Intermediate DVD suggestions....

[naughtoj]

I have been on a semi-hiatus from Cathe workouts and wonder if you guys can give me some suggestions on some good workouts that are interemediate level.

I would like a balanced workout, looking to maintain muscle mass. Basically, I want a video or a video series that does not give the kick-butt dread factor of a Cathe tape, but still keeps me from losing muscle. I would love 30 min, but I know some tapes run longer. I am looking to run for a while for my cardio, so it need not be cardio, but circuit is OK.

Specifically, I would like information on Slim in Six and the Slim Series. Power Half Hour? P90? I really am interested in all Beach Body products but will not order any until I am sure and even then you will have to twist my arm to get me to order from Beach Body. If anyone is looking to sell or trade any of these, let me know!!

Basically, I know I have lost some fitness...especially strength wise and will not jump back into P90X. I really loved P90X, but mentally I do not have it in me right now. I need something easier, but not so boring I won't even want to put it in. I want the most bang for my buck time wise. I am done spending my life working out and am trying to figure out what is the LEAST I have to do to feel good about myself.....

Thank you all!!!

Janice

 

[Soosan]

Hi Janice! The only Beach Body product with which I'm familiar is P90X. There's tons of info about the others at VF though. It's been a long time since I've done The Firm, but some of their workouts might fit the bill. Ones I recall liking are Tough Tape, Firm Cardio, Firm Strength and Total Body Shaping Mix. I haven't tried any of their newer ones.

If I'm just getting back into working out after having been sick or on vacation or something, I start off with some easier power yoga, PP or SS, Christi Taylor or some of Cathe's earlier step. I do these until I feel ready to tackle Cathe's more intense stuff. I've always tried to vary the modes of my workouts, but I've recently discovered that my body responds better to varying intensity and not pushing, pushing, pushing. (I say this as I begin the P90X classic rotation.)

It's great you're listening to your body. Sounds like you need a little rest.

 

[naughtoj]

Thanks for the reply Susan. The truth is I have absolutely no motivation to work out...especially weights. I think this is some sort of freakish burnout that has been building for quite a while in me. Well, finally it erupted and I don't want to do anything! Well, that is not so true..I have been trail running, but my workouts went to, like twice per week and rarely ever weights. I dropped 10 pounds and that alone freaked me out enough to start lifting SOME, but I still need to kick myself in the pants to do more! I would love to take some aerobics classes at my community college, but I am not there often enough to pay the $$$. Oh...I need a new life!

Well, if anyone else has suggestions I would love to hear them. Thanks.

 

[Debra L]

Janice, I use Kathy Smith or an old Jane Fonda workout when I want lower intensity or shorter weight workouts. They might be too easy for you, but after reading your 2nd post, maybe Kathy Smith would work.

I agree with Susan's suggestion to check the posts at VF. There have been a lot of threads discussing moderate workouts. You'll certainly find plenty of info on the Beachbody products.

And an idea from VF, only do 2 sets of Cathe and/or cut back the number of exercises for each body part.

Take care Janice.

Debra

 

[kimmie2191]

Well, I don't quite know what happened to my answer but I will try again

Karen Voight
*Total Body Pilates w/ ring (killer inner thigh work. It also to me is more lower body than upper)
*Lean Legs & Buns and Firm Arms & Abs - very good workout. Does not drain you at all.

Margaret Richard - Upper & Lower Body Sculptures - excellent high rep/low weight work.
*She has several total body workouts that she has started putting on DVD's. I have been ordering them as they become available.

Slim Series Tone It Up and Firm It Up - FIU is lower body and TIU is total body.


Last but not least - Cathe SS/PP DVD these are excellent workouts by themselves,feel worked out without feeling drained. Turns into advanced when you use the premixes. LOVE, LOVE THIS DVD.

HTH
Kim

 

[clareMc]

Janice:

I sent you an email earlier. Given your situation, I really would not add the worry of losing muscle mass to your stress laoad right now. It truly is a minor consideration. I would concentrate on the fun factor. Do any physical activity that actually inspires you to move: your running is great, try a pilates tape, a yoga tape, try swimming in the local pool, power walking in the sunshine with your favourite band playing in the headphones, whatever makes you smile.

When you start to feel better, the motivaation will return: then you can hit the weights and the fitness targets again with Cathe.

Don't sweat it ;-)

Wishing you well,

Clare

 

[bethj]

Janice, do you have the Pure Strength series? I find them the easiest to do becuase of the way they are set up with rest breaks just long enough, but not too long. I'm always amazed at how my strength improves dramatically with what seems like the least amount of effort of all Cathe's tapes. The most bang for your buck. The upper body splits are only 35 minutes and the lower you can do over 2 different days or just do half the sets to keep it at 30 min. They also seem to relax me becuase of the low key soundtrack and I don't get bored. I don't get that tired feeling from Pure Strength, I feel almost energized afterwards instead.
As for the most "fun" intermediate weight workout, I really like Cathe's new intermediate high step DVD (High Step Circuit). It's fun mixing it up with bands and free weights. However I don't think it maintains strength as well.
I just moved to north Glendale (love it here!!) and would be happy to loan you out a DVD to try before you buy. I do have all the slim series but I'm not sure you'd like them. Give me a call if you want at 623-825-5353.
Beth

 

[R_A_C_H]

Hi,
Slim Series are all low weights and high repetitions except for the Cool It Off workout ( stretching )They are intermediate compared to Cathe and they are dull. But they use hardly any space, require only light dbs and ankle weights and offer a welcome change if that's what you need right now. Production wise they are acceptable. The instructor is on the goofy side, background people ... well who cares?
I have read a lot of people had good results from them.
The new Firm BSS3 seem to be good. I picked up Complete Body Sculpting ( Krista ) and Total Muscle Shaping ( Stephanie ) and was surprised that they had more cardio now and are harder than the other new Firm releases. I liked the music ... more TODAY. I wasn't bored at all with them plus the no body fat look was disturbing but awfully inspiring...I want my ribcage to poke out like that!!! They use an incline bench ( regular step with 3 risers on one end works fine. ) The Firm makes really good intermediate workouts with barely any impact. You gotta give them that. No boredom factor v. SS.