does anyone do just cardio without the weights?
- Thread starter amynicole
- Start date
I have days where I just enjoy the step aerobics or hi/lo so much more and I do all cardio that day, but oddly enough I usually prefer the weight training. I find it addictive, I love being sore the next day and the burning feeling at the end of a set and the shaking muscles when you're done and you really worked hard...I know that must sound sick! But even so, with Cathe's choreography I really love the cardio and there are times I just get into it and don't want to shift gears into weight training so I'll just go with it until I run out of gas.
But I wouldn't recommend dropping the weight training, if that's what you want to do. Those beautiful muscles do so much good for you, burning lots of calories and the training itself builds bone. Maybe knowing that kind of thing makes me dig it too.
But I wouldn't recommend dropping the weight training, if that's what you want to do. Those beautiful muscles do so much good for you, burning lots of calories and the training itself builds bone. Maybe knowing that kind of thing makes me dig it too.
Yes, I feel the same way. I don't do as much weight training as I should because like you I love cardio. For some reason I have had a hard time getting interested in weight training. I do some but not near as much as I probably should. I think another problem for me is time. I don't have alot of time to work out so I choose to do cardio instead of weight training. I keep trying to work it in but it just doesn't happen. Maybe someday!
SusanR
SusanR
[font size="1" color="#FF0000"]LAST EDITED ON Nov-14-00 AT 03:54PM (Est)[/font][p]I'm with Lex on this one - I love weight training. It makes me feel strong and I love the definition it gives me. Of course, I'm also totally addicted to Cathe's intense, sweat-pouring-off- your-nose cardio, but I've had complete strangers compliment me on my arms so that is motivational! Also, as Lex said, weights build muscle that burn more calories at rest and weight training help prevent osteoporosis because the muscle tugging on bone helps strengthen your bones.
Do you have the PS series? To me, those are fun weight training tapes and the upper body tapes are only about 40 to 45 minutes long. But even a little bit of weight training is better than nothing. The first tape I did with weights (and this is so embarrassing to admit now! :-rollen ) was Cindy Crawford's first tape. I used only 5 lb weights but sure enough after a few weeks I could see my biceps. That's what got me hooked and from there I just started lifting heavier and heavier. My long winded point is that even a little weight training is better than none! Hope you can find a way to make it fun for you!
Do you have the PS series? To me, those are fun weight training tapes and the upper body tapes are only about 40 to 45 minutes long. But even a little bit of weight training is better than nothing. The first tape I did with weights (and this is so embarrassing to admit now! :-rollen ) was Cindy Crawford's first tape. I used only 5 lb weights but sure enough after a few weeks I could see my biceps. That's what got me hooked and from there I just started lifting heavier and heavier. My long winded point is that even a little weight training is better than none! Hope you can find a way to make it fun for you!
Hey, don't be embarrassed about using Cindy's first tape, I loved that tape. It's way too basic now but it reminded me of gym class or something, very straightforward calisthenic-type stuff. And you had to love the music and the scenery, it made the worktout a lot of fun. I always did a warmup from something else, but I liked a lot of the stuff Radu had her do. I know it wasn't all very safe for inexperienced exercisers, but I even had a bum back and I never had a problem with those workouts. And I can vividly remember doing the arm stuff with my little 5 pounders and just barely being able to get through it. Actually, when I first did her workout I had to drop the last set of arms! Wow. Now, with these Cathe workouts, I think I could kick Radu's butt!
I just finished my first day of the Xtrain Xpress series. I'm planning to work out a 12 week rotation; 4 weeks of Xtrain done as is, 4 weeks of a completely different rotation with more weight training and the 4 weeks of mixing it all up. I'm just curious to see what will happen, like I'm my own lab rat. And the cool thing is I can do it all with Cathe. Someday I'd like to have the muscularity and low body fat of one of those Ms Fitness babes. I'm 30 now and I'm in better shape now than I was when I was 18, and thanks to all these kickbutt workouts I'm getting better every year. (But the older videos like Cindy's did get me started and at least got the blood flowing way back when)
Take care everyone!
I just finished my first day of the Xtrain Xpress series. I'm planning to work out a 12 week rotation; 4 weeks of Xtrain done as is, 4 weeks of a completely different rotation with more weight training and the 4 weeks of mixing it all up. I'm just curious to see what will happen, like I'm my own lab rat. And the cool thing is I can do it all with Cathe. Someday I'd like to have the muscularity and low body fat of one of those Ms Fitness babes. I'm 30 now and I'm in better shape now than I was when I was 18, and thanks to all these kickbutt workouts I'm getting better every year. (But the older videos like Cindy's did get me started and at least got the blood flowing way back when)
Take care everyone!
