Cardio Coach-Fitness Music for Exercise: Sean O'Malley's Guided Workout Series 1 (Original)

I was actually surprised to see negative reviews of this product. I am a person who DOES NOT like doing cardio, but as I am overweight I have no choice. I can't think of anything, in fact there is nothing that has motivated me as much as cardio coach. I have had personal trainers in the past, but Sean is with me for my entire workout and pushes me further than I have/would have on cardio equipment in the gym.

I noticed that one poor review stated that there was about 20 BPM difference between level one and level four. The truth is for me a 30 Y/O woman my level one blue zone is between 105-124, my level 4 target BPM is between 162-181. Perhaps I'm bad at math or there is more than a 20 BPM difference. As for the music I am a true hip-hop fan, but I'd much rather listen to Sean during my workouts. I will admit that during some of the steady state phases I sub in my own music for Sean. I never thought I could or would fine the music inspiring or effective, but combined with Sean's inspiration it really works for me.

I should also mention that this review is for Sean's revised version purchased from his website, not the original CD reviewed here. I own 1, 2 and 3 and will soon purchase the rest and any forth coming sessions after the new session 7.

I enjoy working out, but constantly look for new ways to motivate myself. Cardio Coach provides the motivation, and has a way of making your workout time go by faster. It gets you completely involved in your workout so you get the most out of it, talks you through it and has the music to inspire you. I definitely recommend it.

I will admit...I disliked cardio quite a bit. I have always found it boring and can never survive more than a few minutes of it, especially when I was on my recumbent bike. I've gotten on track with doing regular home workouts several times a week, but my cardio sessions were lackluster and erratic because I simply didn't want to do them.

Then I got Cardio Coach Vol. 1. WOW! A whole new cardio life was introduced to me. My recumbent bike, which I had stopped using for several years, is now being avidly used 3 to 4 times a week without hesitation - all thanks to Cardio Coach. This has been my holy grail/magic bullet (along with Vol. 2, 3, and 4) for my cardio sessions.

This type of workout is great for everybody at all levels. Coach Sean O'Malley uses "perceived exertion" to guide your workout. He won't tell you how fast to go or how much resistance to use, as that will be different for everyone. But, he will tell you which levels of perceived exertion you need to achieve during the steady states, sprints, and challenges. The four perceived exertion zones are:

- Level 1: Blue zone is low intensity - 55 to 65% of your max heart rate (MHR).
- Level 2: Green zone is medium intensity - 65 to 75 % of your MHR.
- Level 3: Orange zone is moderate to high intensity, pushing past your comfort zone - 76 to 85% of MHR.
- Level 4: Red Zone is high intensity - 85 to 95% of your MHR.

If you have a HRM to assist you during your workout, all the better, but it is not necessary if you follow the perceived exertion guide.

Cardio Coach is practical for all kinds of stationary equipment, especially if it you can control the speed and resistance levels. But, I've also read how others are using it with rebounders, outdoor running, and walking. So basically, you can choose to how you want to utilize Cardio Coach.

Coach Sean O'Malley is personable, non-intimidating, and enjoyable to listen to. He has a very nice voice. He helps you to focus into what you're doing and creates mental images that make your cardio sessions come alive. You forget that you're working out in your living room or gym - you're in your own world where it's just you, the road, and Coach Sean.

In Vol. 1, Coach Sean guides you through warm up (blue zone), several steady states (green zone), two heart-pumping challenges (orange zone), then ends with a cool down and an ending chat. The challenges are grueling, but not impossible. The first challenge consists of 6 20-second sprints with rests in between (my favorite). Challenge 2 has four level 3 hill climbs for 1 minute each. This one is tougher, but survivable.

At the end, it's hard to believe (especially if you're a beginner) that you've just accomplished 30 minutes of heart-pounding cardio. Then you get that wonderful endorphin rush...WOW! The energy you acheive for the rest of the day is just tremendous.

Before doing Cardio Coach on my recumbent bike, I could barely do 7 minutes on my own, even when watching TV. I was bored to tears and my legs wanted to fall off. My speed was a steady but measly 7 mph. A week and a half later I got CC V. 1 - and I was shocked that not only did I survive 30 minutes, but I did it at an average speed of 10 mph with 15 to 16 MPH sprints. A month later, I'm now reaching 17 and 18 mph during the sprints. Coach Sean has not only helped me to realize that I had it in me to do it all this time, but also that I'm capable of achieving MORE. My heart is getting better and my body is getting stronger. For that, I'm forever grateful to Coach Sean and his Cardio Coach series. I hope his future endeavors continue to succeed.