Cathe for Beginners?

D

Dafne

Member
Hi everyone,

I am new to this forum and I need some advice. I have just started an exercise regime that consists mainly of running, Method Pilates and some Firm tapes. I am looking for tapes that will strengthen my upper body. Not necessarily add bulk, just tone and define as well as help my posture (I work at a desk all day and my upper back needs all the help it can get). Are Cathe's tapes for serious weightlifters or can they be used with much lower weights (2-5 pounds) to produce definition and improve strength? Which tapes would you recommend?
Any help is greatly appreciated..
 
Hi Dafne...

At the risk of offending you, I have to question why you are unwilling to use something heavier than 2-5 lb.dumbells. I doubt that weights that light would produce much of anything in the long run. You can use whatever weight you would like with Cathe's tapes, but most women don't have the ability to "bulk up" their upper bodies (lower body is different) anyway. My three year old can curl my 5-pounders, so why not challenge yourself? You can always stop if don't like the results. Definition is simply muscle combined with low body fat. Give Cathe's tapes a try - she's the best!
 
Hi, Dafne!
Welcome to the formu!! This is a great place to come for support and fitness fun :)
You can use whatever weights you want with Cathe's tapes. She uses heavy weights and a heavy barbell, but people modify with dumbells until they are (if they are) ready to use a barbell. I am not a serious weight lifter and I use her tapes. I know it is intimidating when you first see Cathe's stuff, but belevie me, you can use these tapes!
Although it might not be the most economical choice, I think the weight work in the CTX series is great, and it does use lighter weights than some of her other stuff. but again, you can modify to lighter weights for any of Cathe's tapes.
Good luck.
Wendy
 
Yes!

If you are new to weight lifting, go with The Wedding Video. It's 2 workouts, a step workout & toning. The lower body toning is just body weight so it won't interfere with your running. The upper body part uses light weights. And as always, Cathe's ab work is effective.

If you're already fairly familiar with weight lifting, you could use the upperbody sections of Body Max or MIS. You can go as light as you want. I find these are more time efficient than a Firm workout when I just want to hit my upper body.

I agree with the poster above about poundage. Don't be afraid to go heavier as your fitness improves. You'll get faster results.

Welcome.
 
RE: Yes!

Yes, the Wedding video would be a good place to start. It consists of two workouts in one. The weight workout is not as intense as Maximum Intensity Strength, but it will give you an idea of Cathe's style. I have been doing Firms since the '80's and I am now enjoying the Cathe tapes. After you try the Wedding tape, you have to try Cardio Kicks--it is fun, fun, fun! I got rid of my Tae-bo tapes because I couldn't get into them, but this is fast, fun and a great upper body workout. It uses no weights or other props so it only requires space to workout. I hope you enjoy your time with Cathe.
 
RE: Yes!

Hi, I wanted to welcome you to the forum too! It is so great - these ladies (& gentleman!) are just the best - kind, informative, knowledgaable - & so much fun! I am fairly new here myself & really look forward to this forum every day.

I agree with the above opinions - The Wedding Tape is the way to go I think, for what you want. I also agree with the opinion that you shouldn't be afraid to try heavier weights when you're ready. I couldn't believe the difference it made for me (and rather quickly too.)

Whatever you decide to do, enjoy it!! :)

Ruth
 
Thank you guys for the warm welcome and for the advice. I'll take a look at the wedding video but I don't own a step which means that I can only use half the video. Would that be enough of a toning workout? Or should I look into CTX, PS series or MIS? I am not a beginner exerciser but I don't use weights very often. By the way, the only reason I want to use light weights is to achieve a long, lean muscular look.

To give you an idea of what I am after: my ideal body type would be jennifer Kries' body with a bit more definition on the upper portion. Now how do you achieve that without her genes and years of ballet is the question!!!!

Sorry this got so long..Looking forward to chatting with you again..