Hi AmyNicole,
Years ago I would have agreed with you that cardio is more fun than weight training. In fact, I still slightly prefer cardio. However, please don't make the huge mistake that I made for many years (I mean MANY years). I did cardio probably 6 days per week. Sometimes at my gym, I would do 2 cardio classes beside each other (trust me that was when I was 20 or 21: I wouldn't even attempt that now at 34!) My point is - my body never changed. I kept weight from creeping on, yes, but I did not have any defined muscles. In fact I was still even somewhat flabby. Only strength training will give you the look that you see on the ladies in Cathe's videos. Now that I have started weight training, my body is starting to change finally. I am proof that cardio alone cannot change your body.
Also, I used to become bored with weight training which was another good reason to leave it out. But since I've found Cathe and her PS series and CTX series (and the wedding tape strength training is great too), I actually find weight training is fun.
Don't make the mistake that I did! Keep up with the strength training!
Lisa
Years ago I would have agreed with you that cardio is more fun than weight training. In fact, I still slightly prefer cardio. However, please don't make the huge mistake that I made for many years (I mean MANY years). I did cardio probably 6 days per week. Sometimes at my gym, I would do 2 cardio classes beside each other (trust me that was when I was 20 or 21: I wouldn't even attempt that now at 34!) My point is - my body never changed. I kept weight from creeping on, yes, but I did not have any defined muscles. In fact I was still even somewhat flabby. Only strength training will give you the look that you see on the ladies in Cathe's videos. Now that I have started weight training, my body is starting to change finally. I am proof that cardio alone cannot change your body.
Also, I used to become bored with weight training which was another good reason to leave it out. But since I've found Cathe and her PS series and CTX series (and the wedding tape strength training is great too), I actually find weight training is fun.
Don't make the mistake that I did! Keep up with the strength training!
Lisa
Hey Lex!
Had to smile at your post - your "Cindy" experience and mine are almost identical! It's hard for me to even fathom now that I used to struggle with those 5 pounders! But I do confess to having a soft spot for this tape because it's what got me started and Cindy's personality made it seem as if you were working out with a girlfriend. But I agree, we could probably definitely kick Radu's butt now!
Your new rotation sounds interesting, should definitely keep things mixed up and challenging. After Thanksgiving I will be going back to a CTX rotation. Right now I'm focusing on strength with PS and MIS and when I do cardio and weights together I do the weights first and then the cardio so it is different from the cardio/weights in CTX. UPS just delivered to me yesterday BodyMax, MIC and Stepworks so I'll be adding them into my non-CTX rotations. Last night I did PS BBA and then the hi-lo of MIC and that was a good workout. Tonight will be PS CST and the step part of MIC.
Maybe you can post your "lab rat" rotation to give us some ideas?
Had to smile at your post - your "Cindy" experience and mine are almost identical! It's hard for me to even fathom now that I used to struggle with those 5 pounders! But I do confess to having a soft spot for this tape because it's what got me started and Cindy's personality made it seem as if you were working out with a girlfriend. But I agree, we could probably definitely kick Radu's butt now!
Your new rotation sounds interesting, should definitely keep things mixed up and challenging. After Thanksgiving I will be going back to a CTX rotation. Right now I'm focusing on strength with PS and MIS and when I do cardio and weights together I do the weights first and then the cardio so it is different from the cardio/weights in CTX. UPS just delivered to me yesterday BodyMax, MIC and Stepworks so I'll be adding them into my non-CTX rotations. Last night I did PS BBA and then the hi-lo of MIC and that was a good workout. Tonight will be PS CST and the step part of MIC.
Maybe you can post your "lab rat" rotation to give us some ideas?
tricia
Cathlete
I just had to pop in here about Cindy C. I also have a soft spot for this tape, it got me started and I also loved working out with Cindy and Radu! Did you ever catch what she is saying doing the arm work while on the beach? She is using the chair for balance, I think she is doing triceps - it sounds like she is repeating to herself "I AM BEAUTIFUL, I AM BEAUTIFUL" - I am pretty sure that's what she's saying - anyone else catch this? It made an impact on me because I realized that even Cindy Crawford can feel imperfect!! Wow!
DebbieH
Cathlete
Just wait..
