I have always enjoyed athletics – running, in particular. When I had my second child, I started developing back problems from lifting my new baby and my toddler, who still wanted to be carried. This escalated into a herniated and ruptured disk. It was so bad that my doctor recommended that I consider not having any more children (I really wanted 4). With all the pain medications I was taking, I had to quit breast feeding early, I couldn’t pick up my children, clean my house, or run a mile, things I really wanted to do! My therapist suggested I try alternative exercises to build the strength in my back, so I started swimming and would sit outside the aerobics class at the local YMCA and watch. It looked like fun, but I was convinced I wouldn’t be coordinated enough to do that.
Long story short, I picked up an aerobic step and inside the box was a bonus Cathe Friedrich DVD. I really liked her personality and got the distinct impression that this was no “girly” instructor. She was like me! I got the Low Max workout and was so excited to find that the workout gave me a great sweat while being gentle on my joints and back. My back and core started getting stronger and the pain went away. Wow! Over the course of 4 years, I did that workout hundreds of times (it was the only one I did, in fact!) and I never got tired of it. I still can’t run much, but Cathe has become my favorite workout companion. Am I the only one in America that talks to Cathe during workouts? “No, not another set!” “Yeah, BRING IT ON!” and “HOOO-AHHH!!” I have gone on to have 3 more children, including 1 set of twins. My husband laughs when he hears me working out and my toddler says, “{Giggle}, Mommy, she said BUTT,” which is a naughty word at our house.
After my 3rd child, I was to be inducted into an athletic hall of fame three months after she was born. I had to work fast! After gaining 45 lbs in my pregnancy, though diet and intense aerobics (yes, the same Lo Max workout) I was 4 lbs over my pre-pregnancy weight when I gave my speech 3 months later.
I honestly feel that aerobics and Cathe Friedrich’s workouts have been an answer to prayer. I can now work out to relieve stress, maintain fitness and be a better, more active mom and wife. My back feels great, considering my newborn twins. My new goal is to take off the nearly 60 lbs I gained while pregnant with my twins, and I know with time and a lot of sweat, it will happen.
Ps – I just want to clarify that most of the Cathe workouts I have seen are NOT good for people with back issues. I wouldn’t want someone with herniated disks to get one of the DVDs and hurt themselves worse on account of my story. I am SO thankful to have found a workout that supports both my back issues and gives me a great cardio session. I was shocked and tearfully happy to discover that even though I had damaged my back, I could still have the additional children I always dreamed about and have workouts that bring me to my knees (which I crave) without hurting my back.
If Cathe is ever interested in putting together workouts for those of us who love “good pain” and not “bad pain” please let me know. I’d love to help develop aerobic, stretching and strengthening routines for people with back issues, which is a huge problem in America. I have made quite a study out of trying to keep my back healthy and strengthening without injuring it.
