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- Thread starter ppederzo
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TarHeelMom
Cathlete
Hi ppederzo! Welcome to the Cathe Forums!
Could you tell us a little more about what your goals are, and what kind of shape you're in? What are you a "beginner" at -- step, hi/lo, kickboxing, interval training, circuit training, weight training, all of the above?
What kind of exercise are you looking for, or do you prefer?
On these Forums I don't think you aren't going to get any disagreement about whether to buy The Firm's Body Sculpting System or Cathe. Cathe's in a class by herself -- that's my opinion and it's shared by 99.9% of the regulars on these Forums. Her personality is winning and likable, she teaches thoroughly and cues almost flawlessly, her workouts are varied, her "regular" video crew is equally likable and very fit, her music is fresh and fun, and the production quality of her videos (especially her DVD's) sets the industry standard. I encourage you to take some time on Cathe's website to "surf around" and get to know her work. Watch a bunch of the video clips, then come back here and ask questions about those that look appealing to you.
Cathe's videos are aimed at advanced exercisers, but many of them (especially the strength and endurance training weight work) can comfortably be modified to suit any fitness level. Her cardio is intense, too, but some of her older step videos (which are still a lot of fun) aren't as complex, and her kickbox and hi/lo and circuit workouts can be learned a little piece at a time. So it's not at all impossible to start with Cathe, although you'll need to modify a lot for a while.
Let us hear more from you and we'll be happy to help if we can!
http://www.click-smilies.de/sammlung0903/sport/sport-smiley-003.gif Kathy S. http://www.click-smilies.de/sammlung0903/spezial/spudniks/spudniklifter.gif
Could you tell us a little more about what your goals are, and what kind of shape you're in? What are you a "beginner" at -- step, hi/lo, kickboxing, interval training, circuit training, weight training, all of the above?
What kind of exercise are you looking for, or do you prefer?On these Forums I don't think you aren't going to get any disagreement about whether to buy The Firm's Body Sculpting System or Cathe.
Cathe's in a class by herself -- that's my opinion and it's shared by 99.9% of the regulars on these Forums. Her personality is winning and likable, she teaches thoroughly and cues almost flawlessly, her workouts are varied, her "regular" video crew is equally likable and very fit, her music is fresh and fun, and the production quality of her videos (especially her DVD's) sets the industry standard. I encourage you to take some time on Cathe's website to "surf around" and get to know her work. Watch a bunch of the video clips, then come back here and ask questions about those that look appealing to you.Cathe's videos are aimed at advanced exercisers, but many of them (especially the strength and endurance training weight work) can comfortably be modified to suit any fitness level. Her cardio is intense, too, but some of her older step videos (which are still a lot of fun) aren't as complex, and her kickbox and hi/lo and circuit workouts can be learned a little piece at a time. So it's not at all impossible to start with Cathe, although you'll need to modify a lot for a while.
Let us hear more from you and we'll be happy to help if we can!
http://www.click-smilies.de/sammlung0903/sport/sport-smiley-003.gif Kathy S. http://www.click-smilies.de/sammlung0903/spezial/spudniks/spudniklifter.gif
I weigh about 135 lbs, 5'3, I would like to loose 10 lbs and tone up. My biggest goal is to have a firm body. I really enjoy weights. I am looking more for a video that has weight training and cardio. It seems that most of Cathe videos require a step, which I do not own. I prefer no step if possible. Also I am a beginner, so I really need a video that does not have a lot of step cheoreograph. I need to start with something slower,,that is easier to follow. maybe, like slow and heavy, or pure strenth, timesave or the body blast. I hope this helps. I appreciate your response greatly.
Hi and welcome!
Thanks for providing the information about your goals and interests, etc. It makes providing suggestions much easier knowing this.
I have both Firm BSS systems and as far as being easy on choreography and not needing a full size step (you can buy BSS1 and it comes with a Fanny Lifter that they use for some very basic stepping) these do fit the bill. And I think that they will be effective if you are just starting out. However, my concern would be that you would quickly outgrow these workouts as your fitness progressed. That's what happened for me and now I consider these workouts for my 'light' days when I'm tired, coming off being sick, or need to be careful because of my pesky knees.
Cathe's workouts are wonderful and are in a class by themselves. The weight workouts are simply the best on the market for the at home exerciser. As was stated above, the weight can easily be modified to the beginning level (very light or no weight) and there is definitely room to progress.
