The Classics Vol. 1 vs. Cardio Hits

[Mos Nef]

I'm trying to decide if I want to pick up one of these compilations DVDs of Cathe's old step routines, and am wondering if I could get some input on which set people like better. I already have Rythmic Step+ (which includes MIC and the original Interval Max), most of Cathe's interval based step routines (the Imaxes, Low Max, Cardio Fusion) and quite a few circuit routines, but know I need to work in steady state for weight loss and also as a break from HIIT and circuits. I've also got some other DVDs by Amy Bento and others for cardio, but Cathe's the best, so I've been eyeing her oldies, since she hasn't produced a straight cardio routine in some time.

I know these routines will all be pretty dated, but I can probably get past that if the workouts are really challenging and interesting. So, which do you guys like better? Thanks for any feedback!

 

[mj476]

I can only comment on Cardio Hits. I like it but have to admit I don't pull it out often. Step Works is my favorite of the three. But they are all good, solid, steady state step workouts that will give you a great workout. I usually burned about 450 calories with each of these workouts. Power Max is the most athletic choreography, then Step Fit and Step Works, I would say is the toughest with choreography but not that bad if you can do Rhythmic Step. Step Fit has a macarena cooldown and I think is the longest at around 71 mins. I never bothered to get the Classics since I checked out the compendium and saw Cardio Hits were tougher workouts so didn't want to bother getting the Classics where I think she probably breaks down the steps even more and I didn't need that. I think Step Fit is where she introduces the flying snow angel. All of the steps in these are in her subsequent step workouts. Cardio Hits also has an ab segment from Pure Strength on it. HTH.

Marcy

 

[jacqued]

Not sure if you have Step Blast or not (I didn't see it in your list of workouts). That's one of Cathe's best pure step workouts IMHO

I voted for Cardio Hits BTW

Jacque

 

[Mos Nef]

Hi Jacque,

I do have Step Blast (kind of... I recorded it off FitTV!), and I actually have to do it tonight for the rotation I'm on. Now I can look forward to doing it for the first time. If I love it, maybe I'll have to take the plunge and get the DVD, since it has SJ&P on it, too. Thanks for voting!

Nefertiti

 

[spyrosmom]

They're both good for steady state. Cardio Hits has routines that are tougher,and not quite as dated as Classics. Classics are easier routines w/ more basic choregraphy, I think they'd be good to learn step on. I like Cardio Hits better. Not sure why, I just do. Maybe I just can't get past the lavdender butt floss leotard w/ the flower printed biker shorts in the Classics? I think they are both worth getting to add to your steady state collection, and not bad prices for 3 workouts each. I'd get Cardio Hits 1st, though.

Nan

 

[SET]

I guess I'll be the lone dissenter here -- I have both but I go back to the Classics more. Usually, I just do Step Heat because it's about an hour and it has an abs section as part of the workout. I find both DVDs to be at about the same level of intensity (but that's just me.). Based on everyone's responses, I'll have to give Cardio Hits another try!

The one thing I'd say, though, is that, in order to like these workouts, you have to be able to tolerate wonky camera work. I can't remember which one of the workouts does this (and I think there's more than one) but at one point the camera angle goes almost sideways! Even so, I think both DVDs are worth adding to your collection. Hope you enjoy whichever one you pick!

 

[jacqued]

Nefertiti- Good luck with Step Blast! It's a great workout but kind of hard to pick up on the first try (especially combo 3) I'm not sure how much of it was edited for FitTV. SJ&P is a great workout too!

SET- Step Heat holds a special place in my Cathe library. It was my first Cathe workout way back in 1995 I also enjoy the quick ab work at the end.

Jacque

 

[Pippadog1]

Another vote for the classics vol 1

Hi

I have both dvds but I love classics. Probably because the choreography is simpler, but it also gets a good sweat. I like Step Jam the most. I know they're a bit dated but I can ignore that for the workouts themselves. The classics is one I go back to quite alot.

Everyone has there own opinion and I guess its what kind of mood you are in on a particular cardio day.

Laura
xx

 

[Mos Nef]

Thanks y'all!

I appreciate all the helpful input you guys. But, who am I kidding? I know I'll probably end up with both DVDs, in the end. It's only a matter of time and money before I eventually talk myself into buying each of Cathe's workouts. I need 'em all!

Just did B&G Premix #3 this morning. KILLER!

Cheers,
Nefertiti

 

[Peaceful Rainbow]

I want to congratulate everyone for their wonderful enabling abilities ;-) After reading this thread, and having wanted them for a long time, I caved and ordered Cardio Hits and when I mentioned on another forum that I was debating between the two, a friend offered to give me her copy of the Classics because it's just been sitting in a drawer and never gets used!

Now, I have a new dilemma. Six new workouts and I have to choose which to do first! Anyone want to make a suggestion on that? LOL

 

[regina]

I like all three workouts on Cardio Hits but my favorite is Power Max.

 

[jacqued]

I want to congratulate everyone for their wonderful enabling abilities ;-) After reading this thread, and having wanted them for a long time, I caved and ordered Cardio Hits and when I mentioned on another forum that I was debating between the two, a friend offered to give me her copy of the Classics because it's just been sitting in a drawer and never gets used!

Now, I have a new dilemma. Six new workouts and I have to choose which to do first! Anyone want to make a suggestion on that? LOL

I guess it depends. How proficient are you with Cathe's step choreography? If you're pretty familiar with it then my vote will be Power Max or Step Works. If you're still learning then something from the Classics would probably be best (such as Step Heat or Step Max) Have fun with your new workouts!

Jacque

 

[Peaceful Rainbow]

I have most all of the newer cardios except for SJP/Step Blast, so the choreography shouldn't be problem.

I'd planned to take next week off and just do stretching for a week, but now I've got all these new toys that should be here by then, so it's going to be very tempting to scratch my week off and dive into a new rotation.