't find Shaun T at all obnoxious or "in your face". I find his style encouraging. There isn't anything about him I don't like. I've been doing these workouts since they came out (August???) and I'm still not bored of them (but I really want MORE of them).

Basically, here's an idea of what the workouts are like:

Take the first 4 intervals (blasts) of Imax 2 or 3. Do them one after the other without a break in between. Take a 30 second break. Do the 4 again and take a 30 second break after completing the 4. Do the 4 intervals one more time (3 times total). Take a 30 second break. Now, do the same thing with the next 4 intervals. And now do it one last time with 4 more intervals. Bascially, that's the jist of Insanity.

Each of the workouts is a variation on that. One workout is like taking all the Imax intervals and doing them 1 minute each, back to back without a break. You do about 30 minutes worth. They vary in intensity, so sometimes you are getting a "break" with an easier interval.

Many of the intervals also work your arms and core (while keeping the HR up). So, you are getting your cardio while you are also working your upper body and core.

It is "bootcamp" style in that there is no choreography. It is just drill after drill.

For me, there aren't a lot of videos that really challenge me. This is one that does. I get a great workout every time.

The first month workouts are easier than the second. When I was doing the first month in the rotation, sometimes I would repeat one of the sets of intervals or add on a little something else. But the second month workouts are great as is. He does a pretty tough warmup and then stops you to stretch. Now that I have completed the rotation, I skip the stretch. I'd rather stretch at the end.

These are my absolute favorite workouts. I can't wait until he makes more.

By the way, I really like cardio coach also. I use them when I run and on the stepmill.
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