Best way to get started?

[winter2b]

Hi all,

I've done Cathe's workouts in the past, and I LOVE them. I've taken about the last 4 weeks off and am trying to get back into it. I can't believe that the scale says I've only gained 2 pounds, cause my belly feels so much flabbier and I feel so out of shape! Not that I was in teriffic shape, but it's REALLY bad now! I made it through Step Blast on Monday took yesterday off because my body just felt wore out and today I made it about 1/2 way through SJ&P.

My question to you experienced Cathe-ites, and those new to Cathe who have gotten over the initial hump... What is the best way to get oneself back into it? Should I modify through the rest of the workout rather than shut it off...or stop when I can't do anymore and then try to make it further last time. I can't shake the feeling that if I dont make it through the whole workout that I am not making progress...but reality I know that these are VERY ADVANCED workouts, so even making 30 minutes through (like I did today) is a good workout in itself.

Would you recommend I continue as I'm going now - or that I choose shorter workouts and work up to the longer ones, or does it really matter???

I'm mad at myself for taking the time off - I'm mad that my belly is feeling so flabby again, and I really want to get myself into shape for the upcoming boating season! I've got 3 months until July 4th...and while we'll be boating before then, it's not reasonable to think that I can lose the 25 or so pounds that I would like to lose before then.

Sorry this is so long! I really hope to have the fitness level of you ladies "SOME DAY"!

Thanks,
Amy

 

[Jacque1038]

Keep in mind this is just my opinion and I am not near a fitness expert. However I do remember when I first started doing her workouts and what a challenge it was. What I used to do is when a part got too challenging I would take longer breaks than what is in the DVD. For example when I first started doing Imax 2 I would pause after the blasts and walk around my living room for a little bit untill I felt recovered enough to start back up again. However I was working out on a regular basis prior to that I was just not doing stuff as challenging as the Cathe workouts. If I was in your position I would probably start with as much as I could handle and then progress as I got back into the flow of things again. If you were working out before and just took a month off it will probably not take to long to get back into working out.

 

[hippahips]

Last year I took a month off working out and got back to it slowly. I still stuck to the usual hour a day 5-6 days a week, alternating a day of weights with a day of cardio. For weights, I went two notches below my usual weight -- using 10's when I used 15's, and so on -- and for cardio, I took the impact out of the moves when I got tired, or doing jumps on the floor. I did make sure to finish the hour of cardio, but I took breaks when I had to, and modified where it was necessary.

If you've been working out prior to the time you stopped, I don't think it will take you a long time to pick up where you left off. Also, those 2 pounds could just be water. Don't worry about not being able to finish a workout. Just do what you can. Eat clean. I know that's always said in this forum, but we also all know exercise is just a part of the equation.

With clean eating and regular exercise, I think it's possible for you to lose MOST of the 25 lbs. by boating season. But I don't know why, I was reading your post, and I kept reading "boating season" as "bLoating season". It's probably because that's how I feel right now.

Pinky

 

[Timber99]

I have come back from absence a few times and each time, I handle it differently.

You can go shorter with your workouts and then change it up to go to longer workouts when you are ready. That would equate to maybe two or three weeks of CTX to get you back into a routine of regular workouts. Then you can slowly add in other workouts. Take breaks when needed during the workout and you may find that you need them a bit more often after a break. Stick to your schedule and get yourself back into a routine.

Another option is to go longer and maybe work out every other day for a few weeks. That way, you get your body used to the longer workouts right off but you aren't killing yourself in the process.

Personally, I would rather see you take one of those options rather than doing partial workouts (unless you say do half of MIC on day and half the next and break it up on purpose) or really struggling through. There's no need to frustrate yourself completely either!

Whatever you decide, don't be terribly hard on yourself and remember that you took some time off. If you were working out before, it won't take the same amount of time to get back into it as it originally took you to build up stamina, but it will take some time. Take breaks when you need, drink lots of water, be good to your body.

Christine