Hi:
I don't know Step Max at all. I have Step heat which I only do if I have had a break from exercise for several months and need to get back into working out again. It is very useful for that purpose. After that, it does not challenge me and gets a little tired because a lot of time is spent teaching a very basic move and when you can do CTX already, this is not necessarily what you need or want. In comparison, it will not seem stimulating. I also bought recently Step Jam and was disappointed. I found it a bit dated. Sorry Cathe!! Again, it's the problem of a lot of time spent teaching and practicing over and again a basic move, basic, that is, if you are already used to CTX and more recent videos.
If you are looking for a slightly easier tape for days when you have a little less energy, I have always found Step Fit to fit the bill. It has bits where you really fly, others where you take a breather and you can choose or not to add a few more hops to make it more intense or just step up for an active rest moment. I like the music, it gives me energy, so I recommend it as a medium intensity Cathe step video.
Also Rythmic Step, although a new release, is actually not as intense as some of Cathe's recent Body Max type bust-a-gut routines!!! It is delightful, it's pitched just right for advanced level who also wants to be able to breathe easily during the workout, sing along sometimes to the fab tunes and enjoy the creativity. I recommend that one also for days when you want to enjoy the feeling of your body moving easily and powerfully through space. I love it: can you tell?
Hope this helps
Clare