I am now a Championship Irish dancer. I started dancing a bit later than most dancers typically do and so initially my goals had never been particularly lofty. However, last summer, I was freshly graduated from college, full of possibility and decided that I could, and should, finally go for it and attain the highest competition level. As of last weekend, I won the final medal I needed to move up to Championship level and I truly must give due credit to Cathe.
The number of competitive Irish dancers begins to dwindle after age 18 so that the highest age group they offer at a competition is usually 16 and over. The stamina required to complete the number of steps at the higher levels of Irish dance is extreme, and more difficult still when you’re 24 and have to compete against energetic 16 year olds. I started crosstraining last summer with a fitness network for fun, but didn’t really feel like I was accomplishing anything until one of Cathe’s programs came on. Suddenly I found myself being pushed to levels of strength and stamina I did not know I possessed. What’s more, while I was tired and struggling, she was motivating and had interesting enough workouts that I would stick it out for the whole program and come away from it feeling like I’d run a marathon. Eventually I purchased some of the DVDs (hiit and intensity being favorites) so I could eliminate commercial breaks and try new workouts and I have been hooked and gaining momentum ever since.
In terms of muscle retention and stamina, I could not have asked for better crosstraining. My dance teacher even asked what I was doing outside of class that I had gained so much strength! I’m not sure I could have endured at the level of competition I am at if I had not stuck with Cathe and I know the DVDs are going to continue to keep me on my game as I start to compete at the championship level. I couldn’t be more greatful to Cathe’s great progr ams!
