I don't understand rotations

[SRP]

Can someone please explain the reason for all these rotations? I understand that variety is important, but how important is it to follow a specific rotation as opposed to just making sure you have plenty of variety?

I have nine Cathe tapes, four good Charlene Prickett tapes plus a few of her older ones that aren't as intense, and a handful of half-hour tapes that I don't do anymore - not enough challenge now that I've found Cathe!

I alternate some sort of vigorous aerobic activity (step, kickboxing, IMAX)with a full-body weight workout every other day. So that means I get 3 days of weights and either 3 or four of cardio, depending on if I have to take a day out for errands, etc. I don't have time to do both weights and cardio in one day. Oh, and I also incorporate stretching into both types of workouts.

So, anybody have some opinions? Am I missing something important? Thanks!

 

[activegirl]

If you have a system that works for you, then in my opinion, you aren't missing anything. Especially as you are getting variety, weight work, and plenty of cardio. I think it comes down to preference. Some people need structure, others like to do what feels good on a particular day. I also think people desing rotations around a particular goal, such as focus on the upper or lower body. That being said, if you are seeing results and having a good time with fitness I don't think you need to adopt a rotation.

 

[SRP]

Well, that said, what about a rotation to get the cellulite or fat, or whatever it is, off my rear? Justkidding - I know fat loss is a body-wide sort of thing. Mine isn't too bad, and I imagine it's hereditary. I'm a size 6 or 8 (depending on brand), so I guess I shouldn't complain.

I do have fun, and I think I'm in pretty darned good shape (except for the above!), so I'm glad I'm not doing anything too wrong.

Thanks a lot!

 

[Author]

Hi!

You might also check out the book, READY, SET, GO! by Phil Campbell. I love this book because it explains the basics of exercise so that anyone can understand it.

But if you read it, you will get your question answered on rotations -- thing is, one needs to rest between exercises, yet one needs cardio, plus plyometrics, plus anaerobics, plus strength/weight work, plus stretching to have a fully rounded workout. But one can't do all of that in one day, unless you're doing Cathe's circuit workouts -- so you use rotations in order to get a fully rounded workout plus let those body parts worked one day, relax while you do a different kind of exercise the next.

But I really highly recommend that book. It will answer your questions.

Hope this helps, at least a little.

 

[Kit_]

Rotations are mostly so you not only get variety you get a fully rounded workout. Most who just pop in whatever tape they feel like usually don't have a well rounded workout, if it works then great. If you feel that your workout routine could use a bit of improvement, sit down and look at how the rotations are structured.

As a personal trainer I not only give my clients as much variety as possible, but I always make sure that by the end of the week we hit everything all over the body, as well as work on any thing they want particularly like super toned legs, or arms. You have got to use rotations to get those, or it's a hit and miss type deal, as you have to let the muscle rest so you have to work a different muscle for a day or two, then go back to the one you really want to sculpt..

Like I said if you’re happy with your workouts, and they do what you want, at the pace you want. Then don't worry about rotations, if they aren't take a look as not only can a rotation speed up your progress but make sure your hitting all the area you want in the right time frame.

Hope that helps,

Kit