..til you try BodyMax, Lorrie! If you want something CHALLENGING, you picked the right tape. It is 1 1/2 hours long :-tired but boy, is it great! Let us know when you try it. Count me in as an old "Cindy-Fan". Isn't it great how far we've come? Your-Friend-In-Fitness, DebbieH
..til you try BodyMax, Lorrie! If you want something CHALLENGING, you picked the right tape. It is 1 1/2 hours long :-tired but boy, is it great! Let us know when you try it. Count me in as an old "Cindy-Fan". Isn't it great how far we've come? Your-Friend-In-Fitness, DebbieH
I haven't done this tape in so long that I can't remember if I ever paid attention to what she was saying during that segment. But that sounds like something worth repeating for all of us, we're all beautiful in our own way! I recently read in some magazine that based on a survey of a bunch of women Cindy was picked as having the body most women desired because she is curvy and womanly instead of waif looking. Maybe I'll dust the cobwebs off this tape again and watch it for sentimental reasons, but watch only - no way could I work out to it again!
RE: Just wait..
Hi Debbie!
I've been interested in Body Max for awhile but have put off getting it until reading everyone's glowing posts about it. I may break it down at first, not sure yet. I prefer to do weight work PS style because I like breaking down the body parts. I think I work them harder and heavier this way. When I do MIS I'm pretty fatigued by the end and probably don't give it 100% but I don't know if that's true or just my exhausted brain's perception :-tired ! But, since I'm always up for a challenge I may just do BM straight through, probably on Sunday when I have the most time. I was so excited yesterday when FINALLY after months of being stuck at 25lbs on biceps I could do 30lbs with PS BBA :-jumpy Of course, I don't think I'll ever break the 25lbs plateau on crazy 8s! x(
Cindy would be proud of us ;-)! I'll let you know how my BM adventure goes!
Hi Debbie!
I've been interested in Body Max for awhile but have put off getting it until reading everyone's glowing posts about it. I may break it down at first, not sure yet. I prefer to do weight work PS style because I like breaking down the body parts. I think I work them harder and heavier this way. When I do MIS I'm pretty fatigued by the end and probably don't give it 100% but I don't know if that's true or just my exhausted brain's perception :-tired ! But, since I'm always up for a challenge I may just do BM straight through, probably on Sunday when I have the most time. I was so excited yesterday when FINALLY after months of being stuck at 25lbs on biceps I could do 30lbs with PS BBA :-jumpy Of course, I don't think I'll ever break the 25lbs plateau on crazy 8s! x(
Cindy would be proud of us ;-)! I'll let you know how my BM adventure goes!
So with you there...
I hate weight training with a passion. I think cardio/weight training people are like cat/dog people....most prefer one over the other and have strong feelings about it (or hate both)!
I dread my weight training days...have to really psych up for them...I could do cardio all day long. But, when I don't do the weights, I can tell almost right away within a few weeks.
It's one of those "don't have to like it, just have to do it." Although as long as you are working out, hey, be proud of yourself. Just know the weight training brings a lot of benefits if you do it consistently and challenge yourself. And, it's great for your bone density. ( I still hate it, though, after ten years. OH well. Everything can't be a picnic)
I hate weight training with a passion. I think cardio/weight training people are like cat/dog people....most prefer one over the other and have strong feelings about it (or hate both)!
I dread my weight training days...have to really psych up for them...I could do cardio all day long. But, when I don't do the weights, I can tell almost right away within a few weeks.
It's one of those "don't have to like it, just have to do it." Although as long as you are working out, hey, be proud of yourself. Just know the weight training brings a lot of benefits if you do it consistently and challenge yourself. And, it's great for your bone density. ( I still hate it, though, after ten years. OH well. Everything can't be a picnic)
RE: So with you there...
Thanks for all the great responses. I liked the comparison of cardio/weight people with dog/cat people. IT made me laugh. I guess i'll keep those weight days in there. I think when I lose more bodyfat and can see my hard earned muscles it will be more motivating, but since I still have 40 to 50 extra lbs on me, I don't see my hardwork. I know all the research says you need weights in addition to cardio to lose weight and keep your metablism up, but it was great to get others input as well. I posted a question to Cathe a few weeks ago about a plauteu that I'm on and she suggested increasing weights from 2 to 3 days a week and doing some interval training- a real push, for some cardio days. I am going to take her advice. I was really amazed and impressed that she answered my question especially since it was my first post. I guess that for me weights is like eating a vegetable I don't like, I do it because I know it is good for me. Hopefully by spring, I'll have lost a layer or two of fat and can wear sleeveless shirts with confedence. I admire the look of strong arms on women, and I guess I'll have to work hard with that goal in mind.
