Amy,
There are three types of iClimbs. The first decision is which type to get:
a. Straight out cardio for a elliptical/stair stepper: Most iClimbs are in this category.
b. Outdoor climb: there is just one workout (last month's release) that is in this category - I dont have it. It is a guided workout for outdoor trekking.
c. Climb+Resistance training: A few iclimbs have intervals of resistance training or jump roping interspersed between working on the elliptical. These are a whole lot of fun and the equivalent of circuit training except the cardio is on the elliptical.
My favorites:
Category a. I like all iClimbs that are straight out cardio. You cannot go wrong with Keith Irace. So my favorites are based on those that have my favorite songs. I am also partial to workouts where Keith includes double time intervals (where you pedal fast and furious on the double time beat of the music for short intervals and then switch to pedaling in pace to the regular beat). iClimb Set 5,7,9 - 40 minute versions are those I reach out for often. IClimb Intervals Set 21 is a tough and sweaty workout with great songs too.
Category c. iClimb Surprise Set 11 is a super fun 40 minute workout with 4 intervals of resistance training. The off the elliptical intervals have jump squats, lunges and plyo lunges, overhead presses and lat rows - exercises that use large muscles and keep the heart rate high. iBiClimb Set 14 botcamp is an even better. It is intense and the most fun in the itrain library so far, in my opinion. The resistance training intervals work the entire body so it is like a complete workout. It is co-coached by Keith and Grace and they are in fabulous form and share a wonderful chemistry. The only issue is, some of the cardio intervals are on a treadmill and the rest are on the elliptical. I know that many folks modify to do all the cardio segments on just the treadmill or elliptical.
Let us know which you get and how you like it.
~* Vrinda *~
