Changing methodologies and old workouts

[loneswaneast]

It seems there is a new vision or workout philosophy that suggests some of the old ways of working out, like long cardio sessions or heavy weight work with long rests between may actually be unhealthful in the long run.
I'm wondering if that makes some of the old step and strength workouts I still have, but hardly ever use obsolete? Are there any we shouldn't waste time with?

 

[mini-natty]

IMO, Just like food (what's good for you one month is suddenly bad for you the next month ) I try not to get all caught up in fitness trends or "X is better than Y". Have I embraced Hiit & Tabata? Sure, why not. Variety is the spice of life. Have I abandoned steady state step? Heck NO! I enjoy it and it's my fav form of cardio, so there is absolutely no reason to stop doing it. Anything that can get my body up and moving will keep me healthy. I might not get the "afterburn effect", and that's just fine and dandy. TBH, I need to include fitness activities that I enjoy, so I can continue to do them throughout my entire lifetime. No amount of "studies" will force me to neglect any type of workout, be it strength or cardio. As long as I'm not over-training and injured, I will do what's best for ME, MY personality, MY lifestyle.

Natasha

 

[JT]

The reason behind the methodologies in regard to research is that the body gets used to the same workouts and doesn't respond like it did in the beginning similiar to building immunity to disease. When I was working out consistantly and eating healthy, it took alot for me to lose weight or to break a sweat (about 5 years ago). The muscle confusion and alll the new stuff changes what the muscle knows causing it to work harder.
With that being said, I love and I use all of Cathe's workouts. Each workout will affect each person differently. You should do what works best for you. Like Natty stated, variety is the spice of life.

 

[jengollf]

I agree with Natasha. I love the new direction Cathe's workouts are going and they are some of my favorites; however, the point of things like periodization and muscle confusion is frequently changing things up. So personally, I plan to keep all of my workouts--old and new--and continue to cycle through them, as well as continue to try new things.

 

[mini-natty]

Cathe adresses hiit vs steady state

http://cathe.com/forum/f95/your-questions-answered-12-5-noon-est-291339/index3.html

I recall reading this when Cathe did a Q&A thread before the release of Xtrain.

NO workouts are off limits! Enjoy

 

[emigliori]

This is off topic slightly, but one thing I try to do about once every six months is take a week or even two OFF. Yes, you heard right! I get extra sleep and follow my regular eating schedule. I usually plan some type of house project so the time is productive and my N.E.A.T. activity level stays up.

For the first time I did this over the holidays which is really counterintuitive for me, but instead of gaining, I lost weight, my pants are a little baggier, I'm rested, organized and my metabolism should get a jolt from the 90 day Xtrain rotation I'm about to start.

Although its important to vary your exercise methodology, Sometimes old fashioned rest will do the trick as long as you are still minding what you eat.

Elizabeth

Sent from my iPhone using CatheForum

 

[JT]

Elizabeth, your point proves that taking rest periods work. Resting and recovery are important in fitness. Nowadays, I think rest has become more important. Cathe recommends it after finishing STS and after each cycle.
Another point of changing methods in fitness.

 

[loneswaneast]

Thank you for clearing that up

Thank you for all the wonderful insight. It does get confusing, but as you all suggested, variety and listening to your own body and watching what works is probably what I should keep in mind.

Very thoughtful and impressive responses, thank you again.

 

[RapidBreath]

I do best with a little bit of everything. I don't do well skipping LSB cardio (long slow boring.) I need some cardio intervals. I need some weight ckts (step ckts are my favorite). I need some kettlebells. I need a kick box workout. I need some functional fitness. I can't go without yoga (its even got its separate time, before bed, whereas everything else is a 'workout' at workout time, just before breakfast.) I just make sure I get some cardio, some strength training, and I don't repeat the same workout in a week. As it stands now, I don't have to repeat the same workout for 3 months

I like to change it up. I won't do the same rotation every month. However, I tend to design my rotations by a month to month kind of schedule. And, I never box myself in anymore, if its sunny, I'm going for a run, hike, or walk. I won't skip sun. I like Cathe's shorter strength training premixes as an add on to an 'outside' day.