7 weeks until honeymoon

[winter2b]

Hi all,

I know that fitness is really individualized - but I was hoping that some of you seasoned Cathe-ites could help me put together a rotation that would help me lose 10-15 pounds and tighten up before my honeymoon. I am 5'2" and weigh 155 (way too much for my height), so I don't think I should have that tough of a time losing the weight if I am committed to diet and exercise. I would classify myself as an intermediate exerciser, and I'm relatively new to Cathe being a former "Firmie". Not that I don't like them anymore - I just think Cathe's workouts are way more fun and probably produce better results.

I currently have the timesaver DVD and then just some of the workouts that I've taped from FitTV...Cardio & Weights, Step Blast, Rhythmic Step, Step, Jump and Pump, Boot Camp, KP&C, and I think a few others but I can't recall them right now. I am also looking to add some more DVD's to my collection. I am torn between the intensity series and the Body blast series. I also thought of buying a couple of the new Hardcore (Imax 3 and Low Max). Any suggestions here?

How many days a week should I do cardio versus weights? Should I aim for 6 days total of working out - maybe 4 cardio or cardio/strength combo and 2 days of just strength? Any tips you can give wouldl be very much appreciated. I am in the process of trying to lay out a rotation for the next 7 weeks and hoping for maximum results (aren't we all???)!

Thanks so much for reading and for offering your advice. Sorry this got so long!!! You are all such an inspiration to me, I just love reading these boards!

Amy

 

[catwoman]

My rotation is a 6-day rotation (I take Mondays off), and I find that it works nicely.

I would definitely recommend a cardio focus for the next 7 weeks, with a lighter focus on strength training. Muscle is more metabolic than fat (so it burns more fat), but cardio burns more fat than weight work, so you'll want a nice balance with a cardio focus. Here is a sample week:

Saturday: Step Blast
Sunday: PLB (from FitTV), Rhythmic Step, Abs
Monday: off
Tuesday: KPC (or other strict cardio - not a circuit like Cardio & Weights - unless you just do the cardio and skip the weights)
Wednesday: PUB (from FitTV), Abs (unless you did them with KPC on Tues.)
Thursday: Step Blast
Friday: Rhythmic Step, Abs

If you can, buy the CTX DVD. There are 4 super-duper cardio workouts on this 2-DVD set. They are 30-minute workouts, but they are high intensity and get a whole lot accomplished. This set also contains a great all ab section, as well as Leaner Legs. My cardio capacity went up tremendously within just a couple of weeks of working out to Step & Intervals off this DVD. Just substitute the cardio workouts in place of Step Blast, KPC, and Rhythmic Step in the above sample rotation. Also, if you've taped the FitTV programs, then you've got Imax 2, as well. This is another super cardio workout to sub into the above rotation. You'll feel your aerobic capacity increase quickly with this workout!

 

[winter2b]

Catwoman -

Thanks SO much for the info. Can you tell me about the music on the CTX videos? I really like the videos that have really upbeat and recognizable music. Maybe all of her videos are like that??? Since they are 30 minute videos, would I get less benefit than I would using something that is closer to an hourlike the step blast, etc?

I know this isn't a race, but I really want the maximum results possible...which I know will require a lot of work and dedication on my part.

Thanks again!
Amy

 

[Connie1]

A quick answer for you, Amy:
Although the music in CTX is not recognizable vocals, it is VERY motivating. And, although the workouts are only 30 minutes, they are very intense. Step and Intervals is very intense. And fun too.

I think you would benefit as much as a one-hour video but it would be best to alternate, so you don't overdose on intensity.

Step Blast is pretty intense too.

Connie

 

[catwoman]

Oh, no...you won't notice that the workouts are only 30 minutes versus an hour. They are much more intense, IMO. I think they are even at a faster tempo than other workouts...but maybe that's just me. After 30 minutes, I'm like "Okay, you can stop now."

However.......if you want a longer workout, put two of the cardio workouts together. Maybe start with CTX-All Step, then finish with CTX-Step & Intervals. They're great for mixing and matching with other workouts.

One suggestion would be to do something like Imax2 (which is a super high intensity cardio workout) one night, then the next night, do something not quite so high intensity and as "jarring" on your body so that you can recover a bit from the previous night's Imax2. That's where these 30-minute workouts come in handy -- they allow your body to still get some recovery, but still give you a tremendous workout.

Even though the CTX cardio workouts are shorter, I have REALLY seen an improvement in my overall cardio level from doing them. I feel stronger and leaner, and I can already see the difference in my body...and it's only been a few weeks since I got my CTX DVD.

Regarding the music: I like it. There seems to be one song that is like a James Bond tune, and another one that is kind of funky (got a funky/hip-hoppy beat that keeps me moving). And there's a song that she uses in her All Abs segment that is really pretty...she even says so during the workout. I wouldn't say the music is "Top 40" stuff, but it sounds familiar and recognizable. The only song I don't care much for is the very first one she opens her cardio workouts with...but then the music gets better.