Cathe for a Novice?

J

JenniferAnn

Cathlete
I've been using the Firm videos (new infomercial kit and Firm Strength and Firm Cardio) for almost three months. I would like to add a more intense strength workout to my rotation. Should I stick with the Firm (just bought the parts tapes and TBSM) and eventually move up to Cathe's tapes or should I plunge right in and use lighter weights and gradually work up to higher weights (currently I'm using 5#/7#/10# for the Firm tapes) with a Cathe tape? If I'm ready for a Cathe tape, where should I start? I'm short on cash right now and can't afford new videos and a barbell. Do I need a barbell to get the full effect from the videos?
 
For strength training, I would suggest MIS. Cathe gives alot of form pointers before you do the moves. The workout is @ 70 min. long but can easily be split into lower body one day and upper body the next. Cathe does use a barbell alot but you can easily modify with dumbbells. As long as you have your form correct use the amount of weight you can handle. She will remind you of this.
She usually keeps her weight and cardio seperate. If you want to try one of her cardio tapes, I would suggest her kickboxing tape or one of her earlier step tapes.(to learn her moves) I am not sure on which one because I don't care for step as my cardio.

HTH

Kim
 
I'd also suggest MIS or Circuit Max which combines weights and cardio. For an all-cardio workout, Step Heat is a good Cathe beginner tape as is her wedding video which is two workouts in one, the first section is step, the second is upper body and abs using dumbells. Cardio Kicks is a great non-step Cathe tape. For Cathe's step tapes, a full-size step is essential. Let us know if you have anymore questions.

:)Stacy
 
I would suggest MIS - just listen to your body and go light - you will be surprised how strong you really are. Start with the same weights you currently use in the firm and adjust accordingly.
 
Try MIS. It's a great Cathe weight workout to start out with. It's all encompassing, and has classic exercises, and it's just all-around great and something great to take you to the next level and beyond.
That said, watch out because once you start with Cathe workouts, you won't want to stop. :)
Kathy
 
I tried to do All Step today (came with the step from K-mart) but gave up after about ten minutes. I couldn't figure out the choreography. Is there a better "intro" Cathe step tape? BTW, when I gave up on All Step I tried my new Intense Moves and was able to get through all of the intervals at the lowest level of intensity. How much more difficult (other than in terms of choreography) is Cathe than Intense Moves? If I can do Intense Moves am I ready for Cathe? I don't want to do Intervals more than once a week so I need another cardio tape in my rotation. I don't think any Firm video fits the bill (not enough cardio IMHO).
 
JAnn-
Keep All-Step, but the answer is yes, Cathe has other step tapes that are easier than All-Step to learn. All-Step assumes you already know the moves from previous tapes. However, it usually takes me about 4-5 complete workouts to learn a tape. Maybe you just haven't done it enough times yet.

Intrval Max was my first Cathe and although the choreo. was simple, I was thrown because the first combo has a lot done facing away from the TV! But it was really just a few seconds and I learned it really fast. The intensity of that tape is another story, LOL.

Try the Wedding video, which even though I don't have it, seems like a great intro to Cathe. It has a cardio section and a full body weight section.

And get a pair of 3-pound dumbbells. Do not be surprised if you have to do some reps with No Weight Altogether! After firming for 9 months, that was where I was at in Power Hour. I did that tape with no barbell at first, then got one later.

Welcome to Cathe's tapes! You will eventually want them all!
-Connie
 
Jennifer, ditto on the "Wedding" tape for a great intro to Cathe, not too complex. I am very choreo challenged when trying something new and I had that tape down in no time. I also did pretty good wih "MegaStepBlast" for cardio. One nice thing about the "Wedding" vid is that you get two workouts in one, cardio & strength. Another great video is MIS. It was my very first strength video and it was very easy to follow. I still use it faithfully and will never outgrow it. You just need to start with light wights and progress from there. Let us know what you decide and WELCOME. Don't give up on Cathe's cardio. It is a blast once you work up to the choreo.

Your-Friend-In-Fitness, DebbieH http://www.plaudersmilies.de/wavey.gif If You Get The Choice To Sit It Out Or Dance...I Hope You DANCE!!!
 
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