Step height; intensity and fun-factor

[MariaS]

Hi everyone!

I've had a blast trying out the new Hardcore workouts, so far I've only done Lo max, IM3 and Muscle max. I've always used an 8" step, but now I decided to try out IM3with 6". I had so much fun (of course, it's the new workout too), but in general I felt like the stepping was much more fun with the lower step. I felt like I had energy to jump higher, push harder because my energy didn't go into stepping higher. My HRM died out on me (low battery), so I don't know how high my HR was, and I'm wondering if I actually ended up getting just as good of a workout in the end. Any experiences? I mean maybe the fact that you just push harder, jump higher and with more energy compensates for the lower riser. I'd love to hear your thoughts on this!

Have a great Sunday,,
MariaS

 

[DebbieH]

Maria! I actually feel the exact same way as you. I feel much more in control using the 6" step on workouts like Imax. I had always used 8" in the past and when Cathe decided to lower hers to 6" a couple years ago, (you know I have to be such a copycat! :7) I did too and was pleasantly surprised how much better I could focus on my form and intensity. My HRM has pooped out on me too but I can feel my heart-a-pumpin' even though it is 6". Funny, yesterday I did Lox Max for the first time and I did use an 8" (So was Cathe :7) and I did fine but the moves are lower impact on the step. I say if you are getting a good workout and can focus on your form better on the 6", stay right there. Have FUN!

Your-Friend-In-Fitness, DebbieH (AKA "Den Mother Debbie")http://www.handykult.de/plaudersmilies.de/wavey.gif[/img] If You Get The Choice To Sit It Out Or Dance...I Hope You DANCE!!!

 

[Pellmel]

I have gone this way myself. I am much happier. I have been on the 8" for about 8 years. When I found that I was tripping during higher imact or complicated workouts, I dropped the height and now I have more confidence that I am going to hit where I need to hit, so I am having way more fun. I also am able to use my arms to keep my heart rate up.

I had surgery for bladder repair this year and my doc likes to keep me off really high impact. The lower step does help with the jarring a little bit.

Here's to a lower steps....
Melissa

 

[MariaS]

Debbie and Melissa,

thanks for your answers! You said what I thought, but it's nice to hear it from someone else. I have a small voice saying I'm cheating if I'm using the lower step, so it's nice to have encouragement from others who found the lower step worked for them. Besides, if working out is more fun, I'm sure I'll be much more likely to keep up with it, and doesn't that matter even more in the end? But we people are so strange with ourselves sometimes...)

Anyway, off to preview more HC, have a great Sunday evening everyone!

MariaS