Where to start?

[Megfayrod]

I have never tried any of Cathe's tapes and I would like to. The only problem I am having is where to start! I am an intermediate exerciser. Five days a week I alternate between the Firm's Tortise and Hare. On the six day I do both segments of Kathy Smiths Timesaver Cardio. Ideally I would like to do one day cardio and one day light cardio with weights for around 60 minutes per day. I would REALLY appreciate some advice!! I have no idea which tapes to buy.

Thanks,

Meghan

[MadnNatsmom]

Um, my dear Meg, there is no such thing as "light" cardio with Cathe!!!! LOL!!! I am SERIOUS! But, you probably mean short cardio segments interspersed with strength ala FIRM tapes?

The only tapes which contain both cardio AND strength are (I'm pretty sure):

CircuitMax
BodyMax
Get Reading for your Wedding
Crosstraining Express Series
Power Hour (not yet available)

All the others are either only strength OR cardio.

If you are brand new to stepping, you should start with Cathe's earlier step videos such as the wedding tape and Mega Step Blast, or StepJam.

[CinLou]

I agree that you should start with the Wedding Tape or Mega Step Blast. The Wedding tape would provide you with a weight workout and a step workout. They are both fun. I once read a review of the Wedding tape that said, if you are using it to get in shape for your wedding, you better not be an "older bride." I thought that was an amusing way to say, "it is tough." You will enjoy adding Cathe to your Firm workouts. I know I do.

When I wanted to move up from intermediate level cardio but was a bit afraid of Cathe's tapes, a Collage Video person advised Step Heat. I moved down to six inches on my step after trying it at the usual 8, and I really liked it. This one included a great abs segment at the end. All of her Step tapes are about an hour I think.

[Megfayrod]

Thanks for all the advice. I guess what else I am wondering is if I do one day cardio and then the next day strength shouldn't I do some cardio also on the strength day or will I be ok? I hope you understand what I mean! I know it is confusing. I just like the Firm videos because they are cross trainers and there is no thinking to which one to do!!!!

[MadnNatsmom]

Meg,

It depends on your goals. If you want to lose weight, most fitness gurus recommend 5 or 6 days of cardio PLUS 3 days of weight work.

If you have lots of weight to lose, you'll get results just alternating pure weight days with pure cardio days, but if you have 20 or less, I'm afraid you have to work harder to lose those stubborn pounds.

OTOH, if you are just looking to improve fitness and strength, alternating cardio and weight days should be fine.

[Megfayrod]

I really don't have much weight to lose (5'6" 130lbs) but I want to see muscle definition and I know you have to "burn off" the fat with cardio to see the muscle. Do you think that I will get definition if I do three days of weights and two days of cardio? Thanks for all of this help!

[Cruncholi]

Meg,
I only wish I was 130 lbs. again! I am also 5'6" and weigh 160 lbs. It sounds like you shouldn't try to lose too much more weight:) Anyway, when I was 130 lbs., I got the best results with muscle definition when I lifted each body group heavy twice a week. I would do abs and one upper body group two days each week and then lower body and the other upper body group the other two days. At that point I was working out with machines in a gym, so I don't know, but presume, that using Cathe's strength tapes/free weights would have similar results. However, each person reacts differently to the same workouts. I did cardio a lot (6 days a week), but that's because I ran and play tennis competitively, so ya did what the coach said! That's probably why I gained so much weight when that all ended... Anyway, Good Luck Girl! Let us know how you are doing!
Cruncholi