“Mom, is Cathe stronger than you?” asks my 6 year old daughter as I sweat my way through drill number 25 (or so it seems) on Drill Max. “Umm…yeah.” I reply with a beet red face and sweat rolling down my forehead. “One day Mommy might be as strong as Cathe!” At least, that is my dream.
Cathe is my fitness inspiration, I can only hope I come close to achieving her level of fitness and health.
I have always been an active person, and that physical activity got me through some very tough periods in my life, including the death of my mom when I was 12 years old, and during my dad’s long battle against alcoholism (which he has won!). During those emotional times, I found a release and sense of calm through various physical activies including running, skiing and hiking.
As I got older, I coninued to stay active, but found it increasingly difficult to maintain my fitness level after the birth of my first child and working a full time job. I tried various dvd’s by other fitness instructors but felt like I lacked the motivation I needed. Then, after the birth of my second child, I found Cathe and everything changed.
As I stumbled through the seemingly complex choreography (I had never done step before) in her Basic Step dvd I realized I’d discovered someone really amazing. I quickly learned the steps, and proceeded on my own new fitness journey. I have been working out wi th Cathe at home for the past 5 years and have regained that sense of calm, feeling of strength, and motivation. More importantly though, I have realized the important gift I am passing on to my children, it is a legacy that they can continue in their lives.
On a vacation to Estes Park, Colorado last summer, I hiked and played with my kids outdoors and thought to myself, “This is why I work out with Cathe”. Thank you Cathe for the difference you have made in my life!