How do I get started?

S

Shirleymarie

Member
Hi Cathe, I just joined today. I have been working out on and off since I was a teenager. I believe I am in pretty good shape. Right now I can not afford a gym and I do enjoy working out at home. I have worked out to one of your cardiovascular workouts on fit tv. I would love to workout to all of your workouts, I am limited on equipment right now. I see that you use the stepper for a variety of things. All I have is some dumbbells up to 15 pounds. Tell me what I can buy to get started. I see that you have so many video's and equipment out; I just don't know where to get started first. I am looker to get a stronger, leaner body. I just can't wait to get started! Thank you for your time. Sincerely, Shirley Marie :)
 
Not Cathe, but you can do the videos without a step, it's just not as effective...well, it's effective just easier...but truly a GREAT way to learn the videos without falling on your face....smile.

Dumb bells up to 15 pounds is really a GREAT start...that's all I had when I started out and I would buy a one or a pair at a time depending on what I needed and what I needed it for. I also have the barbell handles that I can make my weight incriments when I don't have enough weight but Dumb bells are truly the way to go...easier and faster to grab. So, when I have extra money...I buy the next size up.

I'm thinking of my workouts and really...as far as equipment...the step and dumbbells is really all you need. Some workouts ask for a band and I didn't have one for a long time and did the workouts with out it or substituted exercises that required it. But Bands really aren't that expensive and talk about GREAT for your workout.

Barbell, I've had one of these for a long time but didn't always feel like dragging it out...and just used my dumb bells.

I know someone who made a step...till they got one...My cousin got hers at good will really cheap. Just make sure whatever you use is sturdy. For the high step...I used to use a chair. I found a cheap chair and cut the legs down. I used that for a long time...a very long time...it worked...

Just some ideas. If you looked at my workout room, you'd never know I started out in such humble beginings...but hey...I was young and broke when I started...smile...now I'm just broke...
 
Just starting out.

Hi Celeste! Thanks for the tips. I guess I just get discouraged when I see all the things I need to get the full effects of the workout. I had a stepper along time ago and never used it so I gave it to one of my girlfriends. (she never used it either, lol) Now i wish I still had it. It's used for more than step aerobics these days.

I use to belong to gyms but you know how that is. Matter of fact I belonged to a few but after awhile it was finding time to get there. It's nice to beable to get up and workout in the privacy of your own home.

I will just have to go through the list of DVD's she has out and start from there. Hopefully, I will be all set up soon. Thanks again! :D Shirley Marie
 
Shirley Marie,

All of cathe's videos have premixes and it's like getting more than one workout for the price of one.

Like you...I did the gym but I didn't care for it...I know some people do...but I hate to drive and that was just one more excuse to add to my list of why not to go. I also hated waiting to use equipment...at home...it's all mine for the hogging.

What are you interested in...what do you like. My first big purchase with Cathe was Body Blast...Love that series...I love Kick boxing, so...

So many videos to choose from and they are all GREAT! I promise...
 
getting started

Hi Celeste,

I pretty much like everything. I really enjoy kickboxing as well. I am not to fond of step aerobics. It gets to complicating. lol

I agree about waiting for equipment at the gym; sometimes you just don't have the time. I want to get in and get out.

I even at one time had a couple of personal trainers. The one guy I had was truely amazing. I think he was thinking up new things in his sleep. He was the only one who really new what he was doing. Unfortunately, it was getting to expensive. I do enjoy getting DVD's; it's like having your own personal trainer in your own home!

I am excited to purchase some of her DVD's and get started. I do enjoy fit tv, but could do without the commercials.

Shirleymarie
 
Lets get it started!

Btw, I'm not Cathe either lol! I'm an extreme newbie too. Look for the beginners rotation if you really want to start at the top or try the intermediate rotation.

As far as equipment: a step, if you get it from Cathe's store online it comes with a couple of videos. I got a fitness tube and a band both weren't too expensive.

