Frustrated/Overwhelemd after two year break

[JT]

My workouts began with Cathe mainly and Gin Miller after a two year break to earn my MBA. Getting back into working out and noticing results have been a long journey, far from over. Fortunately, I purchased STS strength and cardio plus abs and squat rack presale during my study time so I had them available when I got done.
My frustration comes into previewing cause I feel when I view videos (Circuit Blast, HiIT, Cardio Core Circuit), I feel overwhelmed cause what I've lost of physical capabilities when I was gaining knowledge. Right now, trying to jump a foot onto my step bench is not feasible while Cathe and Crew don't look like they're breaking a sweat doing it. I avoid HiIT until I got far enough into STS that I felt I could do most of the workout.

Anyone else feeling overwhelmed and frustrated at times?

 

[Fit_mommy]

I've been working out with Cathe non-stop since the end of 2004 and STILL refuse to even TRY to jump on a step with more then one set of risers underneath it! It just scares the bejeebers outta me. I just envision myself not making it and falling over the step and cracking my head on any number of things that happen to be in front of me!

 

[112toGuru]

My workouts began with Cathe mainly and Gin Miller after a two year break to earn my MBA. Getting back into working out and noticing results have been a long journey, far from over. Fortunately, I purchased STS strength and cardio plus abs and squat rack presale during my study time so I had them available when I got done.
My frustration comes into previewing cause I feel when I view videos (Circuit Blast, HiIT, Cardio Core Circuit), I feel overwhelmed cause what I've lost of physical capabilities when I was gaining knowledge. Right now, trying to jump a foot onto my step bench is not feasible while Cathe and Crew don't look like they're breaking a sweat doing it. I avoid HiIT until I got far enough into STS that I felt I could do most of the workout.

Anyone else feeling overwhelmed and frustrated at times?

I don't really look at things that way really, mostly because I started from zero about 1 1/2 years ago, I kinda of look at it as everything is on the plus side, one thing I wouldn't do though, is ever set aside exercising for another goal, it would be detrimental to any effort you would want to accomplish and the cost too high. If you succeed at everything else & lose your health & well-being, what do you have?

The other part of what you said, is the uncomfortable part of not being able to do one or more things, isn't that just the flip side of being too comfortable doing the very same thing day in day out, with out any challenge? Maybe the level is too high? Are there other workouts you have more confidence with while you work up those you mentioned?

I spend a good amount of time planning what I will do before I do it for that reason, I've done easier rotations, tougher, and over shot on occasion but I've probably learned more in the last year about what I can & can't do, and what I may be able to do in the future.

What do you want to accomplish?

 

[*~Jessica~*]

My workouts began with Cathe mainly and Gin Miller after a two year break to earn my MBA. Getting back into working out and noticing results have been a long journey, far from over. Fortunately, I purchased STS strength and cardio plus abs and squat rack presale during my study time so I had them available when I got done.
My frustration comes into previewing cause I feel when I view videos (Circuit Blast, HiIT, Cardio Core Circuit), I feel overwhelmed cause what I've lost of physical capabilities when I was gaining knowledge. Right now, trying to jump a foot onto my step bench is not feasible while Cathe and Crew don't look like they're breaking a sweat doing it. I avoid HiIT until I got far enough into STS that I felt I could do most of the workout.

Anyone else feeling overwhelmed and frustrated at times?

first off, HATS OFF to you earning your MBA!!! As with exercise and wanting to get BACK to where you were, going back to school and getting back into the study mode is just as hard! Dont be too hard on yourself, take one day at a time and do what you can and advance when your body says its ready to! I am also starting back into the program and have been so frustrated that I wanted to just give up....thinking "who am I kidding"?? But I am so glad I didnt cause I am beginning to think I can actually reach the goal of doing a HIIT!! I watched a preview of the sts and can only HOPE I can make it that far, but with the support of this forum,friends and family I believe it will happen! STAY WITH IT JT!!!

 

[MidgetDogg]

Are you feeling overwhelmed from WATCHING them or doing them? You will be surprised at how much you still can do, but if you can't keep up... big deal, it won't take you long before you can.

