For those of you that do the workouts without the weights, a ?

[Carring]

I am new to Cathe and I have the High Step Circuit that I got with the high step. This is an awesome workout and I can't wait to move on the more advanced high step workouts. I really can't believe that Cathe has me doing step again after I swore it off years ago!!!!

Anyhoo, I really want to get some of Cathe's other videos such as Legs and Glutes, and gym style legs and I was wondering if there were any other Cathe girls who do the workouts without the weights? If so, what type of results do you get and any suggestions or modifications that you would reccomend.

TIA

 

[40something]

Carring, welcome to the forum.

I'm not clear though what you're asking...are you referring to the barbell and weight plates, dumbbells or both?

Or...is it that you don't want to lift as heavy as Cathe and crew do in the workouts?

Now, I'll give you my answer. You don't need to have a barbell and plate weights. You can do the workouts just fine with dumbbells only. Also, you don't need to lift as heavy as Cathe does. I for one do not use the heavier weights she does. I generally go no heavier than 25 pounds on barbell work. Some of the ladies here are using 50 pounds and more. To each their own. It's all in the body you are trying to achieve/maintain.

A good set of dumbbells to have would be 3#, 5#, 8#, 10#, 15# and 20#. You don't need to buy them all right away. Start out with #3, #5, 8# and maybe 10# depending on your conditioning right now.

 

[Carring]

Actually I don't use any weights at all especially for the lower body. I might try light weights for my arms but I am not really looking for any definition, I just want them to be firm. If I use weight for the lower body my thighs get bulky and I just want long lean firm legs.

Thanks!!

 

[40something]

Okay, now I see. Yes, you should use weights, even light weights to do upper body work. Of course, military style push ups are great for the upper body and need no additional weight.

I also gain muscle easily and I have exercised since I was a teen, but I still use weights for total body weight training. I generally use 5-10-15-20 pound dumbbells for upper body work. I don't go any heavier than 25 pounds for lower body and really tend to stay with my 15 pound body bar or I'll use a total of 20# on my barbell. My legs build up quickly with alot of squat work with weights and I don't want that. For the high step work I tend to use dumbbells...old habit from doing The Firm for years. But you can use 3 or 5 pound dumbbells for leg work if you wanted. You just have to see what results you are getting with the Cathe workouts you're doing.

Also...do you know what walking lunges are? They are GREAT for the legs/butt and I never use additional weight.

Since you aren't interested in building muscle, you should check out the Freestyle threads on this forum too.