Yesterday I did Cathe Friedrich’s Low Impact Circuit. This is one of my favorite circuit workouts–and I’m very picky about circuits–I generally prefer just weights or just cardio. It’s also one of the earliest Cathe DVDs I bought, so it holds a special place in my heart for that reason. I love the music (mostly 80’s hits) and the moves. It’s not her most complex step choreography, but it’s still fun. I also like that it’s low impact since I have knee issues. Another plus is the limited weights I have to drag out of hiding (how I wish I had my own workout room!) She uses a barbell with 20 lb, two 5-lb dumbbells, and a resistance band. That’s it. Obviously it’s not a strength-building workout with the light weights, but more about endurance. It’s one of Cathe’s only intermediate workouts, so if you’re looking for a good starter to try Cathe but feel you’re beyond her Basic Step, try this one. I think it might also work for someone who likes The Firm workouts.

Today’s workout was Cardio Camp, a CIA-produced workout with Kimberly Spreen. I had not done this one in ages–probably because I have way too many workout DVDs. I don’t think I enjoyed it quite as much as I used to, but it was still a good workout. It would also qualify as intermediate level, I believe. The workout alternates kickboxing sections with hi/lo aerobics combos. Then she does all the hi/lo combos together followed by all the kickboxing combos together. There’s also a leg sculpting section (which I skipped today because I’m doing lower body work tomorrow). Finally she finishes with one of my favorite stretch sections–no mat needed as it’s all standing stretches. That’s another great thing about this workout: zero equipment. However, it is a bit of a space hog, though you can always adjust for it.

So far a great start for my new rotation. Tomorrow it’s Cathe’s Pyramid