Thanks for all the great responses. I liked the comparison of cardio/weight people with dog/cat people. IT made me laugh. I guess i'll keep those weight days in there. I think when I lose more bodyfat and can see my hard earned muscles it will be more motivating, but since I still have 40 to 50 extra lbs on me, I don't see my hardwork. I know all the research says you need weights in addition to cardio to lose weight and keep your metablism up, but it was great to get others input as well. I posted a question to Cathe a few weeks ago about a plauteu that I'm on and she suggested increasing weights from 2 to 3 days a week and doing some interval training- a real push, for some cardio days. I am going to take her advice. I was really amazed and impressed that she answered my question especially since it was my first post. I guess that for me weights is like eating a vegetable I don't like, I do it because I know it is good for me. Hopefully by spring, I'll have lost a layer or two of fat and can wear sleeveless shirts with confedence. I admire the look of strong arms on women, and I guess I'll have to work hard with that goal in mind.
RE: So with you there...
Oh Lisa, I could so identify with your post. In my early 20s I would spend 2 hours at the gym doing ALL cardio and not go anywhere near the weights. Yea at 5'7 I weighed in the low 130s and was really thin, but my thighsstill jiggled, and my skinny arms were soft, even with all that effort. Now at 31, the mother of two, I want to have thighs that don't jiggle, and firm arms with definition. I love being a mom, but I want to have a body BETTER than before I had my kids. Well it looks like I just talked myself into sticking with the weights.
I know I could count on you all for motivation- again thanks!
Oh Lisa, I could so identify with your post. In my early 20s I would spend 2 hours at the gym doing ALL cardio and not go anywhere near the weights. Yea at 5'7 I weighed in the low 130s and was really thin, but my thighsstill jiggled, and my skinny arms were soft, even with all that effort. Now at 31, the mother of two, I want to have thighs that don't jiggle, and firm arms with definition. I love being a mom, but I want to have a body BETTER than before I had my kids. Well it looks like I just talked myself into sticking with the weights.
I know I could count on you all for motivation- again thanks!
The lab rat rotation!
Ok, you asked for it, here it is. This is the 12 week rotation I'm going to do just to see what I look like at the end and how it works. I figure, since I study nutrition and exercise science and want to be a trainer, I might as well be my first client!
1st 4 Week Rotation:
Crosstrain Xpress series, done as is, 6 days per week.
2nd 4 Week Rotation:
MIS 2 times per week
Cardio 4 times per week (using Interval Max, MIC and other step workouts to make each cardio workout a different intensity level and different duration. No weight training and cardio on the same day for this rotation)
3rd 4 Week Rotation:
Pure Strength Series, 2x per week (each)
30-45 minute cardio segment following weight training (4-6 times per week, might skip cardio following PS Legs/Abs, or might do shorter cardio after that one)
So, that's the plan. Hopefully, that will confuse the hell out of myself. I mean, beyond my normal level of confusion!
As for the Cindy tapes it's nice to know I'm not alone. I actually still throw in her second tape, The Next Challenge, every so often. I LOVE the athletic-type movements Radu has her doing and that they never repeat anything. I also like the way the abs are broken up into 3 sections with stuff in between them. I tend to get a good sweat out of that tape and at the end I usually feel oddly relaxed and happy. But now I do have to up the weights on her upper body work. So, I guess that means we could kick Cindy's butt, too! Not that I'd want to. She seems like an all around nice chickee.
And you know what? Cathe is the only instructor I had seen, when I found her tapes, that does the real pushups, not the girl version. That really turned me on...well, not in the usual sense of that expression, but I just thought to myself "now this chick's the real deal." And she is! At the end of my 12 week experiment, when hopefully I can bounce a quarter off my own butt, I'll have her to thank. Maybe I should send her a picture of that, sort of like the funny 7-Up commercial for the "Show Us Your Can Contest!"
Take care,
Lex
Ok, you asked for it, here it is. This is the 12 week rotation I'm going to do just to see what I look like at the end and how it works. I figure, since I study nutrition and exercise science and want to be a trainer, I might as well be my first client!
1st 4 Week Rotation:
Crosstrain Xpress series, done as is, 6 days per week.
2nd 4 Week Rotation:
MIS 2 times per week
Cardio 4 times per week (using Interval Max, MIC and other step workouts to make each cardio workout a different intensity level and different duration. No weight training and cardio on the same day for this rotation)
3rd 4 Week Rotation:
Pure Strength Series, 2x per week (each)
30-45 minute cardio segment following weight training (4-6 times per week, might skip cardio following PS Legs/Abs, or might do shorter cardio after that one)
So, that's the plan. Hopefully, that will confuse the hell out of myself. I mean, beyond my normal level of confusion!
