I have to say I found a modifier in Susan Chung's Rapid Fire workouts helpful. I consider my self advanced but I do like to see alternative ways of doing certain moves. The "modifier" in her videos was not distracting at all. There are a few moves of Cathe's that I modify on my own but would like to see how others would modify. I think this is a great advantage to the new series. I also like the fact that just because it's for intermediate, you can still do it if you are advanced. It would be like taking a lighter workout day or week, esp if you are getting over an injury or illness. I'm not preordering only because I have On-Demand and no longer need the dvds, but I'm still very excited about this series.
I am personally working so hard when I exercise that I'm barely even looking at the instructor, unless it's a brand-new workout, let alone any of the background exercisers. (I understand we each have things that can detract from our workout enjoyment, though. For me, it's bad music, poor picture quality, or a lack of camaraderie in background exercisers. Okay, I'm a bit picky!) So a modifier wouldn't usually bother me, unless they're doing something bad like using truly dangerous form...which I can't see happening in a Cathe-led workout! I view modifiers as a positive thing, and not only for the more beginner or intermediate among us. (Which I personally can often revert to, depending upon the day- or on the move being done!) I remember years ago I was reading
Stop the Insanity by Susan Powter, and she taught me something very powerful. That every day, for the rest of my exercising life, I will likely have to modify my workout here or there for any number of reasons. A baby keeping one awake all night, work stressing them out, an illness they're might be recovering from, a nagging injury from high school sports acting up...modify for it. It's okay. Because we can modify, we never have to be afraid as exercisers to try new stuff.
Sometimes a modifier can simply be showing a form that's better for their particular body type and/or joint structure. In other words, different body types may be able to do moves in different ways. "Proper' form for each person can really vary based on joint mobility, level of muscle warmth, past experience with an exercise, natural ability with a move, injury history, and so on. As a tall exerciser with wide hips and big feet, I love seeing someone demonstrate a move in a manner that's more in line with how
my body approaches it, for example. Tall women may have a different stance or form than a short person. Wide hips can vary what is being done compared to someone with narrow hips. Each person needs to slightly modify hip, knee, and foot position for their own body. Modifying may just mean "different", not necessarily "easier".
Please don't flame me, anyone, because I say the following with the kindest of intentions possible.
Shouldn't exercise classes and DVDs try on purpose (at least occasionally) to be all-inclusive? To me it seems that is what Cathe is evolving into doing more and more, and I adore that. Her live classes are demonstrative to me of the energy possible when a group of fitness-loving individuals all come together and enjoy a workout, without fear of judgment over their body type or athletic ability. I love seeing the wide range of people there, women of all shapes and sizes and ages. What an awesome improvement over the vibe in so many 1980's gyms: "You'd better already be fit, very skinny, and look good in tight workout gear, or don't bother showing up here at all!" Ick...
