How do I get started again?

[marshmallow]

hi Cathe, do you think you can give me suggestions on how to get started working out again after almost a 10 months hiatus? I haven't worked out at all since January of this year, and even then I was down to 2X per week, mainly with kickboxing. Before this bad year, I have always worked out. I used to make it a point to get exercise at least 3-4 times per week, sometimes 5 (I've always found it tough to do more than 5 days, and can usually only handle that routine for about 6 weeks max). The reason I've not worked out is because for the first time in my life, I've been just too busy and too stressed out. You see, my husband and I have been building a house since June 2002. We are our own GC's and I can't tell you how time-consuming and stressful the whole thing is. The good part is that we are nearing the end and I've made a commitment to get right back into exercising and being good to myself, the minute we move in! Now for the GREAT part, I've got a huge exercise room in the new house! It'll fit my treadmill, my weight bench, my step and ball. I'm having one wall lined with mirrors. We installed hardwood flooring (no more concrete floors for me, yay!). Can you suggest a good getting started program for me? I've got your PS series and also the first 6 pack that came out. I've got a bunch of other tapes, but can't even remember them at this point! I am the type that jumps right in to things, and I really want to ease into it so I don't hurt myself. My motivation is to feel healthy and toned again. I have gained a few pounds, but worse, I feel kinda soft and I can't stand it! I'm 46 y/o, 5'6" and about 128 lbs, up about 8 lbs. Thanks in advance for ANY help you can give me in getting back in shape!

 

[hippahips]

Hi Marshmallow,

Boy, do I envy you! I'd LOOOVE to have to have an exercise room of my own. Since 1997, I've been off and on strength training for a variety of reasons, death (my father's and an unborn child) and birth (my son) being only two of them. Every time I tried getting back on the program, I went back to my 5- and 8-lb. dumbbells and the memorized routines taught to me by past instructors at my old gym. I had a step and some step aerobics videos, which always helped. But I always eventually reached a plateau, get bored and quit. Then I'd start again.

When I discovered Cathe I didn't really have to lose weight but I did need to tone up. I started with the PS series, which you have. Eased into it slowly with my light weights and got heavier ones as the months passed and my strength increased. The 6-pack that you mentioned... is that the CTX series? I chose not to get that because I like to work on my entire upper body in one session, but I know that's a great series to start with, too. It's designed for those who are short on time, with cardio and strength training for a body part in one workout.

From what I see you have everything you need to get in shape. All you have to do is pop a video in the player and start moving!

Congratulations on being your own GC. Didn't you get a good workout in rebuilding your home? When I redecorated our bedroom, I did all the wall painting, moulding installation, furniture refinishing... I even did the drapes and slipcovered our entertainment unit because we couldn't afford the armoire I lusted after.;( In the end, I lost 5 lbs. just stressing over the decor. I don't think I'll be doing it any time soon, but it was quite an experience.

Good luck on your fitness quest,
Pinky

 

[punky3333]

> When I redecorated our
>bedroom, I did all the wall painting, moulding installation,
>furniture refinishing... I even did the drapes and slipcovered
>our entertainment unit because we couldn't afford the armoire
>I lusted after.;( In the end, I lost 5 lbs. just stressing
>over the decor. I don't think I'll be doing it any time soon,
>but it was quite an experience.
>
>Good luck on your fitness quest,
>Pinky

Completely off-topic, but do you hire yourself out? hehe

I wish I was as handy as you - I'd love to be able to just pick a paint color that I would like once I got it up on the wall - lol!

I repainted my bathroom 3 times and it still looks bad. The border I put up looks pathetic. I admire someone who's handy!

Anyways, back to your regular programming .....

hehe
:7

 

[DebbieH]

Punky!

You are tooo funny! :7
Your-Friend-In-Fitness, DebbieH http://www.handykult.de/plaudersmilies.de/wavey.gif[/img] If You Get The Choice To Sit It Out Or Dance...I Hope You DANCE!!!

 

[hippahips]

Punky!

>Completely off-topic, but do you hire yourself out? hehe

:7 Nope, I'm no professional. I did, however, grow up in the construction business, so I'm comfortable around tools and stuff like that. This is why Home Depot is one of my favorite places.

Don't worry about decorating mistakes. They can always be redone. And that's how you learn anyway.

I get loads of inspiration from Christopher Lowell and Trading Spaces, even from those ugly rooms homeowners cry over.

Pinky

 

[ShyWolf]

RE: Punky!

We just recently finished having our house built this July although I don't have a workout room until my kiddos grow up and out I did find it very stressful, actually saying very stressful does not even compare to all the sleepness nights dealing with the building of our home. I didn't start back to working out until a month after we moved in because we had boxes everywhere. It had been an entire 4 months from the last time I had worked out.

I ended up just following Cathe's July rotation with modifications because after 4 months I had lost that endurence & strength.

I just woke up one morning put on my workout clothes and decided to just put on a tape; that's all it took. I did feel winded but I just was so happy to start up again. Since then I have lost the added poundage and my endurance level has improved tremendously.

Don't think about too much just do it and you'll be back to where you were plus some
Good Luck!
Plus that workout room sounds like such fantastic motivation too!