Cathe Live Review: Cardio Challenge Express (#265)
Cardio Challenge Express is a very quick and fun cardio workout. I really enjoyed this routine and it’s a little bit different to many of Cathe’s cardio workouts, as you are only using light dumbbells and a stability ball.
The workout consists of twelve cardio drills that you run through, one after the other, and then repeat one more time. Cathe does forget one exercise in the first round though so you do it twice in the second round instead. Cathe says this isn’t really Hiit training but more of a cardio challenge instead. The idea being that “each exercise starts to add up to where you are going okay I’m breathing”. The drills are a mix of high and low impact, with higher and lower intensities. So even though there are very few breaks, in between the different moves, you do get easier drills mixed in so it’s not all out.
The cardio drills are straight forward moves and several reminded me of Cathe’s Cardio Slam DVD from the Strong & Sweaty series. Cathe uses 3 pound dumbbells and a stability ball for this routine. You could always use slightly heavier dumbbells if you wanted to increase the intensity a little further. I will probably use at least 5 pounds next time. This definitely wasn’t the most intense cardio routine but I did get a nice workout and was breathing harder in places (tuck jumps – you know who you are!!)
This is definitely an express workout - as the main routine is only about 23 minutes long. I would have loved for it to be a little bit longer, as I was having so much fun. However, Cathe does say if you want it longer then you can just start again from the beginning again!
(As a slight aside – Al from Cathe’s Ripped with Hiit DVDs is also in this class on Cathe’s right).
Overall, this was a fun cardio workout that flew by. This is perfect for a day when you are looking for a quick cardio blast but are short on time or don’t have the inclination for a longer workout.
(For more information about Cathe Live, how to sign up & to see all of my Cathe Live reviews, click HERE).
The Workout
Cardio Challenge Express is pure cardio workout that consists of twelve cardio drills which are then repeated. Cathe used 3 pound dumbbells and a stability ball for this routine.
What You Need to Know
(Rating scale – 1= lowest & 5 = highest).
The Moves
Cardio Challenge Express is 32 minutes long and originally aired on 12th September 2019 (#265). The workout starts with a 6 minute warm-up before moving into the first cardio drill.
Round 1
3 Lateral shuffles & punch – two 3# dumbbells
Power scissors with bent arm lateral raise - two 3# dumbbells
Touch down jacks – one 3# dumbbell
Half circle shuffle sprints – two 3# dumbbells
Ball Slams – ball
3 Power push & lift (3 puddle jumper & jump up) - two 3# dumbbells
High jacks / low jacks
Jog & ball toss – ball
Line taps – one 3# dumbbell (on floor as a marker)
Burpee, lateral hop & tuck jump (starts out with just a straight jump up)
Ball jacks / ball heels (sitting on the ball) – ball
Round 2 - Repeat the above adding in pendulums
3 Lateral shuffles & punch / hook – two 3# dumbbells
Power scissors with bent arm lateral raise - two 3# dumbbells
Touch down jacks – one 3# dumbbell
Half circle shuffle sprints – two 3# dumbbells
Ball Slams – ball
3 Power push & lift (3 puddle jumper & jump up) - two 3# dumbbells
High jacks / low jacks
Pendulums - ball
Jog & ball toss – ball
Line taps – one 3# dumbbell (on floor as a marker)
Burpee, lateral hop & tuck jump (starts out with just a straight jump up)
Pendulums - ball
Ball jacks / ball heels (sitting on the ball) – ball
The workout ends with a 3 minute cool down and stretch.
Take Action
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If you liked this workout, check out my review of Cathe Live: Cardio Hiit Plus Core – HERE.
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Lots fun and well-paced. I didn't do the burpees. I substituted with ab work.
Perfect workout for a busy day