I need a boost; at a plateau
- Thread starter jacko
- Start date
A plateau is generally a result of doing the same types of workouts over and over until your body adapts and stops responding as well. Pretty much any change in your routine will help you to push past it, variety and changing rotations every 4 to 6 weeks is the key to continuing to make progress.
There's no one video, even by Cathe, just is just for breaking plateaus, but finding a video that is different from what you have been doing should be your focus. You say you were doing Firm workouts, which I am not really familiar with, so if you describe which tapes you were doing and what kind of workouts, and for how long and how many times per week, we could help you put together a great new routine.
As for purchasing a step, most sporting goods places and department stores like Target and Wal-Mart all sell different brands of steps. The Reebok step in particular is a bit harder to find, but I found one at a Big 5 Sporting Goods, which is the big chain out west. Depends on where you live and what stores are near you.
There's no one video, even by Cathe, just is just for breaking plateaus, but finding a video that is different from what you have been doing should be your focus. You say you were doing Firm workouts, which I am not really familiar with, so if you describe which tapes you were doing and what kind of workouts, and for how long and how many times per week, we could help you put together a great new routine.
As for purchasing a step, most sporting goods places and department stores like Target and Wal-Mart all sell different brands of steps. The Reebok step in particular is a bit harder to find, but I found one at a Big 5 Sporting Goods, which is the big chain out west. Depends on where you live and what stores are near you.
D
Debra
Guest
Many experienced exercisers don't find the Firm tapes to be very challenging cardio exercise. If you've hit a plateau, introducing more challenging cardio like Cathe's could be the ticket. If you've only done The Firm for cardio, you might need some transition workouts (e.g. Gin Miller) You might also consider Cathe's weight training which is "gym style". The benefit is that you can use heavier weights since you're not constantly changing movements & the pace is slower. A different approach to weight training can be a plateau buster too.
The step platform used in Cathe's videos is a Reebok step which is widely available. They list for $99 (I think) but you can find them for much less. The big sports chain around here often sells them for $50 & I think Sams Club carries them.
As Lex posted, the people here are great about advising newcomers if you're more specific about your goals & current fitness. Believe me, they'll help you spend some money too ;-).
Oh, one last thought on plateaus. Your diet is a big factor. Eating a nutrient poor diet or even too few calories can really hinder fitness gains.
The step platform used in Cathe's videos is a Reebok step which is widely available. They list for $99 (I think) but you can find them for much less. The big sports chain around here often sells them for $50 & I think Sams Club carries them.
As Lex posted, the people here are great about advising newcomers if you're more specific about your goals & current fitness. Believe me, they'll help you spend some money too ;-).
Oh, one last thought on plateaus. Your diet is a big factor. Eating a nutrient poor diet or even too few calories can really hinder fitness gains.
Reebok?
Isn't the step in Cathe's videos by the Step Company? I have a Reebok step and I think it is shorter than Cathe's. Also, when it has no risers under it, it is 6 inches high rather than only 4, which kind of makes a difference. I would go for the one they use in the videos, rather than the one I have. Although it has been great for five years, and isn't significantly shorter in length, I wish it would hurry up and wear out so I could feel no guilt in getting a real Step Co. step!
Wendy
Isn't the step in Cathe's videos by the Step Company? I have a Reebok step and I think it is shorter than Cathe's. Also, when it has no risers under it, it is 6 inches high rather than only 4, which kind of makes a difference. I would go for the one they use in the videos, rather than the one I have. Although it has been great for five years, and isn't significantly shorter in length, I wish it would hurry up and wear out so I could feel no guilt in getting a real Step Co. step!
Wendy
D
Debra
Guest
You're right
It is a Step Co step. The ability to add as many risers as you want is a real plus.
It is a Step Co step. The ability to add as many risers as you want is a real plus.