Cathe, SNM, or anyone who has an idea about....

[indybulla]

whether the new dvd's can be modified to someone like me who is relatively new to Cathe and a solid intermediate level. I've got Low Impact Step, Body Fusion, CoreMax, Stretch Max, Low Max & Kick Punch Crunch (both are the fittv version).

I've been looking at the blog photos and reading the description of the workouts and they look fantastic, although I'm a bit scared of the heavy weights and have no experience yet with the push/pull method! Will these routines be doable on one set of risers and using lighter dumbells (at least until I become more advanced)? I love the concept of the four day split and it looks like there will be a lot of premix and workout options.

Sorry to ramble, just want to make a well informed decision before I purchase. I noticed in Cathe's description of workouts to be filmed the rest of the year that there will possibly be a high rep total body dvd and an all step dvd filmed if time permits. I wonder if I should wait for those?

Thanks for a response, LOVE your workouts so far
Stacey

Ryan born 1/2/07
Emma born 4/27/03
Alex born 9/7/01

 

[kathryn]

Don't worry. Weight workouts are very modifiable. "Heavy weights" should mean what is heavy for YOU, not what Cathe and the crew are using. If Cathe is using a 30# weight for overhead tricep extensions, just use whatever weight is challenging for you, whether that is 20# or 10#. The last two reps should be hard.

Again, for step, use whatever height suits you, from the platform only at 4", to 6" to 8".

See the finished product as something to work up to while giving it your best. That wayk, the workouts will last you a long time.

HTH

 

[indybulla]

Thanks Kathryn, that is very helpful. I probably would have to start out with light weights and lower the step height, but would certainly have a great deal to build up to


Stacey

Ryan born 1/2/07
Emma born 4/27/03
Alex born 9/7/01

 

[fitnessangel]

I have been stepping for years, and I still only use one set of risers under my step. I find it easier on my joints and still challenging on my cardiovascular system (and my body)! I am definitely stronger now than when I started using Cathe, but my upper body strength has never reached that of what Cathe uses in some of her upper body segments. Each person should listen to their body and determine appropriate weights depending upon needs and wants. Also, every day is a different day. Some days you may feel like you don't want to lift as much, where other days you want to go a little heavier and maybe not as many reps. Cathe makes it easy to modify weights, step height, and impact level (in most videos). Best of luck!

 

[indybulla]

Thanks so much for the feedback, that definitely helps!
Stacey

Ryan born 1/2/07
Emma born 4/27/03
Alex born 9/7/01

 

[lainiefig]

I just want to add that I'm also just intermediate level but I now own almost all of Cathe's videos and love them all. It gives me an idea of what to work toward. When I started her stuff I would lift maybe what half she would lift but I'm slowly lifting a little more than I used to--sometimes even the same amount Cathe does if it's biceps. Also, I just choose the step height according to what I feel like each day (and sometimes change in the middle of a video). If I am trying something new I even use just the step at a 4" height (no risers) so that I don't fall off too far while I'm learning new moves. I still get a good workout and have fun.

***Lainie***

 

[indybulla]

I am so happy to hear that even Cathe's advanced stuff can be modified to intermediate, you guys are awesome. Thanks for responding


Stacey

Ryan born 1/2/07
Emma born 4/27/03
Alex born 9/7/01

 

[Gibbee]

As Cathe said in a recent post, it's not about what they're lifting... they want you to lift what is safe and heavy for you. You can modify and do what exercises fit you and your body and your abilities! Sometimes it's difficult to not do what they're doing (for me it's the higher impact cardio sometimes - depends on the moves) but it's o.k. because I'm taking care of me. You do the same! And be sure to occasionally push yourself (maybe try 10 lbs instead of 8 after a couple of weeks of 8 lb. whatever exercise... you'll be surprised how strong you can become!).