I know you said that you wanted workouts that didn't require a step bench. I would encourage you to reconsider. Not only could you do some of Cathe's cardio/weight interval tapes, you could also learn step choreography and the step makes a terrific weight bench! You can get a step and two sets of risers for less than $80 at www.fitness1st.com.
A great workout that is just strength training (although it does get your heart pumping) for the whole body is Muscle Endurance. It uses a barbell (dumbbells will work fine), dumbbells, a medicine ball (totally optional), and a high step (it is used for step ups, to place a hand on for some bent over exercises to support the back, and to sit on for some exercises). The music is awesome, the whole body gets worked, it doesn't require a full size step, and is VERY effective. This could give you a sense of what Cathe's workouts are like and if you want to invest more money and resources. BTW, if you get the DVD it has Bootcamp, which is intervals of floor aerobics, lower body, upper body, and core work. Actually, now that I think about it, this could be just what you're looking for. I am not recommending Supersets or Push Pull because they include the use of a stability ball and you did not mention if you had and/or wanted to use one.
I think the Pure Strength series would be a great introduction to split body weight training. Here the body is separated into 3 different workouts. The leg and ab tape uses a barbell (once again, dumbbells can work fine), dumbbells, a body bar (optional, it is used for a warm up set of plie squats, for balance on some moves, and for resistance on inner and outer thigh floor work). You can omit the step ups or use a step stool (Rubbermaid has one that is quite sturdy and some use this in place of a high step/fanny lifter). The upper body tapes use much of the same equipment plus a step bench used as a weight bench. While I think you could use the floor just fine, the bench does allow for a little better range of motion. If you like this series, then you could progress to Slow and Heavy or the Pyramids, both fabulous and with their individual selling points.
So, in summary, the Firm systems can get you started and I suspect they won't take you very far. Do consider getting a full size step. If you're not wanting to do that, start with Muscle Endurance and if possible, get the DVD with Bootcamp as the other workout. If you're wanting a split series weight routine, start with Pure Strength and just understand that without a bench some of the range of motion will be decreased.
Good luck!
Thanks for providing the information about your goals and interests, etc. It makes providing suggestions much easier knowing this.
I have both Firm BSS systems and as far as being easy on choreography and not needing a full size step (you can buy BSS1 and it comes with a Fanny Lifter that they use for some very basic stepping) these do fit the bill. And I think that they will be effective if you are just starting out. However, my concern would be that you would quickly outgrow these workouts as your fitness progressed. That's what happened for me and now I consider these workouts for my 'light' days when I'm tired, coming off being sick, or need to be careful because of my pesky knees.
Cathe's workouts are wonderful and are in a class by themselves. The weight workouts are simply the best on the market for the at home exerciser. As was stated above, the weight can easily be modified to the beginning level (very light or no weight) and there is definitely room to progress.
I know you said that you wanted workouts that didn't require a step bench. I would encourage you to reconsider. Not only could you do some of Cathe's cardio/weight interval tapes, you could also learn step choreography and the step makes a terrific weight bench! You can get a step and two sets of risers for less than $80 at www.fitness1st.com.
A great workout that is just strength training (although it does get your heart pumping) for the whole body is Muscle Endurance. It uses a barbell (dumbbells will work fine), dumbbells, a medicine ball (totally optional), and a high step (it is used for step ups, to place a hand on for some bent over exercises to support the back, and to sit on for some exercises). The music is awesome, the whole body gets worked, it doesn't require a full size step, and is VERY effective. This could give you a sense of what Cathe's workouts are like and if you want to invest more money and resources. BTW, if you get the DVD it has Bootcamp, which is intervals of floor aerobics, lower body, upper body, and core work. Actually, now that I think about it, this could be just what you're looking for. I am not recommending Supersets or Push Pull because they include the use of a stability ball and you did not mention if you had and/or wanted to use one.
I think the Pure Strength series would be a great introduction to split body weight training. Here the body is separated into 3 different workouts. The leg and ab tape uses a barbell (once again, dumbbells can work fine), dumbbells, a body bar (optional, it is used for a warm up set of plie squats, for balance on some moves, and for resistance on inner and outer thigh floor work). You can omit the step ups or use a step stool (Rubbermaid has one that is quite sturdy and some use this in place of a high step/fanny lifter). The upper body tapes use much of the same equipment plus a step bench used as a weight bench. While I think you could use the floor just fine, the bench does allow for a little better range of motion. If you like this series, then you could progress to Slow and Heavy or the Pyramids, both fabulous and with their individual selling points.