I went with the personal step (the little pink one) cause I have a smaller space. I too have just a few dumbells. I'm less into the weight training because I am one of those people who puts on a ton of muscle/bulk easily so I tend to not do that but I think in the beginning I would just use the dumbells anyway. I did pick up a little danskin 4 pound ball (instead of a 12 pound med ball) for 4 bucks on clearance. My step was 40 dollars.

If you can keep up with Cathe on fitTv I don't see any reason not to just pick one that you like the look of. How about Low Max and C&W?
 
getting started

Hi there! Thanks for responding even though you're not Cathe. lol I was looking through all of the DVD's she has and was still not sure which one to start with; but I was thinking on purchasing the one that comes with the stepper and I believe it had 3 DVD's with it. I would like one that gives me a great full body workout and a really good cardiovascular one as well. Any suggestions are great!

I had a medicine ball at one time too and not sure what happened to that. lol I guress I just wasn't using them at the time because I was going to the gym. I will eventually get everything I need. Thanks for the imput and I am glad I am not the only new person here. lol
 
Shirleymarie...

If i were in your spot...and had the $$, I'd buy Original Health Club Step + Advanced Step DVD Value Pack...169 one. You get all my personal favorites.

If you were to just get the step and video seperate...what would I get...hum...I'd still go with the body blas series...Kick, punch Crunch and the Super Sets and Push pull. Give you lots of veriety...and you said you like Kick boxing...

I use KPC all the time...there are several, like 20 different premixes...and if you go all out...Step blast is a personal favorite. There's about 20 premixes on that one too...that's one of the reason I bought that series first....

Then of course...I have a bunch of other workouts too! I've been doing this for a couple years. I sometimes buy 1 video a month...ok...sometimes more...but shhhh...don't tell my hubby.
 
getting started

Celeste,

Hi there! Yes, I did see the KPC dvd. It definetely caught my eye. I think I may go that route. Thanks for the tip.

She just has so many out and it's kind of hard choosing when there all not right in front of your face.

So you have been working out to her video's for 2 years? You must be in great shape! I know her workouts are intense. When did you first see her workouts? Was it fit tv?

Oh, and don't worry I won't tell your hubby. lol What they don't know; won't kill them!

Shirleymarie:cool:
 
what to buy

I would suggest a fitness ball too - they are great for stretching and for all kinds of strength training that involves balance. For example Cathe uses them in her stretching videos, and in weight training like Push/Pull (which by the way, is FANTASTIC!). Also they are heavily used in abs/core training videos. They are cheap. I use mine all the time, several times a week at least. I am referring to the 55 cm or 65 cm diameter, big, air-filled balls. They run around $18 - $20. If you can afford it the health club step is worth every penny, as others have said. That gets a lot of use in my home gym set up as well.
 
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very helpful

Hi Catheite,

How are you? Yes, I do see more and more them balls being used in videos. I use to have one but got rid of it because I was working out in the gyms. they really are so much better on your back, especially when you're doing abs. I just have to get all my equipment back because I gave alot of things away. (regretting it now) lol

I do appreciate all of the imput. I haven't yet checked out too many of the other threads yet. I will read up more. I think I am pretty fit. I have just been trying to maintain with what i have but I have a question. I have this (what I call a pouch on my lower abs) and I do abs alot. Why can't i get rid of it or make it tighter? That's one of the major areas I want to work on. I try every ab workout to get rid of it but just can't seem to get it as tight as i want. Funny thing is; I have never had children. It's usually harder when you have kids. Any suggestions?

I am looking forward to finding the best workouts that work for me and get right into it. I am pretty active so I know it won't take long. I just want to purchase the best things to get started. I know once I get her DVD's and equipment I need I will be on my way.

Thank you again for the advice.

Shirleymarie:eek:
 
thank you

Hi Catheite,

Thank you for the imput. I use to have one of them balls. I gave that away too. (regret it now) I gave away alot of things because I belong to 2 gyms. Workout freak back then. lol I still workout but not the way I need to. I am very excited to get back into it and get back to the way I was. I am pretty fit I think because I am pretty active. I just want to train hard again.

