Frustrated with endurance

[feebee]

Cathe,

I need help with a rotation. My endurance is gone. I started a new job at a preschool and this winter I caught every cold and virus the kids had! After one would sneeze or cough over the snack table they would ask why I closed my eyes and smiled so funny. All I could think was, here I go again! Where's the kleenex?
I could use some advice on gradually working back to working out for an hour or more.I have all your workouts on DVD or VHS. I just get frustrated trying to do an entire routine like I used to.

I have started doing Basic Step and am finally able to complete it and feel like I could do more. This is also where I need help. Can you suggest a rotation to increase my stamina and endurance. I'm trying to do too much at once, and end up quitting. Should I be doing partial workouts and which ones? I would greatly appreciate any suggestions.
Thanks so much

Colleen

 

[feebee]

Hi,

I'm responding to my own post. I tried Timesaver #1 this morning and was able to complete this with a few moderations like leaving out some hops. The weight section I used 8# and 5#. I did take a longer break after cardio and I feel a little shaky. I am just so glad I could actually finish it.

My mom always said God helps those who help themselves. I will keep trying but I am still wondering what I should try next. Any responses would be great!

Thanks,

Colleen

 

[KathyH]

Hi Colleen! I would suggest you look at all of the premixes for cardio. See if there are any ones that are 30-40 min. in length. Also you can do some power walking. I've started this myself & went & purchased Volume 3 from cardiocoach.com. Or just take a CD player or your iPod mini (if you have) & start walking outside. Start off doing total body workouts using moderate weights. On most of Cathe's DVDs there are premixes to fit everyone's lifestyle & schedules. Do 2x a week total body & 3x a week of cardio. Do you do pilates or yoga? Do you have a stretch DVD? Let me know if you need more info. HTH, Kathy

PS: Your rotation could look like this:

Cardio 30-40 min. (step)
Total body workout (Power Hour or Muscle Endurance) using only dumbbells (not sure if your used to using a barbell)
Cardio (power walking) for 45 min.
Yoga or Stretch
Total body workout
Cardio of your choice

 

[feebee]

Hi Kathy!
Thanks so much! I will try to do the power walking. That's a good idea! I think I will get a CD player. They can't cost much. I will try your suggestions for total body and cardio. Premixes should really help. I have not tried pilates or yoga. Any good DVD's in mind? I have Cathe's Stretch Max. The 30-40 min cardio is what I'll shoot for. I do have a barbell, it goes up to 40lbs. I will try your ideas on the rotation. They sound good. Do you think that Power Hour or Muscle Endurance are the best to start with to reach my goals? How about any cardio? Is the Timesaver a good place to start? I really appreciate the reply! I can let you know in a week how things are progressing.
40 min. of cardio would be a good achievement I think.

Thanks again!

Colleen

 

[KathyH]

Hi Colleen! Yes Power Hour and Muscle Endurance are good ones to start with. The Timesaver I don't happen to own this but I don't believe it has enough strength training on them in order for you to benefit. For pilates I've used Hilary Burnett & for yoga you can start off with Karen Voight's Yoga Sculpt. Karen's instructions are impeccable especially if you've never done yoga before.

For cardio I'm not sure what you already own & what you prefer to do. If you could purchase the CTX series this gives you everything you would need short & very effective workouts under 1 hour. HTH, Kathy

 

[feebee]

Hi Kathy,
On Sat. I did Muscle Endurance using 1/2 the weight Cathe uses,skipped
chest and triceps because they were on Timesaver#1. I felt nauseous
halfway through but took a break and then finished. Sun. afternoon I walked w/ my mom through the woods. That was nice. This morning I tried All Step cardio only from CTX. I took a tiny break at the perceived exertion.
I have all Cathe's workouts, some Firm,some Christi Taylor. I also have a bicycle. I hope to get back to where I was at an hour or so but I think I'm on my way. 30 min is a good start. It is so helpful to have this site and the support and encouragement and ideas. Thanks so much, it really helps. I did not want to give up but just felt like I didn't know where to start or how to procede.
Thanks again, Colleen


PS. I'm going to try Power Hour tomorrow.

 

[KathyH]

Colleen! Your off & running to a VERY good start. I'm glad to hear that your listening to your body too. Taking that break was a wize decision. Just mix up your cardio every week. I think your doing GREAT! Kathy