I need to hear this from Cathe...

[Jane37]

My dear friend Tammy, who introduced me to Cathe's tapes and will no doubt be reading this, has drilled this into my head a million times, but I am stubborn. So here is my question: is it true that working out too much will lower my metabolism and make it harder for me to lose these last 7 pounds? I have been driving myself crazy for the past few weeks, doing two workouts a day, mostly Cathe's tapes, and not seeing the scale budge! I'm afraid if I slow down, I'll gain. I'm sure my eating isn't to blame either, I've been saintlike these past few weeks! Any input (including yours, Tammy, although I already know what you're going to say!) is greatly appreciated.
Jane

 

[lorrayne]

You're not alone

Hi Jane,

I'm not Cathe but I was sitting in your shoes about two years ago. Here's my story:

Two years ago, I lost 25 pounds (on the scale) by doing FIRM videos 6 days per week. I kept up with the FIRM videos until I went on my first live VF road trip to the FIRM. Afterwards, I started working out exclusively to Cathe tapes (her cardio and MIS only since BodyMax wasn't released yet) in preparation for attending Cathe's first live VF road trip. During this transition, I got fitter but didn't see the scale budging.

So, I decided to try to shock my body. I started doing Cathe cardios and then popped in a FIRM tape (usually after the cardio portion) thinking that I needed longer workouts. Still, the scale didn't budge. It didn't matter that my breasts were smaller and I was now swimming in my size 8 jeans. I still felt I needed to drop another 10 pounds.

So, I continued to do Cathe and FIRM tapes 6 days per week and still didn't see any difference in the scale. But, after doing this routine for close to 6 months, I started seeing changes in my workouts. I started feeling sluggish and tired. PowerMax, which was a "walk in the park" for me, was now challenging. I started feeling very tired and my face started getting red. I didn't know what was happening to me. I was getting frustrated and ignored these signs and thought that perhaps it was an "off" day. Well, I ended up having more "of" days than on. I then realized that I must have overdone it and my metabolism has slowed down.

So, I ended up easing up on my workouts. I lowered my step to, gasp, 6 inches for all Cathe tapes without problems and only do Cathe a couple times a week (and FIRM or kickbox the other days). Today, I still am not up to doing Cathe on an 8" step. Why? I don't know. But, I'm still working on easing back into a sensible routine (I haven't been working out as often as I was either. I've averaged 4 workouts per week now).

I've learned my lesson now. One, get rid of the scale. Muscle weighs more than fat. Look in the mirror and measure yourself. This is the true indicator as to whether you're losing the fat. Second, I'm not going to do those crazy 90 minute plus marathon workouts 6 days per week. Third, and most importantly, I've learned to listen to my body and ease up on my workouts when my body says stop.

Hope this helps.

Lorrayne

 

[Steplover]

Jane....MY DEAR friend!! : )

<center><font size="1" color="#ff0000">LAST EDITED ON Feb-24-00 AT 08:32PM (EST)</font></center>

LAST EDITED ON Feb-24-00 AT 08:31 PM (EST)

Hi! I am surprised to see you post for some reason! I can not tell you anything I have not already told you. I am moving your post up in hopes that Cathe will see it and respond so MAYBE you will believe me!!

Tammy

P.S. You can't beat the advise you got from Lorrayne! She is right on the money honey!!

 

[mariah1161]

I would love to hear what Cathe has to say!

I know there is a fine line between upping your routine and over-training(I've crossed it a couple of times)

I am one of those people that have to make myself take a rest day! I would LOVE to hear what Cathe has to say about this. Thanks. Maria

 

[Jul]

new to me!

I thought I was part of the "very educated crowd" but I've never heard this before. If it is true, how do you know when you've crossed the line? Cathe, please respond!!

 

[Cathe Friedrich]

overtraining

Hi Jane! What happens when you over exercise is that you set yourself up for overtraining. A result of overtraining is a weakened immune system, a stressed metabolism, and a plateau in your fitness routine.

You see, what happens is when you overtrain, your body does not have a chance to repair stressed muscle tissue and therefore can result in a plateau in your fitness routine(in your case, "the scale won't budge"). This unrepaired, overused, muscle begins to break down. This breakdown (loss) of muscle tissue results in a slower metabolism.

So please listen to your dear and wise friend Tammy(thanks Tammy!). She is obviously a wonderful friend who has your best interest at heart

!

My advice is to take 48 hours off to let your body repair. Then cut back to 5 to 6 sixty minute workouts per week(one of them being a focused total body strength training routine). Eat a BALANCED AND NUTRITIOUS diet that offers enough calories to support your fitness routine(too many or too few calories will promote weight gain).

Cutting back on your exercise will initially have you feeling as though you are not doing enough. Thats actually more mental than physical. Give it a chance. After about two weeks or so your body will acclimate itself and start responding positively to your new SAFE AND EFFECTIVE exercise plan. Good luck and keep us posted.