I know your videos are awesome, but how do I get to your level?

[JanetB]

I'm new to your videos, but I must confess a few years ago I purchased your Step Max and your first strength training tape. They were verrrry difficult for me so I put them aside. I've been a Firm user and I believe that I've gained strength and endurance (I've been doing this training for 3 years now). Many Firmers really like your videos and I plan on trying yours again. In fact I preordered 2 of your new videos. I'm on vacation, but I plan on trying out your videos again as soon as I can get my hands on them. Please advise, how to break in your workouts. That Step Max just about whooped me. You have some serious stuff but I like your personable approach.

Thanks.

Janet

 

[Aimee]

Hi Janet!!

Obviously I'm not Cathe, but can I tell you what helped me? When I first got Cathe's tapes I did the work out on a 4" step for about a week. Then 6" until I felt I could go up to 8". This really helped me get her moves down without falling on my face and my heart rate was still in range!! As for the strength tapes, start with lighter weights than what she uses and work your way up. I hope this helps. Good Luck!! And WELCOME!!

 

[DebbieH]

Hi Janet!

Love that name~(It was my mother's name!!)Aimee gave you great advice. I just posted a note on the Dicussion Forum and I also had trouble my 1st. time thru with Cathe. Just be patient and REWIND when neccesary. I did and my heart rate stayed right up their while I re-tried it. You will be glad you did. The tapes are so much fun once you get the moves down and like Aimee said, bring that step down to get you started. You'll have it back up to 6 or 8" soon. WELCOME!!!

DebbieH

 

[Cathe Friedrich]

Hi Janet!

Everyone was so kind to offer their advice (thanks!). I must be honest with you and tell you that I do not offer a huge learning curve in my tapes. I believe that an important part of a home video is making it tough enough to challenge your mind and body for many workouts to come. I think that if you were able to get through a workout without any kind of challenge, then there would be no motivation to continue with the workout.

The only tape that I have that repeats my moves a little longer is the "How To Get In Shape For Your Wedding" video. This tape will help familiarize you with some of my steps at a pace that is a little more "digestable" to a new comer.

I'll make a deal with you. If after you get your videos and have tried them, there is any area that you get stuck on, please post(or email)and I will be sure to help you find a way to grasp the moves better.

Good Luck!

 

[Colia]

Hi Janet!

Just a note of encouragement - I was in the same exact situation as you a year or two ago. I had been doing the Firm tapes for years and from the Collage catalog became interested in Cathe's tapes - they recommended Step Max as a good 'learner' tape from Cathe. Man, it kicked my butt! I simply did not have the stamina to get through it. I felt winded even in the warmup! At first I had to stop after the second interval, then I added sections of the killer third interval, resting during those ricochets, and then finally I could get all the way through. How's that for slow progress!

Just keep working your way up and you'll get there.

Another thing that helped me was to use Karen Voight's Energy Sprint and Kari Anderson's Two the Max. These are good cardiovascular workouts that are a little less intense than Cathe's tapes, but more taxing than the Firm. Energy Sprint also has a killer ab section and some weights as well.

Keep us posted!
Cheers,
Colia

 

[lorrayne]

I did the same thing!

Hi Colia,

I did the virtually the same thing as you. I was and am a Firmie and Step Max was recommended to me 4 years ago or so. I popped that in the tape and nearly passed out during the third section. I put that one on the shelf and worked on Energy Sprint. That one floored me as well for a while. But, eventually, I mastered this one and then went back to Step Max. Section 3 still was tough but I was able to complete it in time. Once I accomplished this tape, I was able to move on to Cathe's other tapes; first using a 6" step and then on to an 8" step.

 

[Paris]

I know your videos are awesome, but . . .

Dear Janet,

I am also new to Cathe from the Firm. I found Mega Step Blast to be one of the easier ones to get into. I did it 2 or three times on 4 inches,and have managed to get all the way through on 6 inches, and was so proud! Good Luck!
Stepanie

 

[JanetB]

Thanks for your encouragement

I wanted to thank all of your for your encouragement. I can't wait till I return from my vacation to start up the Cathe videos. I will take your advise and break myself into the videos. I think using a lower step and lower weights make a lot of sense and I also apprieciate you Cathe for giving me a direct response. I can't weight to get my 2 new videos, Cardio Kicks and the circuit training tape.

I'll keep you all posted.

Many thanks.

Janet