Super Cardio (take 2)

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2nd time doing this one and it was a lot better. I was so dreading it! I decided to pace myself better and ended up being really pleased with how well I stayed in my zone. That wasn't really my goal, my goal was to live through this but it was a nice side benefit. I was in my zone for 25 minutes and burned 300 calories. Definitely a good workout for me. On the enjoyment side, after the first 15 minutes (which are always the hardest of any workout I think) I quit looking at my HRM for time elapsed and just enjoyed it, for real. If I can get my head in a zone where I'm just focused on the workout, not thinking about how difficult it is or anything, then I can let go and just be almost robotic but it is actually very focused and working hard. I got there a lot in this, especially because the choreography is not very complicated most of the time.

I used the 6" step for the step aerobics and that was perfect. I tried the 8" at first and was way too slow on the moves in the first step combination and decided that maybe I was constantly behind because I was using the wrong size step. I was a little too winded too but I think it was more the quickness of the movements needing less of a step up than what I was taking on the 8" size. I used 3 lb. dumbbells for four-limb and that was just challenging enough too. My only complaints about this are Carissa cues on the move, not ahead and that made her a little difficult to follow, otherwise I liked her (the combos were simple enough that it wasn't that big of a deal), Dale is just too bland but blessedly doesn't lead a lot, and there is almost too much plyo. I like plyo a lot but my body, especially my pelvic region, would prefer there to be less (it feels like everything is moving downward when I do a lot of plyo and, having read about some of Darcy's issues a while back, that makes me a little nervous). There's no way to easily modify either and no modifications are shown or discussed. I did fine though and am not worse for having done it, I just know I could not do this workout more than once or twice a week to be safe for me, I think. Jen is awesome but the one floor segment with lots of bouncing cheerleader/dance type arms and legs totally blows me away choreography-wise so I just bounce along as best I can, thankful that no one is watching! I like the fact that in each separate combination, the instructor builds it at a reasonable pace and then takes it from the top a few times. It may be too much repetition for some people probably but is just right for me to help me get even the more complicated combos to a decent place (including the bouncing cheerleader/dance one) and get in that mental zone I mentioned. The workout is very athletic and you can definitely put as much or as little energy into it and make it harder or at least a little easier. So, I've decided I actually like this one. I can't believe I'm writing that, but I did and do.

Gotta get some stuff done before work but had to do my check-in. Will try to read/respond more soon instead of just posting check-ins.