I have a question. I have what i call ( a little pouch in my lower abs) I hate it. lol I do abs all the time but just can't seem to get my lower abs tight like I want. The funny thing is that I have never had children and I know it's usually harder when you have had kids. I didn't think I would have this problem. I just don't know what i am doing wrong. My abs are one of my problem areas and want to work on that majorly! So I want to know what's the trick. lol

Anyway, again thank you for the help. I haven't had a chance to check out the other threads yet for more information, like i said I am new here and just getting started but I am very excited and can't wait to get on the right track.

Sincerely, Shirleymarie ps. hope this doesn't come up twice, I had to post agian. lol
 
Shirley Marie...

I've been working out for about 12 years, Found cathe for the first time I guess in 2001 or 2002 I only had Maximum Intensity Strength. I still love that workout. Just did it the other day...I was still doing the firm, but those workouts just weren't cutting it anymore...I had out grown them. And then I gained some weight...Divorce is all I have to tell you. I'm a better person for it though.

2003 was the year of change...I was walking...had joined the gym...but I didn't like it. Lots of reasons...I could list em'...but I'll spar everyone. Not all gyms are like this particular one...and I had belonged to a nice one...once a long time ago...but with horses...it's much like having kids...they become a big priority.

Anyway, I had slacked on my home workouts because I felt I should be using my very expensive gym membership instead...and I put on some weight...but I was walking...didn't gain too much...Then I met my husband...then put on a few more cuz he is one of those folks that trys to gain weight and still can't. Me...I can look at food and gain weight...so, I put on some weight there....

A couple years ago, I joined a group on Yahoo armed with what was left of my old collection, mostly firms...a few others here and there...and my one cathe. Everyone started talking about CATHE...this workout kicked thier tush or what a GREAT workout.

So, I pulled out my Old Cathe...and was like...yeah...I remember why I loved this workout...it was tough and effective. Then I bought KickMax...Then a few others instructors...then the Body Blast Series cause no one can compare to Cathe...Now, I have about 30 something DVD's...of Just Cathe...smile. I have other instructors too...just to fill in so I don't get bored. No bordom allower. Change is the spice of life.

I have some weight to lose...but I really can't go just by the scale anymore cuze if I look at that thing, it says I'm obese...but if you look at my clothes...I can wear my size 14's...that I onwed before I met my husband, so down from and 18...That's pretty gREAT progress...and I have serious muscles...EVERYWHERE...

I ride thoroughbred Ex racers for pleasure as well as train them to be good horses for the intermediate advanced rider. I can hang on like a leach...Cathe has helped a lot with that. I can also throw hay and straw better than any of the guys...including hubby.

So, I think I'm in GREAT shape...with some work in progress still.

Trust me on the videos...there are so many and they are all so GREAT! Just buy what interests you...but KPC is a GREAT workout. That workout has more than paid for its self...if you compar it to the price of the gym.
 
Hi Celeste,

Wow! Sounds like you keep pretty active, that's amazing! Good for you, that's wonderful! Yes, you have to be in pretty good shape and be strong to ride those horses. I don't have horses but I have had plenty of dogs and they need lots of love and attention. They need to be taking care of, so I can relate. ( I know horses are much more work though) lol

I have the firm workouts too. Right now those are in storage. (long story) I will be getting my things out soon. I am going to purchase the KPC and also get the stepper. Like I said; can't wait to get started!

I have been working out for years. I use to jog five miles a day but I realize that is not good for me. I have a cracked tailbone and now I have back problems, so i just power walk now. They say jogging is bad for your knees and back anyway. I would lift weights in the morning and do aerobics at night. At one time I belong to 2 gyms. lol Just couldn't get enough. I think I over worked out sometimes. The gyms just started costing me too much money.

I also have a job where I am on my feet all day; never sitting down. I have been working like that for years so it's rough on the feet too. Trying to make some changes in my life right now and I know this is the first step to feeling better.

Again, thank you for all the input. It is much appreciated. ttyl, Love, Peace, & Prayers.

Shirleymarie
 
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