Opinion: LowMax or Imax 3

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Cathlete
to me, Imax 3 is too hard on the knees because of all the jumping so i probly won't do it that much if at all. Low Max,which i like much much better, does not have jumping but is still an awesome workout.
 
If you are certain that you will hardly use I Max 3, buy Low Max. You can add some propulsions to make Low Max even harder. It sounds like you have pretty much already decided which one would be best for you. Knee issues should be taken into consideration.
Diane SUe
 
I prefer Low Max. Not only is it better for my knees but the blasts in Low Max work out my legs very well. I can sub a regular weighted leg workout with Low Max when I want to get in cardio as well.

It's good that Imax 3 has a step only premix. At least that's one way I can use the workout. I'm still trying to find ways to modify the blasts to make them knee-friendly to me, and at the same time, get into Cathe's rhythm so I finish off on the same foot as Cathe.

Pinky
 
I like both workouts, BUT I modified IMAX3 a lot: no jumping to the floor from the step (when did that become safe for most people?), I step down; for plié jumps, I do 3 pulsiing plié's followed by one jump on the first set (while they jump every one), the do every other one on the other sets.

On the move where they leap to the end of the step, then across, then jump turn, tuck jump and two ricochets (I HATE ricochets: to fast, too much possible torque), I do a "two 'frog jumps forward, two frog jumps back, over the step, turn step" and end up in the same place they are at the end of the sequence. I figured out that last substitution the first time I watched the workout and decided that there was far too much impact to be safe, and that move in particular was a bit ridiculous as far as impact.
 
I'll be doing Low Max for the first time tomorrow, because I weirded out my left foot and have to let it heal up a bit before I can go back to my normal complement of Cathe routines. Previewed it today, and although it looks more intense than I'd anticipated, it is certain to be less intense in terms of cardiovascular challenge than I-Max 3

I'd like to add, however, that impact is not a dirty word, and "safety" is relative to the individual exerciser. Just because one exerciser is uncomfortable with a given drill, including jumping on and off the step (laterally as well as forward and back) does not necessarily make it "unsafe". Jumping in all directions, either on both feet or one foot or alternating feet, and jumping to graduated heights, are core elements of many athletic training programs with proven results in terms of power performance. And there is no bright clear line between athletic training and the type of training home exercisers prefer for general fitness.

A-Jock
 
I agree completely. I think Low Max is just about a perfect workout, and I get plenty of intensity on the blasts with an 8-inch step. I have many modifications on Imax 3, because the height and length of the jumps is just too difficult for me. I am tolerating quite a bit of the impact with my modifications, but there are limits. I also wish for longer recovery times between intervals--as in Imax 1 and 2. But then, I suppose, it would not be hardcore for some. I also find the blasts on Kickmax pretty awful--and I really hate the zigzag jumps on this one and on the High Step Challenge. I don't think I will ever do all of them. On the series as a whole, I am pleased because of all the choices, but also tentative about going all out on the impact.
 
A-jock, very well said. I agree with you.

I feel that Imax 3 and LowMax are like comparing apples to oranges. I like them both but they both work me completely different.

Joanne
 
I was only able to make it through Imax3 about halfway before I gave up due to the uncued complex choreography. It turned out to be a good thing because I had seriously sharp pain behind my kneecaps the next day. No such problem with LoxMax. Finally getting the choreo on that one (except for the fourth sequence, which I am now calling the "mid-workout, extended recovery to get a good drink of water").
 
I was severely disappointed in IMAX 3. THe choreo is way too complex and then some of the blasts are mind-numbingly repetitive and boring compared to IMAX 2. Not to mention some of the blasts nearly impossible to do unless you are an extremly elite athelete with no knee problems ever in your life.
I love LOMAX-bring on some more of those Cathe!!!
Beth
 
I'm absurdly complimented by Beth's slam of I-Max 3. I got through all the intervals with nary a problem; in fact, as I'm able to do with I-Max The Original AND I-Max 2, I was able to skip the recovery sequences altogether and extend out some of the intervals the first couple of times I did I-max 3.

These blasts aren't "nearly impossible" to do, Beth. While it's debatable whether I'm an athlete, elite or otherwise, I find them extremely doable.

Cathe has traditionally marketed her products toward the seasoned exerciser. If that makes those of us who can do and enjoy I-Max 3 "elite", so be it. Low Max is her diversion, not I-Max 3.

A-Jock
 
It's the 3rd Imax for a reason, there's a demand.

Cathe has responded to requests for easier workouts, but let's face it, her niche is high intensity workouts for seasoned exercisers. A seasoned exerciser should be able to modify moves that they don't care for or can't do.

Personally, I know I'll use Low Max a lot more often than Imax, but that's because I have the vertical leap of a cow. But I like plyo work anyhow. Reminds me of a fitness class DH & I used to attend called "Blood & Guts".

Any my hat is off the Cedie in Imax 3. What an inspiration for those of us that are not super sleek.

Debra
 
I think LowMax as it's beautiful for folks with issues. I did HC X Interval and Circuit today and did fine with the impact and am eager to take a shot at Imax3. Did get a stitch in my side though! I have been reluctant to do IMax 3 because, well, it's an IMax! But I had so much fun and was really wowed by the choreography. It was all accessible and usually there are a few moves I can't do. It's modifiable and learning how to modify sucessfully has been a real foot saver for me. LowMax is intense and easy on the joints. I love KickMax too. Ah, Cathe! How do I love thee? Let me count the ways. LowMax, Imax, Kickmax, Hardcore Extreme, etc....:)
Bobbi http://www.handykult.de/plaudersmilies.de/chicken.gif "Chick's rule!"

Maturity is the ability to do a job whether or not you are supervised, to carry money without spending it, and to bear an injustice without wanting to get even.

-Ann Landers
 
<Ah, Cathe! How do I love thee? Let me count
>the ways. LowMax, Imax, Kickmax, Hardcore Extreme, etc....:)

Bobbi, you are so cute
;-)
 
It's Cathe. She inspires me. You wouldn't believe how many times I've thought "a thing of beauty is a joy forever"... when viewing one her workouts. Really. :) I have now done three Hardcore workouts but I have previewed all of them and I think I can do all of them. In the pst there have always been a few moves I never got. Shall I compare her to a summer's day? It's happening again! :) It helps that I'm nuts!
Bobbi http://www.handykult.de/plaudersmilies.de/chicken.gif "Chick's rule!"

Maturity is the ability to do a job whether or not you are supervised, to carry money without spending it, and to bear an injustice without wanting to get even.

-Ann Landers
 
I vote for lowmax. I wish I could say I love Imax3 but it is just too high impact for me and kills my knees. I can't do 1/2 the moves and get frustrated. I think I get my heartrate up higher w/Lowmax b/c I can do all the moves. Plus the music in imax3 is boring to me. I really wish the music was better on this series. I find myself dozing off. I really did like Imax2 the best. I think I will probably do it next cardio day even tho I know every single word, breath cathe takes ;) I love Cathe sooooo much but am very disappointed in parts of the hc series and particularly the music ;(
 
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