The Bottom Line
- A fast-paced interval workout that takes you through all levels of intensity
- The Cardio Coach's verbal cues push you to a higher work level
- Funky and inspirational music keeps you motivated
- May take beginners some time to find the right levels of intensity
Description
- A 40-minute interval training routine takes you through a variety of intensities to maximize your workout
- The Cardio Coach guides exercisers through each phase of the workout with simple cues and great music
- Each challenge has exercisers change different settings (speed, incline and/or resistance) to get the most out of the workout
- Great for beginner, intermediate and advanced exercisers
Guide Review - Cardio Coach Volume 2
The workout itself is a 40-minute interval workout for all fitness levels and designed for any cardio machine of your choice. The workout alternates between challenges and recovery segments and, for each challenge, you work to reach a higher intensity in different ways, either through sprints, hill climbs or both. The workout begins with a 4-minute warm up, and the music here has a great tempo. If you're a runner, you'll enjoy running to the beat.
The first challenge involves 4 hill climbs, each at a level 3 (which means you're working out of your comfort zone, but not too far out). You climb each hill for 1 minute, followed by a full minute to recover.
After a steady-state rest period, the next challenge is a long one; 6 minutes at a level 3. For the first half, you climb a hill and, for the second half, you focus more on speed. This is a tough challenge, but a great way to build endurance and get the hang of the different intensity levels.
At this point, beginners can move on to the cool down while more advanced exercisers can continue onto the last challenge which includes 4 hills at a level 4. Each hill is 45 seconds long and is followed by a minute of rest. You have to work hard to get your heart rate up and this challenge is a great way to practice going all out for a short period of time.
Overall, this is an excellent workout and a great way to get everything you can out of your gym workouts. Sean offers just the right amount of encouragement without going overboard and the music inspires you to push yourself. You'll be amazed at how fast your workout flies by.
