First time - and kind of awkward :-(

[suzette]

Okay, today was the first time I have every done a Cathe (step) DVD. I really liked it, but was SO awkward! I know that will go away - I can remember the days when I couldn't follow the old FIRM videos. But it kind of discouraged me. Just to hear that others feel that same way would help keep me motivated! I kept wanting to go back and do my old FIRM video that I know by heart.

[fit_fairy]

It always takes me a few times to get new step video routines down. Just keep going back to it and it will come. Rewind, pause, do whatever it takes. Just don't give up on it!!

BTW, which one did you get?

[LaughingWater]

Agreed! Don't give up. I always learn a new step routine in pieces, and it takes me a while.

[teddy16410]

Originally Posted by fit_fairy

It always takes me a few times to get new step video routines down. Just keep going back to it and it will come. Rewind, pause, do whatever it takes. Just don't give up on it!!

BTW, which one did you get?

Ditto! I am no step queen but to learn I keep risers to 1 (or none!) and I do what I can but just keep moving.
The DVD that REALLY helped me get all the moves down was Low Impact Step (also includes Total Body Sculpt).... The intensity is there - like a LowMax intro course! She does alot of moves that appear in later DVDs - they are just broken down easier.

Its got 3 premixes that are really good so as with all Cathe's DVDs - worth its price.
http://www.shopcathe.com/ProductDeta...roductCode=699

[suzette]

Wow, Thanks! I feel better about it already. The DVD that I did was just one that came with the step. I have ordered BC and Low Impact Step. I can't wait for them to come, but also I am feeling a little apprehensive because I don't want to get discourage...so I will slow down (always feel like I need to keep up ALL of the time) and enjoy the time! You guys are just great - I love reading all your replies, what you are doing for the day re:working out, etc! I love knowing that there are people who help support others - I don't have any friends that believe in keeping fit - I am 48 and have always worked out, but struggled sometimes because I don't have any one who cheers me on.

[orphylea]

Suzette: We will cheer you on! I want to always work out in my life, no matter if my friends and family do or not. But it is always easier with support. Do not give up! My advice is to watch the video first- I used to resist taking the time to do this, but it helps a lot! It's nice to have it in your head a bit before you start. And just remember, each time you will feel a little less awkward and "get it" a little more. Soon you will LOVE step, I promise! Part of the fun will be trying new videos that challenge you, just be patient.

[Aquajock]

Suzette, I'm still the Ranking Klutz of the Cathe Forums old and new, and if I can get Cathe's choreography (well, some of it anyway - let's not talk about Rhythmic Step or Step Blast) then anyone can. Practice does indeed make perfect! What you can do with your current and new DVDs is simply select parts of the step routine that appeal to you (AFTER you've previewed the entire workout), and plan on doing a workout consisting of those parts, REPEATING them at least once in the workout so that you train your brain and feet. Then move onto the next segments in the next workout session and practice those.

If you're into spending a bit more dough, I'd also like to suggest "Low Max". This is a step routine that is entirely low impact (one foot is always in contact with the floor, with no propulsion moves), and is organized into 7 mid-range cardio routines each of which is followed by a very easily-learned intensity blast. This disc also has premixes, one of which is all 7 mid-range cardio segments and another of which is all blast segments. Doing the mid-range cardio premix would be good practice for you too.

It usually takes awhile to learn any new exercise producer's rhythm and language. Once you've nailed a couple-three of Cathe's you'll start to get the sense of her style, and then the learning curve gets nice and steep.

Keep coming back with your questions!

A-Jock

[MDolfiniReed]

I found Cathe on Fit TV and it was a short step to her web site. For me, it was all about learning Cathe's cueing language. I started with the Basic Step and Body Fusion and the Low Impact Step and Body Sculpt DVDs. Those get you in the groove of Cathe's basics. It took me a couple of weeks to get Basic Step down, and a little longer for Body Fusion and Low Impact Step. After a brief reprieve in June due to hurting my back, I was back to Basic Step, Body Fusion and LIS. My first advanced dvd was Rhythmic step--that one took a month. I watched it a couple of times before trying and then started with learning just the warm-up and first step sequences and repeating them twice per workout. Once I got those segments down, I added the second and then the third, and finally the challenge. And I watched the routine alot in between. My recommendation: Focus on mastering the routines in pieces and before long you'll have the whole thing down pat.

[jodijodi]

I agree with everyone else that Basic Step, Body Fusion, Low Impact Step, and then Low Max will get you ready for Cathe's more advanced workouts. Breaking them down into pieces is a great way to do them, especially the longer ones.

When I started doing Cathe workouts, I had already done Kathy Smith's step workout tape for years, and I couldn't believe how much more complicated Cathe's seemed. I had so much trouble with knees around the world! What I ended up doing was after the workout one day, I decided to just focus on that one segment. I played it over and over and over until I got it. It took at least 15 minutes of repeating that one part, but I finally got it! I drove my daughter crazy, playing it so many times, LOL.

I think Cathe purposely designed Body Fusion, Low Impact Step, and Low Max to transition to more advanced workouts. When I started doing Low Max, I only did the first 4 intervals. Eventually I was able to do the whole workout. Same thing with IMAX2 and Step Blast.

Many of us have been there before...just break 'em down, and keep at it, and you'll have them down!! You can do it!!!!

Edit: Another thing you might want to do when you're feeling discouraged, or if you've had to stop and rewind so much that your heart rate has come down, is to do some of your Firm videos so that you know you've gotten your heart rate up, then spend some time on the Cathe videos. That way you don't worry about getting your HR up and can focus on learning the moves. Add more Cathe time as you get better at it.

[suzette]

Thanks SO much for all the advice! I loved all your reponses and its great to know that there are people out there to help me along! What a great set up this Cathe Nation is. I am looking forward to figuring all this out and chatting with all of you and help encourage you too! I am beat tonight. After the step dvd this morning I rode and worked with horses for 3 hours, cleaned the barn, paddock and played with my little mini horse, cooked dinner for my youngest and my granddaugther and now I am setting up my schedule for this week. Again... Thank you SOOOOOO much!