Hi Crystal! The best advice I can give you when starting a new fitness routine is to NOT do too much too soon. This means ease into how many days you work out, ease into the length of each session, and ease into how hard you push during each workout. Yes, the CTX workouts are shorter but they also involve a lot of impact and are geared toward a 5 day cardio plan (6 day weight plan). Although this series can bring you wonderful results, it is critical that you work into them gradually. Here is what I suggest:
For the first three weeks:
Do only three cardio workouts (two CTX and one walk)plus the weight segments of the entire series over the course of a week.
Start with only TWO CTX cardio sessions per week and get comfortable with the moves. Modify the impact and gradually add it back in over a period of three to six weeks. This will allow your muscles, bones, and joints, an opportunity to get acclimated to the workout.
Your third cardio should be a 40 minute brisk walk (50 minutes total with a warm up and cooldown).
Here is a sample week of the first three weeks:
MONDAY........do a modified CTX of your choice and only do the length that you comfortably can. Do the weight training that is on that tape but be sure to start with light weight(if the tape has abs do them too).
TUESDAY.......do another weight segment from one of the CTX series (if it also includes abs, do them too). Again light weight.
WEDNESDAY......Warm Up, Brisk Walk, Cool Down, stretch. Now do another weight training segment from the CTX series (use light weight and if the tape has abs do them too).
THURSDAY.......Do CTX Leaner Legs. Use very light weight until you get familiar with the tape.
FRIDAY........Take a day off of working out
SATURDAY.......do another modified CTX of your choice and only do the length that you comfortably can. Do the weight training that is on that tape but be sure to start with light weight(if the tape has abs do them too).
SUNDAY........do the remaining weight segment from one of the CTX series (if it also includes abs, do them too). Again light weight.
After the first three weeks, you can add another CTX cardio on a weekly basis, always modifying wherever needed. So by the end of a six weeks you will be doing all five cardio series, modifying whenever needed. As for weights, after your initial three weeks, select the appropriate weight per exercise. Your looking for a weight that allows you to just barely complete the sets (but always using good form).
Good Luck! Please don't be offended if I'm unable to answer a question. I try to answer whatever I can but it is obviously just not possible to answer all of them. Take care
!
