running vs. Cathe for cardio?

[mariep]

Hi, everyone--

I usually get my cardio from running, but ever since the time change, I can't motivate myself to get out there much (I usually run in the evening after work, and now it's dark & cold out :-( ) I normally only use Cathe for strength work and don't have much experience with her cardio workouts. However, I've been doing Interval Max lately, and I love it! It is incredibly tough and makes me feel very "worked out," as does running. I'm wondering, can Cathe's cardio possibly be as good as running? I know it's different, but it would be nice to know I could substitute it during these winter months and still feel like I'm not losing any of my cardio fitness by not running. In addition to IMax, I have the CTX series, which I think has some cardio workouts included on it. I also have the Wedding video and one of the older step tapes (Step Heat maybe?). I've pre-ordered the new DVD that has Cardio & Weights on it, too. What do you think? Is a Cathe workout as good as running?

 

[kisuzu]

Hi Mariep,
I am a runner but in the last year I slowed down.I became concerned about my knees.The cathe workouts that I consider as good as running are Internal Max, Circuit Max,Cardio Kicks & Body Max.If I push myself during Powermax (really jumping)I get a good adrenaline buzz same with Step Jam but I really have get air.I just purchased MIC which looks good but I must say nothing is like running.I love the fresh air & scenery and I sometimes tire of the videos -the same dialogue etc.It is important to have variety.
Cheers Ki

 

[l23]

I also run when it's light outside (I also run in the evening). You're right, it's not fun runnung when it's so darn cold out.

Running is THE best cardio workout for me. I wear a HR monitor and it gets really high. Plus, I feel it in my legs so much. But Cathe also provides tough workouts in a different sense. Your HR may go up and down, especially during intervals. But there are also tapes that keep your HR at an even pace, like Rhythmic Step. It's also a good way to get some weight work into your routine without having to make a separate effort. She has such variety between cardio tapes that you always get a good workout.

I haven't noticed any major difference in weight gain/loss by doing step rather than running. It's good to mix your cardio up so that's why I do it. Running is also hard on your body so the break would probably do you good. An added benefit is that when you start running more again, you'll be more into it and also get that nice muscle soreness.

 

[MadnNatsmom]

Before I discovered running outdoors, I used to run on a treadmill. After getting bored with that, I did Cathe's cardio exclusively for about 5 months. When I got back on a treadmill, I was apprehensive about my diminished cardio capacity, but I had very little problem getting back into it.

However, if you DO abstain from running completely for several months, be careful once you restart. Although you may be ready cardio-wise, you will have to retrain all those running muscles, ligaments, etc. (Runners can get injured even when they change running surfaces.)



"Pain is weakness leaving the body."

 

[mariep]

This all makes sense. I think I'm looking forward to a little break from running and doing something different. I'll try to at least run once on the weekends so I won't be completely out of shape once the days start getting a little lighter. And you're right, it is nice to give yourself some variety now and again!

Thanks!

Marie