What next?

[me2u]

Greetings:

I've been doing BodyMax 3-4 times a week for about 18 months. On alternate days I run 6-8 miles on a good "hilly" course. I have had excellent results with this combo but my body is taking a beating from the repetitious workouts. What would you suggest as a next step? I considered the CTX series but I like a longer cardio workout and not sure the strength training is challenging enough. I am not really interested in increasing my muscle mass, just maintaining and refining it (BM has given me all the mass I need)! Mostly, I just want some new variety and challenge - and ALL your tapes are so magnificent it is hard to choose what to conquer next!

Hope you can help...

 

[niclyf]

Hi there,

I'm not Cathe, and hopefully she'll jump in, but I thought I'd add my two cents. I think your body is 'taking a beating' because you're really lacking in cross training. I went through the same thing when I first discovered Cathe 6 years ago, and was doing only power step, and it didn't take long for my body to plateau, and for my knees to feel the strain I was putting on them. Now, I do 1-2 days of Cardio Kicks, 1-2 days of running, and one day of step, plus weight training mixed in throughout the week, all of which has spared my joints considerably. I would recommend getting Cardio Kicks if you don't already have it, and MIC is a great option since it has the longer cardio workout that you're looking for (28 mins of hi/lo, followed by 36 minutes of step). If you're looking for a new weight routine, I would recommend MIS, or Power Hour. MIS will more than likely help you to add to your muscle mass depending on the weight you chose, where Power Hour is more endurance oriented. Hope that helps!! All of Cathe's videos are so incredibly great, it's so hard to choose between them all!!

Best of Luck!!
~ Nicole

 

[jillybean]

I'm not Cathe either. But I love talking so here goes. Since you have put so much focus on Body Max lately, which is an endurance workout, why don't you mix it up by focusing on strength next? Slow & Heavy or Pure Strength might be just the thing you're looking for. CTX is more of an endurance type series, but I still would highly recommend it too. If you like long cardio,then do two of the cardio sessions a day. I like to keep my workouts at an hour, so I haven't done this very often, but I do like combining All Step and Step Intervals (43 minutes of cardio when added together). CTX is one of the best investments I ever made. It is so versitile. But if you want to focus on strength next, S&H or PS are the ticket. Have fun!

 

[jeffsmom]

HI. Another two cents here. You did not mention taking time off, you may need a break too. Give yourself 3 days to one week if you haven't recently. It will be good for you.

Otherwise...just mix it up a bit with other tapes. The cardio in CTX is shorter but enough to keep you fit and give you variety. The weight work is challenging as you make it. Use heavier weights...you will feel it. You sound fit already...shorter cardios may even help you now. Good luck and keep up the great level of fitness!!

 

[arogerson]

I totally understand your situation because I feel like I need at least 40 min of intense cardio a day. I run 7 miles every other day and do Cathe tapes on the other days. CTX does not have long cardio segments but you can do 2 of the tapes, cardio segments only, and you will get in 40-45 min of cardio work. I also do IntervalMax, CardioKicks, Rythmic Step, and CircuitMax, all which have longer cardio segments. I also suggest the Pure Strength series, PowerHour and Maximum Intensity Strength. If you like the strengthening workout in Body Max, you will like these tapes as well.

 

[me2u]

Thanks so much for all your suggestions! I will definately consider them all when making my next Cathe purchases.