Is it true you should hit a muscle every 5 days to make progress?

[Mainemom]

I have read in different sources that a muscle should be "hit" every 5 days to see any kind of difference? I've noticed Cathe, with the PS series, and the Slow and Heavy, you hit the muscle once a week of course not again for longer than the 5. My question is, are your workouts based on intensity?, therefore gaining results on a once a week routine? I have one other question if I may, I finished up the BFL program and found the fat loss to be limited but the muscularity to be more than desired, bulky, I'd like to now tone and define and lengthen what I have, would I do your routine for muscular endurance or your strength routine? I would so much appreciate yours or anyone elses' input. Thanks in advance Sandy in Maine

 

[jillybean]

Hi! I am not Cathe but I posted a similar question awhile back. If you are looking to tone and define, I would suggest endurance type weight work for awhile. Power Hour, CTX Leaner Legs, Body Max's upper body segment - all of these are good. I know that weight lifters train one body part one day a week, like the CTX series; Chest/Monday, Back/Tuesday, Shoulders/Wednesday, etc. Some fitness models train each part twice a week, but I knew a few competitors and they only trained each body part once a week. And they looked incredible! But their food intake was so clean it squeaked! Not mine, unfortunately!

 

[Mainemom]

Thanks for the response jillybean, that is all I needed to hear. I also am wondering what others, maybe yourself, have done if you have lifted heavy in the past then turn to do Cathe, which I absolutely love, but cannot lift the same amount of weight due to cardio, breathlessness. Now I know to take highter reps into consideration, but I know I can lift heavier, but my lungs won't let me. I think some of it to is not so much the higher reps, but the time span in between the sets! Not much. Any suggestions as to what to do? Pause the tape? Be patient and eventually I will be lifting more? If I do that, will I lose the muscle I have gained? Need answers of encouragement- thanks! Sandy in Maine
One more question I forgot to ask, would the PS series be considered an endurance vid? She does stay with higher reps? Thanks again, I hope everyone has a great day!

 

[jillybean]

PS is definitely a strength workout. Usually 3 sets 10 reps each. The weight she uses astounds me sometimes. I am in the middle of a PS rotation right now (6th week of a planned 8) and I have already upped my weights. I actually think that strength tapes (PS, S&H) are easier than endurance types (Power Hour, Body Max, CTX's Leaner Legs). I started with CTX and thought I would die because my heart rate got so high. What I would suggest to you is lower your weight so that you can complete all of the reps and sets the same as Cathe, but your form is still good. Once they become *easy* then up your weight. Pausing the VCR is good too, just don't stand in place though. Move around a bit. And remember, if you are consistant and patient, you will up your weights in no time! Have fun!