As for the Cindy tapes it's nice to know I'm not alone. I actually still throw in her second tape, The Next Challenge, every so often. I LOVE the athletic-type movements Radu has her doing and that they never repeat anything. I also like the way the abs are broken up into 3 sections with stuff in between them. I tend to get a good sweat out of that tape and at the end I usually feel oddly relaxed and happy. But now I do have to up the weights on her upper body work. So, I guess that means we could kick Cindy's butt, too! Not that I'd want to. She seems like an all around nice chickee.
And you know what? Cathe is the only instructor I had seen, when I found her tapes, that does the real pushups, not the girl version. That really turned me on...well, not in the usual sense of that expression, but I just thought to myself "now this chick's the real deal." And she is! At the end of my 12 week experiment, when hopefully I can bounce a quarter off my own butt, I'll have her to thank. Maybe I should send her a picture of that, sort of like the funny 7-Up commercial for the "Show Us Your Can Contest!"
Take care,
Lex
RE: Bodymax
That is definitely one of my all time favorite Cateh workouts, there's so much to do and you can break it up a few different ways, too. The weight training for arms is just as tough as MIS but it's more targeting endurance than strength so it's a good change for your muscles. The step section, the first one, is shorter (about 30 mins) but way more intense than most, I think. Then there's the circuit step segment that alternates with weights for lower body. Whew! That's killer, and THEN you do the upper body weights, abs and cool down. It really does kick your butt good, so if it's a challenge you want, you'll dig it. You have to be a real workout masochist to love this one, and I do!
Speaking of Challenges and since we are reminiscing about old workouts, anyone here ever do the really old Jane Fonda Workout Challenge? Those were the high school days for me and it was pure, old fashioned hi impact aerobics but it was this 90 minute tape that I still have and it still kills me to this day. Old waist exercises (that, when done safely with bent knees, really get the obliques), standing balancing leg work, really tough, endless abs...anyone else remember that one? It was my favorite in high school, it took me years to work up to that one and my best friend and I even started an aerobics club in our school senior year. Twice a week we met after school with friends and she taught the Jane Fonda aerobics and then I taught the floorwork. People thought we were nuts because we liked it so much, we were always smiling while everyone else was complaining. I guess some things never change! I still smile when I exercise!
That is definitely one of my all time favorite Cateh workouts, there's so much to do and you can break it up a few different ways, too. The weight training for arms is just as tough as MIS but it's more targeting endurance than strength so it's a good change for your muscles. The step section, the first one, is shorter (about 30 mins) but way more intense than most, I think. Then there's the circuit step segment that alternates with weights for lower body. Whew! That's killer, and THEN you do the upper body weights, abs and cool down. It really does kick your butt good, so if it's a challenge you want, you'll dig it. You have to be a real workout masochist to love this one, and I do!
Speaking of Challenges and since we are reminiscing about old workouts, anyone here ever do the really old Jane Fonda Workout Challenge? Those were the high school days for me and it was pure, old fashioned hi impact aerobics but it was this 90 minute tape that I still have and it still kills me to this day. Old waist exercises (that, when done safely with bent knees, really get the obliques), standing balancing leg work, really tough, endless abs...anyone else remember that one? It was my favorite in high school, it took me years to work up to that one and my best friend and I even started an aerobics club in our school senior year. Twice a week we met after school with friends and she taught the Jane Fonda aerobics and then I taught the floorwork. People thought we were nuts because we liked it so much, we were always smiling while everyone else was complaining. I guess some things never change! I still smile when I exercise!
RE: The lab rat rotation!
Operation Lab Rat looks like a winner! It's similar to how I've been planning my rotations except I like to do 2 body parts with CTX since I have to use lighter weights than with PS. Before I got the CTX series I always alternated weight and cardio days and then when I did my first CTX rotation with the combo of cardio and weights - boy, did I see results! When I do non-CTX I put the weights before the cardio and it does make a difference. I'll be starting my CTX rotation the week after Thanksgiving and then I think I'll follow the lab rat plan except I want to include Circuit Max and BodyMax in the rotations somewhere. (I wonder if when these rotations are over if we'll be craving cheese! ;-) )
Operation Lab Rat looks like a winner! It's similar to how I've been planning my rotations except I like to do 2 body parts with CTX since I have to use lighter weights than with PS. Before I got the CTX series I always alternated weight and cardio days and then when I did my first CTX rotation with the combo of cardio and weights - boy, did I see results! When I do non-CTX I put the weights before the cardio and it does make a difference. I'll be starting my CTX rotation the week after Thanksgiving and then I think I'll follow the lab rat plan except I want to include Circuit Max and BodyMax in the rotations somewhere. (I wonder if when these rotations are over if we'll be craving cheese! ;-) )