Tell me about Classics, Volume 1....

[red_mct]

I saw some mixed messages about this workout, so I am wondering.... how do the workouts compare to say, Cardio Hits? I know they are Cathe's older stuff, but I must say, her older stuff is great learning fodder to get ready for the really complex, newer workouts.

Just curious if anyone has an opinion on whether this DVD is worth getting... I have Cardio Hits, which I like quite a lot. I am looking for earlier step workouts so that I can eventually work my way up to IMAX goddess-ry like the rest of you.... ;-)

Thanks!
Marie

 

[pink_fortitude]

I really like the Classics. I bought it when I just started getting into shape after my third baby, and this really helped me. I still use it now when I have light days even though I have become a more advanced excerciser. It isn't nearly as intense as Hits and the workouts are a bit shorter. I am happy that I made the investment.

Missy

 

[kathryn]

I like the Classics. The moves in the three workouts do overlap some, but not enough so that they are too similar. This batch of workouts was pretty much before Cathe added torquey moves like "flying angels" and "ricochets," so I like the choreography better than some of her more recent workouts.

 

[wendyloo]

The Classics is the only Cathe I have owned that I have sold (other than VHS workouts that I've upgraded to DVD). The choreography was far too basic for me, and too repetative.

For reference, my favorite Cathe choreography is in Step Blast, Rhythmic Step and some segments of the more recent Imaxes. If you like Step Works and enjoy that level of choreography, the Classics may be too basic (in terms of choreography.)

 

[clareMc]

If you already have the Hits, I would say, don't bother. I never do any of these workouts. I only ever do Step Fit when returning from a long break away from exercise. The other two I got rid of and have never regretted it. I now use RS as my "return to exercise" intro workout, and have not done Step Fit for several years.

These workouts belong to another era of step aerobics completely, to the just post leg warmers stage. They are dated, in terms of moves and music.

I think the Hits' workouts are enough to use as a warm up to Cathe's more recent work, as would be the CTX series, by the way. This is what I would recommend to you instead. If you can do 2 of the CTX cardios back to back, you can definitely do an Imax.

Clare

 

[suzcomn]

Very much agree with Clare, good only for coming back from a long break or illness. I used CTX this spring when I was coming back from 3 weeks worth of sinus infection. I did not own Classics then. I did buy it as my last DVD to complete my collection. I have only done one of the workouts on the DVD and found the choreography really boring and repetitive as someone said.

If you already have CTX, don't bother, unless you want a complete collection, as I did.

 

[smoogy]

Boring! I personally don't like them. I don't care to much about the music or their looks, but the choreography makes me yawn.

Marla

 

[ivorygorgon]

I use this video quite a bit actually. I would say I am an intermediate exerciser, and I am newer to Cathe, so I really like the "simpler" choreography. IMHO the worst workout on this video is the first one, Step Jam. The beginning of this workout is so boring. It is basically an endless series of "basics" with different arm movements. It drives me crazy! My favorite is the last one Step Max, (I think.) I think that is a fun and varied routine, and it does have ricochets in it. I get a good workout from that one. It has a bunch of "power" moves and you can work them as hard as you want to.

I think this is a good learning video. When I first started Cathe I bought Step Blast and it made me cry because I didn't know the moves. So I bought some of the "easier" videos and I have found they really do help you learn the names of moves and practice them before taking on some more challenging choreography.

I found that unless are truly an exercise goddess, you can make any of Cathe's videos challenging. Raise the step, add more power to your moves, put workouts together etc.

Overall, if you are a Cathe newbie, and want to learn, I would recommend buying this video.

 

[smoogy]

You make a good point Ivorygorgon, but if you are long time stepper, since Brenda Dygraf, Kelli Roberts & even Jane Fonda, these moves are way too basic.

Marla

 

[Runcrazy]

I like the classics but I started with Cathe way back when! My personal favorite of the three is Step Jam and I think these are a nice change of pace once in a while. In my opinion, based on what you're saying you're looking for, they are definitely worth getting.
Jo