After my second daughter was born when I was forty years old, I was diagnosed with Ankylosing Spondylitis and Rheumatoid Arthritis. These are debilitating diseases that cause chronic pain and fatigue and for which there is no cure. My symptoms were so excruciating, it felt as though my body was turning to stone. The treatments for these diseases have some horrible side effects, including weight gain.
I credit exercising, especially strength and flexibility training, with helping keep me mobile, fit and strong. Cathe offers a wonderful selection and variety of workouts, so I can choose the appropriate exercise
No doubt about it, Cathe Friedrich is my favorite instructor. Exercising is a necessary part of my life; thanks, Cathe for making it so easy to incorporate and maintain!
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Such an inspiring story. So glad that you found a way to control your conditions. You look wonderful.
So glad you found a healthy and functional way to treat your condition. You do look wonderful, and I agree – Cathe’s an extremely talented and gifted instructor. I definitely prefer to work out with her than at any gym, even if a gym schedule was convenient! Thank you for sharing your story!
What a great story! It is so nice to hear that Cathe has positively influenced another fellow Cathlete! You look fabulous! 🙂 Congratulations on all of your hard work.
I love reading inspirational stories like these! I try to explain to my friends why I love Cathe videos so much, and I can tell they think I am a bit nuts. But every single thing you said is what I feel as well, but I would add one more thing: I love her friendly and down to earth demeanor. I also love the women in the crew! So motivating. Congratulations on your commitment to fitness, and best of luck managing your condition.
What a BEAUTIFUL Story..and as others have commented you have to experience Cathe to know what she can do for you!! You look BEAUTIFUL and congratulations on your victory!!!
Yours is a wonderful story and I wish more people who have conditions like these would realize exercise, not “rest” is what is beneficial. I have degenerative osteoarthritis, I was diagnosed with it in my neck when I was 40 and had other symptoms. My dr was shocked by how my neck looked and I know I have it in other parts of my body by the way I feel. However, my Dr also told me the best way to fight this potentially crippling disease is exercise…I am a cathlete too. I am now 58 and managing my “illness” just like you. I have to vary my workouts in length and impact…although I do high impact, I just can’t do it every day. I love how Cathe’s workouts have so many options, and I too, love Xtrain and the Low impact series…even Cross Fire has a less impact premix. I do a lot of strength training and use heavy weights…it is good to have strong muscles when you have any kind of joint impairment. By the way…osteoporosis has NEVER been a problem with me…as a matter of fact, my last bone density test showed a 10% increase in bone density…that is from my strength training. Hope you continue to do well.
And yet another example of how strength training can do for your health, not just your body. Sadly, many women still refuse to incorporate weights into their routines.
I am very happy you were able to overcome your health issues. You not only look fantastic, but healthy too, which is what really makes you beautiful.
Love the store, I too was diagnosed with AS to be exact 9yrs ago. I workout daily in order to keep moving. My doc it surprise of our flexible I am and encourages me to keep working out. You are sooo right about the weight gain and drugs, in addition I was recently diagnosed with left side UC and on the days the pain is high I’m still able to do one of my many Cathe’s workouts and feel great about it.