So, in summary, the Firm systems can get you started and I suspect they won't take you very far. Do consider getting a full size step. If you're not wanting to do that, start with Muscle Endurance and if possible, get the DVD with Bootcamp as the other workout. If you're wanting a split series weight routine, start with Pure Strength and just understand that without a bench some of the range of motion will be decreased.
Good luck!
BTW, by the way, I have seen the smaller version of the Step available at Wal-Mart for $25 recently. I really love the larger version and would recommend it but if money is an issue this would be a good way to find out if you like stepping before you invest in a full size one. Take care and enjoy the weekend! We have snow (again!). Think Spring.
Blessings,
Denise
Blessings,
Denise
Using Fanny Lifter as a step
In the Firm BSS1 and 2 you can use the Fanny Lifter (FL) because the step choreography is so simple (but even then it doesn't feel that safe). Any other step videos will require a much larger step, such as the original Step or the Reebok step bench. I personally like the original step.
In the Firm BSS1 and 2 you can use the Fanny Lifter (FL) because the step choreography is so simple (but even then it doesn't feel that safe). Any other step videos will require a much larger step, such as the original Step or the Reebok step bench. I personally like the original step.
TarHeelMom
Cathlete
Re: Fanny Lifter as a Step
Hi ppederzo!
The Fanny Lifter would be a decent substitution for the High Step, which is the square "mini-step" that Cathe uses in some of her videos. You could also substitute the Rubbermaid step-stool that Sabine mentioned (available usually at Wal-Mart or K-Mart) or any other similar stool, as long as it has a wide, very stable base and a non-slip top that is wide enough for you to stand on comfortably. At 5'3", you're going to want a stool or step that is NO MORE THAN 14" tall, and I recommend that you start out doing step-ups on a shorter height.
You really CAN'T substitute the Fanny Lifter for a step bench, though. Cathe's step choreography requires a full-length step (I don't even recommend the Reebok Step, which is a couple inches shorter than the Step Company Original Step). As Sabine said, you can get an Original Step with a set of four risers for $80 or less online. I agree with her that it's a perfect first piece of equipment for you to start with. It will allow you to start learning Cathe's choreography, and trust me ('cause I started out as a complete step klutz), you can learn it and you'll enjoy it very much. It will also double as a weight-training bench, because it's long enough to lay down on. And, if you invest in some extra risers which you can find online for as little as $10 - $12 per pair, you'll be able to raise the height of your step bench so that it will work just fine as a substitute for the High Step. And you can modify the height with fewer or more risers to accommodate your own fitness level -- it's endlessly flexible. Last but not least, you can use those risers later with the High Step topper. Cathe sells JUST the topper, so you can add that to your equipment collection later at minimal expense, and VOILA you've got a High Step!
So -- all in all, I don't see any reason to buy the Fanny Lifter. If you're dead set against step, buy a Rubbermaid Stool for the time being. But I say go for the step -- you really won't regret it!
Again, welcome!
http://www.click-smilies.de/sammlung0903/sport/sport-smiley-003.gif Kathy S. http://www.click-smilies.de/sammlung0903/spezial/spudniks/spudniklifter.gif
Hi ppederzo!
The Fanny Lifter would be a decent substitution for the High Step, which is the square "mini-step" that Cathe uses in some of her videos. You could also substitute the Rubbermaid step-stool that Sabine mentioned (available usually at Wal-Mart or K-Mart) or any other similar stool, as long as it has a wide, very stable base and a non-slip top that is wide enough for you to stand on comfortably. At 5'3", you're going to want a stool or step that is NO MORE THAN 14" tall, and I recommend that you start out doing step-ups on a shorter height.
You really CAN'T substitute the Fanny Lifter for a step bench, though. Cathe's step choreography requires a full-length step (I don't even recommend the Reebok Step, which is a couple inches shorter than the Step Company Original Step). As Sabine said, you can get an Original Step with a set of four risers for $80 or less online. I agree with her that it's a perfect first piece of equipment for you to start with. It will allow you to start learning Cathe's choreography, and trust me ('cause I started out as a complete step klutz), you can learn it and you'll enjoy it very much. It will also double as a weight-training bench, because it's long enough to lay down on. And, if you invest in some extra risers which you can find online for as little as $10 - $12 per pair, you'll be able to raise the height of your step bench so that it will work just fine as a substitute for the High Step. And you can modify the height with fewer or more risers to accommodate your own fitness level -- it's endlessly flexible. Last but not least, you can use those risers later with the High Step topper. Cathe sells JUST the topper, so you can add that to your equipment collection later at minimal expense, and VOILA you've got a High Step!