 

[JT]

Jessica, thank you for your support and encouragement. Previewing and attempting these workouts are frustrating and overwhelming. Normally, the third attempt prevails on something good. Getting into study mode after a very long break was difficult so earning my degree was the result of many hours of hard work.
Donna, thanks as well. It will be one day at a time.
112, most of my collection is all Cathe except for Amy Bento advanced step, Gin Miller Simply step, Bella strength, and simply interval. I did search out other instructors and workouts but nothing hit me as the "one."
Previewing CB today was literally a awakening of how far I come and how far I gotta go.
Thanks for the encouragement everyone

 

[NY25]

PREMIXES!!! I'm in the same situation you are (without the MBA) and it's all about the premixes. There is no way I can do a full Cathe cardio DVD right now (except for MMA: Kickbox, which is my current favorite). So, I am working off of the premixes on the DVDs. Last night I did the Intermediate Intensity Drills & Combos 1&2 premix on KPC, plus the med-ball abs from STS Abs Circuit. It was perfect for my energy level at the time, my fitness level and the amount of time I had available. I find doing the premixes allows me to get back up to speed without becoming overly frustrated at what I can't do. I do that for a couple of weeks and then move up to the harder premixes, or the full workouts, as I feel I am able. Try that - you'll be surprised at how quickly you will advance that way as you get back into it and your body starts re-acclimating to what's going on. Even more important, at this stage, I ONLY do the kind of workouts I enjoy (so no DVDs with any step in them - I hate step, so will only attempt some of the workouts like LIC, that have step, on days when I have a lot of time, energy and patience - otherwise I'm bound to kick the step over and just say "screw it.") I can save the more frustrating workouts for when I feel l can keep up in the first place. At this stage you have to stick with what you really enjoy to get to the next level. Have fun!

 

[JT]

What a great idea, I see them but few premixes I rarely do. I love step myself. The last premixes I did was for IMAX3 to learn the routine before the intensity round plus Step Blast minus the challenge.

 

[jcm]

Don't watch them too much - they are a bit terrifying! With HiiT, depending on my fitness level, I can keep up and there are times I have to skip the last couple or pause for a breater. STS strenth did wonders, even for my running ability. Sticking with it is going to be the thing. And I have NEVER attempted jumping on the step with more than one riser. Often I won't even use any risers .

I've managed to come back after 3 kids so you CAN do it. Don't let yourself be your number 1 enemy. I'm training for a half marathon and the negative voice in my head really got to me two weeks ago. I told her to shove it, got back on the forums for support and made a plan to work around my injury. Just enjoy each little victory - being able to squeeze out one more rep or one more jump when you can.

 

[lilmo]

I appreciate where you're coming from. This time last year, walking was my primary exercise after a long break from exercise. I honestly thought it would take me 2-3 years to get back to higher intensity cardio and weights. Long story short, in less than a year I am back to my maximum lifting capacity and I just ran a 5 mile race in Dec. The key was being patient and kind with myself, acknowledging my limitations without allowing them to be excuses, and congratulating myself for every accomplishment. Use premixes, take breaks, don't jump as high, and don't go as deep at first. You've got time for that when your body is ready.

 

[melimcn]

Oh hon,
I've been working out with Cathe forever and refuse to even try to do those jumps (or most of HIIT, quite honestly.) My body just doens't feel good with that level of shock over and over again. I stick to low impact and circuit work for cardio.

So, I understand your point, but just keep in mind that not everybody is doing that! Cathe is a superhero.
Congrats on your MBA!

 

[kathryn]

I know what you mean about trading physical capabilities for knowledge: when I was deep into studying for and taking PhD prelim exams, I didn't get in much exercise for almost a year, and I joked with other grad students that we wished we could use our minds (that were very active at the time) to keep us in shape, just by thinking about it.

I don't attempt to do those jumps, or tuck jumps or anything similar. I value my joints and feet too much! I often preview Cathe's higher-impact workouts (or any higher impact workouts, though most don't have the sky-high jumps she sometimes does) with an eye on modifying to a challenging-but-doable level. I did her Core Cardio Circuit (or Cardio Core Circuit? I don't have it in front of me) as an almost-all-low-impact workout, substituting moves I came up with on the fly, and enjoyed it immensly.

When I come back to working out after a break (my longest recently has been several months), I would in no way start with something like those you mentioned. If 'having to' modify workouts makes you feel bad, dig out (or get) some other workouts that aren't as intense, and that can help you build up your base fitness again without frustrating you. I particularly like circuit workouts that have a functional-fitness component to them (so you can strengthen supporting muscles and core and tendons and ligaments rather than shock them--in a bad way--with a workout you could do 2 years ago, but may be too much for your current fitness level).

 

[maddiesmum]

NY25, lilmo and Kathryn all have excellent advice for you, I would echo everything they wrote. Premixes, working out for fun and modifying DVDs to suit yourself are keys to following your own fitness path and not some cookie cutter fitness route.

And I disagree with the poster who said nothing is worth putting off your fitness program for. Rubbish. Fitness and health are not necessarily synonymous and yes, there are things in life that are more important than fitness. Somethings have to be achieved when the time is right but fitness can be achieved any time you set your mind to it. You have lost nothing. You have gained an MBA, kick-ass business status and fabulous self-esteem.

You go girl!

Clare