Fellow Flunkies Please Help

J

Jamn

Cathlete
I feel like such a FLUNKY. I used to do Christi Taylor's advanced workouts and I decided I needed a challenge since I ran out of workouts. SO...EVERYONE said try CATHE. Oh my gosh!!! What a difference. I am doing Low Max which is suppose to be one of her easier workouts, alternated with Cardio and Weights. Low Max really works my legs like crazy. I feel like I'm a beginner again. (The choreography is fine...it's the blasts that KILL!!!)

I used to HATE weights but I'm really liking it with Cardio and Weights (though I have to use lighter weights than she does) I like the circuit kind of thing. I really like cardio but I really NEED weights. What's the next circuit type workout you would suggest? (Go easy on me remember I'm a flunky)

I have High Step Challenge which is probably too hard for me. Is there a premix you would suggest?

Thanks ahead of time for all your help!!
 
IMHO, Low Impact Circuit would be a good next workout for you. The step portions are moderate in intensity and complexity. The weight work is often compound moves, which work upper and lower body at the same time while keeping the heart rate up. A resistance band is used for several of the strength segments, along with dumbbells and a barbell.

This workout is well chaptered and has several pre-mixes which are useful for when you don't have time to do 75 minutes in a day. (I rarely use entire workouts, because I usually do about 45 minute workouts.)

Another good circuit workout is Step Jump and Pump, but it is more expensive because it comes on a DVD with another workout, Step Blast. If you enjoy step, Step Blast is a favorite of many people. Both these workouts are favorites of mine. The weights portion of Step Jump and Pump are traditional weight work with dumbbells. Chaptering and pre-mixes are excellent on this DVD.

Take a look at the video clips to get a taste of these. Have fun shopping!

Lea
 
First of all - Low Max is in no way easy. It's one of her more complicated step workouts, actually. It's low impact, but not easy by any stretch of the imagination. And it's a known leg burner. Do not base your opinion of Cathe and your abilities on this workout. Believe me.

I like the circuits, too. You have a chance to get more in in a workout and you're not spending your time just lifting - you get the cardio rush. Any of her new workouts you'd like - Low Impact Circuit, Drill Max, or my absolute favorite Body Max 2 - they are all circuits and they are great. Depending on your tolerance for impact, I'd say try Low Impact Circuit(LIC) or Body Max 2 first - Body Max 2 is 1/2 hour step, 1/2 hour power circuits (think high impact Low Max with weight work afterwards) and 1/2 hour upper body. LIC is more of a true circuit workout. But Body Max 2 has premixes that make the workout more of a circuit one. Both are great. You may also want to consider The Terminator which, IMHO has some of the most fun circuits ever - it's a combo of BootCamp, Muscle Endurance and Imax 2 (which is a fabulous higher impact workout and just plain fun!)

I'm sure others will chime in, but with any of those, I don't think you can go wrong.
 
You are no flunkie. I can do Cathe's workouts but had to give away my Christy Taylor DVD's because they were way too complicated for me. I think you are doing great!!

Cheryl
 
Thank you all for all your input and encouragement. Honestly, I was really feeling discouraged because Low Max is so challenging. I want to keep working on harder and harder workouts, and I felt like I was going backwards. I am older than dirt and thought my age had caught me in the behind!!!

I've looked at some of the workouts you suggested and they look awesome and fun. I am not sure what I will feel like after I do them though. Someone said Cathe's workouts are more intense than Christi's. I TOTALLY agree! My bod just needs to adjust I guess. I love Cathe's workouts though and I feel like I've really accomplished something after I finish one. (Even though I feel like I'm going to fall asleep at work)

Cheryl, when I started Christi Taylor's workouts I thought I was really "steptarded." They are fun after you learn them but honestly, it took awhile for me to learn them as well:(

Anyway, keep the suggestions coming. I need all the help I can get.
 
Jamn, any of Cathe's beg/intermediate workouts would be good to start with (Low Impact Step & Total Body Sculpting, Body Fusion & Basic Step, Low Impact Circuit, High Step Circuit). LIS and TBS has a premix which combines the 2 and creates a circuit.

For purely weight work, I would start with Push Pull and maybe the Gym Styles (but of course you would use lighter weight than Cathe and just work up at your own pace).

Don't feel bad about not being able to do all of LowMax yet. I couldn't finish it either when I first attempted it. Now I can do all of it on an 8 inch step! You're body will adapt to the higher intensity, but give it time and don't push yourself too hard before you're ready. If you look at the forum called "Video and DVD Rotations", you'll find the March rotation. It's an intermediate rotation that may just be right up your alley. You may want to consider ordering some of the DVDs mentioned in that rotation. And don't feel bad if you have to go lighter on the weights than Cathe. Just do what feels right for your body. It will get stronger!

Carolyn
 
Who said Low Max was easy? This is IMO one of Cathe's toughest cardio workouts. It totally kicks my butt!
 
I second that LauraMax! I think the work "Low" tricks people into thinking it's easy. I thought it was going to be easy the first time I tried it.

It kicks my butt every time. I have a really hard time getting through it! Which is good, I guess.

Melissa
 
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