So -- all in all, I don't see any reason to buy the Fanny Lifter. If you're dead set against step, buy a Rubbermaid Stool for the time being. But I say go for the step -- you really won't regret it!
Again, welcome!
http://www.click-smilies.de/sammlung0903/sport/sport-smiley-003.gif Kathy S. http://www.click-smilies.de/sammlung0903/spezial/spudniks/spudniklifter.gif
TarHeelMom
Cathlete
Sabine's (Dutchgirl) advice to you
Hi ppederzo! I'm just chiming in to say that I agree with Sabine's very good advice to you re: which Cathe tapes to lean towards. I will add one more for your consideration, and that's Power Hour. Power Hour is the same type of workout as Muscle Endurance -- It's about 45 minutes of endurance-oriented weight training (but you'll get some very nice strength gains since you're just starting out). The whole body is hit thoroughly, the music's motivating and you'll only need a barbell and/or dumbbells.
On the DVD with Power Hour, you'd also get Maximum Intensity Strength, which is Cathe's strength-oriented weight training "classic" workout -- very easy to follow and very easy to split up into several days' worth of workouts if you're doing one body part per day. And you'll also get Body Max, which is an 80-minute workout including step, circuit-style training, abs and a complete upper body weight-training routine. Again, very easy to split up into several days' worth of training, and a great workout to grow into. The step part of Body Max is kinda intermediate choreography, but with time and practice you'd conquer it. All in all I think this particular DVD is a great value. Here's the link to read about it:
http://www.cathe.com/DVD_2001_power_hour.htm
And here's the link to see video clips of all of Cathe's DVD's:
http://www.cathe.com/launch_video_clips.htm
P.S. If you do decide to buy a full-length step, please start out with your step at 4" (no risers) or 6" (just one riser under each side of the platform). Cathe herself uses a 6" step now, but in a lot of her older tapes you'll see that she used an 8" step (two risers under each side). At your height and fitness level, you don't want to try an 8" step -- maybe not ever!
Keep us posted on what you decide to do!
http://www.click-smilies.de/sammlung0903/sport/sport-smiley-003.gif Kathy S. http://www.click-smilies.de/sammlung0903/spezial/spudniks/spudniklifter.gif
Hi ppederzo! I'm just chiming in to say that I agree with Sabine's very good advice to you re: which Cathe tapes to lean towards. I will add one more for your consideration, and that's Power Hour. Power Hour is the same type of workout as Muscle Endurance -- It's about 45 minutes of endurance-oriented weight training (but you'll get some very nice strength gains since you're just starting out). The whole body is hit thoroughly, the music's motivating and you'll only need a barbell and/or dumbbells.
On the DVD with Power Hour, you'd also get Maximum Intensity Strength, which is Cathe's strength-oriented weight training "classic" workout -- very easy to follow and very easy to split up into several days' worth of workouts if you're doing one body part per day. And you'll also get Body Max, which is an 80-minute workout including step, circuit-style training, abs and a complete upper body weight-training routine. Again, very easy to split up into several days' worth of training, and a great workout to grow into. The step part of Body Max is kinda intermediate choreography, but with time and practice you'd conquer it. All in all I think this particular DVD is a great value. Here's the link to read about it:
http://www.cathe.com/DVD_2001_power_hour.htm
And here's the link to see video clips of all of Cathe's DVD's:
http://www.cathe.com/launch_video_clips.htm
P.S. If you do decide to buy a full-length step, please start out with your step at 4" (no risers) or 6" (just one riser under each side of the platform). Cathe herself uses a 6" step now, but in a lot of her older tapes you'll see that she used an 8" step (two risers under each side). At your height and fitness level, you don't want to try an 8" step -- maybe not ever!
Keep us posted on what you decide to do!
http://www.click-smilies.de/sammlung0903/sport/sport-smiley-003.gif Kathy S. http://www.click-smilies.de/sammlung0903/spezial/spudniks/spudniklifter.gif