Dafne
 
Hi Dafne

I still recommend the Wedding video even if you're only using the toning workout. I've used it with my sister (a beginner) & just used heavier weights. Because of your running, my other recommendations still hold, MIS or BodyMax.

This is just 1 opinion, but I find I really need to cut back on my cardio when I use the PS series & too much cardio undermines the muscle building effort. As for the CTX series, you'd have to decide if you want to buy 6 videos & just use the upper body strength segments.

I assure you that Jennifer Kries does resistance work on a Reformer. You might be someone who builds muscle easily, but most women need to use more weight than you're using. My concern is that you'll be frustrated by poor results if you only use light poundage.

Debra
 
RE: Hi Dafne

Hi Debra,

This place is great!! I always wanted to have fitness friends b/c I believed that it keeps you motivated. I have not kept up with my exercise schedule b/c my friends are not into fitness and is often difficult to keep going when life gets hectic. Having said all that:

I will look into the videos you recommended and get one to try. I understand your point on the light weights. Maybe I can go a couple of pounds heavier. Anyway my current strength will pretty much determine what I can lift. I am not sure whether I gain bulk easily in the upper body but I did develop bulky thighs in the past when doing a lot of lunges and squats.

Dafne
 
Hi Dafne!

I only have a second here but wanted to WELCOME you!! You've found a great place to come and get wonderful advice and lots & lots of encouragement. There will always be someone here to help you and by all means, come and share your knowledge too! :7 We're sooo glad to have you join us all! Have fun experimenting with any new tapes you decide on. Cathe's tapes are all so fun. Again, WELCOME!!!!

Your-Friend-In-Fitness, DebbieH :)
"If You Get The Chance To Sit It Out Or Dance...I Hope You DANCE!!"
 
RE: Hi Dafne

Dafne,
I have sort of bad knees, so I have been doing all of my step workouts on the floor for the past several weeks. You could get the Wedding Video and use the cardio portion, just do it on the floor rather than on a step.
I think that with the quantity discounts, however, that you should order more than one, simply because you will probably end up wanting more anyway! TWV was recommended to me when I first started with Cathe, and I was ready to move on right away.
Beleive me, you will not bulk up using 5,8,10,12, even 15 pound weights.
Glad you like it here!
Wendy
 
RE: Hi Dafne

Ok this is a tentative list of what I am getting:

BodyMax
Cardio Kicks
CircuitMax
Wedding Video

Wendy, do you think Circuit max can be done on the floor? how much space do I need for Cardio Kicks? Enough space for a forward kick or more?

thank you so much!!

dafne
 
RE: Hi Dafne

Hi Dafne,
The list you selected sounds good except you only listed four videos. When you order 4 you get one free. I would suggest MIS (Maximum Intensity Strength). It's a heavy tape but you don't have to go heavy if you don't want to.
Dawn W
 
RE: Hi Dafne

Hey, Dafne--
I just did circuit Max on the floor on Monday. I find it a bit harder than some to adjust the moves to low impact (for example, she does some side leaps that you just can't keep grounded, so I guess I probably substituted triple knee up/lunges or something), but it is definitely doable without a step. Cardio Kicks doesn't need a whole lot of space--I have a pretty small space to work out in. sometimes Cathe will do a double grapevine, which I can just fit, if that gives you an idea of how much room is necessary. If there are space issues, I just don't do the directional part, but up the intensity by making my movements bigger or higher.
Hope that helps!
Wendy
 
RE: Hi Dafne

Dafne,
You know, I was just thinking that you may get a bit discouraged if you are trying kickboxing for the first time with Cardio Kicks. Do you have any kickboxing experience? Maybe check out the Kathy
Smith Kickboxing video (Target or Walmart?) first to get the basic moves down. Circuit Max and cardio Kicks are very tough workouts, and I don't want to discourage you from getting them, but you'll want to ease in...
:) Wendy
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Our Newsletter

Get awesome content delivered straight to your inbox.

Top