Equipment modifications

C

Christi K

New Member
Hi Cathe:

I have been an advanced exerciser for years, but unfortunately, my joints have weaknesses that seem to run in my family, and the wear and tear has caused some chronic tendinitis.

I am really starting to miss the workouts though, and what they provided for me mentally. So, my question is can I adjust your programs to my own level? Stepping definitely irritates the tendinitis in my knees--can the cardio workouts be done on the floor? And when you use the high step for leg presses and so on, can I substitute floor lunge and squat variations?

Also, one more: is a barbell absolutely required? I did own one and loved it, but gave it up as my elbows were always in pain. :(

Thank you in advance!

Regards,
Christine
 
Christi K said:
Hi Cathe:

I have been an advanced exerciser for years, but unfortunately, my joints have weaknesses that seem to run in my family, and the wear and tear has caused some chronic tendinitis.

I am really starting to miss the workouts though, and what they provided for me mentally. So, my question is can I adjust your programs to my own level? Stepping definitely irritates the tendinitis in my knees--can the cardio workouts be done on the floor? And when you use the high step for leg presses and so on, can I substitute floor lunge and squat variations?

Also, one more: is a barbell absolutely required? I did own one and loved it, but gave it up as my elbows were always in pain. :(

Thank you in advance!

Regards,
Christine
Click to expand...

Hi Christine,

Not Cathe but have been working out to her for a couple of years now and I'm sure those that have been working our with Cathe longer will respond as well.

I hear Cathe say all the time in her videos that many of them can be modified to your specific fitness level. Often times Cathe will demonstrate a modification so those of us that can't take the impact have another option.

Do you currently have any oif Cathe's workout videos?


As far as cardio on the floor I think you can do it on the floor and modify by adding your own intensity to it for example kickbox is good cardio.


I modify leg presses by doing squats or lunges. I don't know if that is the correct alternative but it's what I do when I don't want to do leg press.

Cathe also mentions that you can sub dumbbells for a barbell so it isn't an absolute requirement.

Again I'm no expert but these are things that I have learned through this forum, hopefully something in here will help :)
 
Hi:

Thank you for the input. :)

I did actually have all of Cathe's DVDs several years ago. I gave up all of my fitness programs, plus most of the equipment, once my knees got to a certain point. I've been frustrated because I've tried alternative types of fitness (rebounding, etc) but nothing gives me the same mental high.

I honestly don't remember much of the DVDs, so I'm just going back and forth, wondering if it would really be of benefit with the modifications.

I have noticed a lot of helpful topics on this forum--I'll probably start searching through them, though that may take quite some time! And it's tempting... the blurbs for the new series keep catching my eye, even though I'm not certain right yet on what to do. All of the Cathe fans must be excited to get the new DVDs--I know I would be. :)

Christine
 
Christine - I'm just a beginner with Cathe's DVDs, but in the past when I have done step DVDs I always did them on the floor first with no step to learn the routines.

Step can always be done step-less. Power Systems even sells a step "mat" that can be used in place of a step... but I don't think that's necessary other than for the psychological value.... although it does provide some cushioning. I'd be a bit worried about tripping on the edge of a mat though.....

but maybe no more likely than tripping on the step...

The Mat Step (tm) Low Impact Cardio Step Pad | Power Systems

You obviously don't get as intense a cardio workout step-less, but you still get the fun of it and a moderate cardio workout....
 
Christine,

The new low impact series sounds like exactly what you need. It's made for people like us, ;) but the pre-sale ends in a day or two so if you agree it's what you're needing you should order it right away so you can save $100. I pre-ordered because I also have knee and hip issues. Low impact is the answer for me.

Good Luck!
 
Hi:

The step mat looks pretty good! I thought I was crazy to ask about step workouts stepless, but I guess it's more popular than I thought, if there's a mat available.

I'm really considering the Low Impact Series but I don't think I have right now enough of the equipment needed. I'd probably buy them individually as I work out the details. So cool that Cathe is branching out to yoga and barre. :)

Christine
 
Christine -

I pre-ordered the Low Impact Series because at age 66 and just starting weight training after a lifetime of cardio and stretching only, I needed something that was going to be fun and challenging but easy on my joints.

I don't have all the equipment either. I did buy a stability ball from the Power Systems website (I love that site for equipment), several pairs of dumbbells and a box of 6 yards of latex-free resistance bands. Along with a mat, that will be enough to do most of the workouts in the Low Impact Series.

Eventually, I may buy the Troy Lite barbell system that Cathe uses..... but for now I will use the dumbbells when they use the barbell.

Here's what I bought just in case you are interested:

Rubber Octagonal Dumbbell Ergonomic Zinc Plated Handle | Power Systems

Airex Corona Mats | Power Systems

VersaBall PRO | Power Systems

Latex Free Flat Bands - REP Band | Power Systems

I bought the expensive mat because it's 5/8" thick and gives me a nice cushy protective mat for all the floorwork. Thin yoga mats just don't work for me......

Anyway.... I am really pleased with everything I bought from them. No affiliation... just a real happy customer :D
If you get on their email list, they occasionally have free shipping offers which is what I did.. I saved a ton on shipping costs.....

Unfortunately, they don't sell the Troy Lite Barbell set or anything close to it, so based on recommendations here in the Cathe forums... when I do decide to buy it, I'll get it here..

http://www.fitness1st.com/Troy-Bars.html

It's the one under "Individual Set" - the 40 lb Aerobic Lite Set for $93.

Hope that helps....
 
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Hi Susan:

Thank you for the links. I'll definitely check out Power Systems, though preferably when there's sales--money is tight for me right now.

I did own the Troy barbell set and I really, really liked it. If you plan on buying it someday, I don't think you'd be disappointed. I gave away mine because I can't seem to grip a barbell as easily as dumbbells, and my elbows really hurt. I had injured them a long time ago--my bone structure seems to be cursed!--and, as with my knees, it doesn't take much for inflammation to set in again. But, alas, I do miss lifting...

I really hope you enjoy the Low Impact Series. :) I'm still on the fence but I'm eagerly awaiting reviews. Hopefully a decision will be in sight!

Christine
 
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