What's most effective??

[NinjaMom]

Hi Cathe,
I just found out about your videos and recently received my first two, MIS and MIC. I had been doing mostly TaeBo and Firm videos and became accustomed to doing both aerobic & strength training together in one workout. My question: Is it more effective to do cardio and strength training on separate days vs. doing both in one workout? I intend to do MIC & MIS each 3 times per week (alternating). How long should I continue this program before rotating to something else? If I want to incorporate in a video like Circuit Max would it replace the MI cardio or strength video?
Also, are Body, Circuit, Power & Interval "Max" similar workouts? Which is the best for tough cardio & strength all in one?
Thanks for your help. I really appreciate that you care enough to create a forum like this as well as answer us personally.

 

[Aquajock]

Hi, NinjaMom! I'm obviously not Cathe, but I think I can answer a couple of your questions:

The "Max" workouts are all very different! "Body Max" includes an extended step and step-leg-circuit cardio workout, then a total body strengthening workout that lasts about half an hour. "Circuit Max" is approximately a one-hour cardio-oriented workout that incorporates compounds upper+lower body resistance segments into hi/lo, kickbox and step segments (remember the resistance segments are designed to keep the heart rate elevated). "Power Max" is a step cardio workout, and "Interval Max" is a real tub-thumping step-interval workout with 10 to-the-limit interval blasts designed for maximum cardio intensity.

Alas, I can't suggest what's most effective, because they're all effective, and you may want to give some thought to purchasing several Cathe workouts, thereby adding variety AND taking advantage of discounts! If you're limited to only one workout at this time, "Body Max" may be the best bet for you because it has, as I mention, cardio (including circuit cardio), and upper body strengthening.

Hope this helps!

Annette

 

[Cathe Friedrich]

Hi NinjaMom! Welcome! I see that Annette has already helped you some but I will just touch on some of your questions too. As far as doing cardio and strength on different days vs. in the same workout, this all depends on how much time you have to workout and/or what your goals are. Another option is to do both cardio and strength on one day but at different times of the day.

I find that when I mix cardio with strength in one workout (circuit workouts), I have a great intense workout but I cannot push myself with super heavy weight because it is too fatiguing and I do not have enough recovery time. But if I do them both (cardio and strength) on the same day, yet different times, I am fine. The same goes for if I do each (cardio and strength)on different days.

You can continue to do MIC and MIS as long as you are still getting great results. If at any point your body becomes too used this and the response slows down dramatically, then it is time to switch to another rotation.

Circuit Max is definitely more of a cardio workout than a strength workout, so if you are considering substituting it with one or the other, I would have to say MIC. But keep in mind that Circuit Max is uniquely different from MIC and MIS and can actually be used in addition too rather than a substitute.

The best all in one workout(cardio/strength)in my opinion is Body Max!

Good Luck!

 

[NinjaMom]

Thank you the info. I definitely plan on purchasing more Cathe videos. The two I have now push my body to the limit much more than any of my other videos. I'm still working on my stepping which I'm new at and find I get easily confused on which leg I'm supposed to be on. But, I think it will come with time .... besides after the hi/lo section on MIC, I don't mind a few moments of resting and staring in bewilderment at my tv screen! Thanks for all the fun and I'm looking forward to more. :-jumpy

NinjaMom