Where to start?

[eliza]

Hi! I'm brand new to Cathe...found my way here via Amazon and I've been pouring over video clips. I'm totally overwhelmed by the sheer number of videos and don't know where to start. Help!
I'm a working mom of 2 little ones, limited time (no more than 45-60min a day). I want to get rid of the last bit of preg. weight and get stronger. I'd consider myself an intermediate exerciser right now. Power walking, light jogging, love step. I've been working with Jillian Michael's 30 Day Shred, but I just don't like doing the same thing every day. I don't have much equipment (just some hand weights- 3,5,8,10 lbs) and can't really afford to buy much. I'd really like some advice on cardio dvds. I have a step. Cardio Hiit and Cardio Core Circuit in particular. The weight training looks very intimidating...I think I might go with Ellen Barrett's slim sculpt.

Thanks!!
E

I should add that I really like Cathe's delivery and attitude...seems like the complete package

[shanihib]

I'd go with CTX or the 4 Day Split. Yes, she uses a barbell in there but you could use your hand weights for now, and then buy a band to complement it. Then keep your eyes out for a barbell and plate weights at garage sales (you would be surprised at how many you can find out there.) I LOVE 4 Day Split because it is very complete, has cardio and weights in each one, and at least the High Intensity and Low Impact days are right around 60 minutes long. The premixes are great. Premixes are different ways the workouts were put together to give you even more options. You'll find shorter and longer, more cardio, or more strength in the different premixes.

CTX was designed to be done in 60 minutes or less and is very effective. It is about half cardio and half weights for each day.

Now if you want to stick to straight cardio, you would love Rhythmic step (if you like more dancey steps). It takes longer to learn, but once you do, it is so much fun!

Any of the IMAX workouts are tough but very effective. Basically interval workouts testing your cardio endurance with lots of plyometrics (jumping)

Cardio Hiit would be good - there are 3 workouts on that dvd. Lots of jumping and very intense. Very little step work that I can remember. Cardio Core Circuit is tough. Lots of people love that one.

When I first started I bought Basic Step which helped a lot since I'd never stepped before. Then Low Impact Circuit which was AWESOME and it completely hooked me. Remember that most workouts have premixes or ways of cutting them shorter. I now have just about every workout she's made. You might find yourself very hooked.

[eliza]

Thanks, Shani! Very, very helpful!

[Stacy]

I'd second 4 Day Split! Others I'd suggest are the Bootcamp/Muscle Endurance dvd...the weight work is very doable with what you have, and the Cardio&Weights/Imax2 dvd.

[Bobbi-B]

For Cardio DVD's I highly suggest Low Max. It's an awesome step workout (no other equipment besides a step is required) and there are several different 45 min. premixes. It's low impact but tough and lots of fun, with blasts that really work out the legs. I think in its entirety it's 70 min. long but again, there are premixes to keep within your time limits.

I was new to Cathe just a few months ago and I remember being overwhelmed by her catalogue of workouts. I'm hooked now, and familiar with everything though I don't own everything - yet! Some of my favorites: 4-Day Split; Body Max 2; Butts & Guts; Muscle Max; and of course Low Max. It's hard to go wrong, really!

edited to add: oh yeah, the Cardio & Weights/Imax2 DVD is awesome! Haha, OK I'll stop before I list everything I have.

[LadyPakenham]

Actually, you could probably get any cardio DVD you wanted and keep it under an hour if you do one of the premixes...or use a kitchen timer. That's what I do if I'm tight on time.

For your level, I would actually suggest Drill Max (which is what I started out with). It's 72 minutes long in its entirety, but you certainly don't have to do it all the way through. And, again, there are shorter premixes. Drill Max does involve weights, but they're light weights (like 5s or 7s). There are some exercises that include a stability ball and resistance band, but you don't have to use them.

4 Day Split is also a good choice. I would recommend that as well. Lastly, I would recommend one of the three MMA videos from her newest DVD series: Boxing, Kickbox, or Fusion. The nice thing about those (in addition to the fact that they're not crazy make-you-want-to-vomit HiiT workouts) is that no equipment is required. (MMA: Boxing does have a special bonus heavy bag section, but it's only a bonus for people who have them.)

I'm always glad to see new Cathletes. I hope these recommendations help!