Lost 110 lbs.--looking to really build my fitness level

L

luvmydogs

Cathlete
Hi everyone! This is my first Cathe post, so please excuse me if I sound naive!

It took me @15 months to lose 110 lbs. which I've been maintaining through proper diet and 6x/week exercise (this is how I lost my weight also, so it has become a way of life for me).

I worked my way up from WATP tapes to The Firm, which I'm now doing exclusively. I've found recently though, that as much as I love them, the Firm workouts are becoming a little too easy, and that I need to do two or more back-to-back to really feel as though I've worked out--and sometimes that doesn't even do it.

After reading all about Cathe on VF and Firm Ya-Yas, I've researched a lot of her workouts here, and am specifically interested in IMAX2, Cardio & Weights, and maybe a weights-only video that will really help me build some muscle. I'm not sure if I'm genetically pre-disposed to bulking, but I wouldn't mind if I did at all!

Do you think that I'm ready to give Cathe's workouts a try? Even though I've raised my fitness level an incredible amount from where I used to be, I still doubt my abilities all the time--I think all the self-doubt is leftover from the days when I was barely able to walk up a flight of stairs without being winded.

I would appreciate any and all of your much-respected opinions! I enjoy working hard and intensely, and would like to become as strong as possible both muscularly and cardiovascularly.

Thank you so much!

Kim
 
First off--congratulations on your weight loss! You've lost a whole (small) person!

I think you can add Cathe's workouts to your program. I recommend these two for starters: 1) the Power Hour/Maximum Intensity Strength/Body Max DVD and 2) the Cardio Classics DVD.

PH/MIS/Bodymax is a good intro to Cathe strength training. MIS is an hour-long, full-body weight workout where you can build up to heavy weights. I recommend starting with this one to get a good base. PH is a high-rep endurance workout. Bodymax is a tough step and weight workout that combines step aerobics, a step/lower body weight circuit, and upper body weight sections.

Cardio Classics contains 3 of Cathe's earlier step workouts, which will help prepare you for her more recent workouts. I love this DVD! The workouts are fun and challenging, but there are fewer 180-degree moves and other more torquey moves than on more recent workout.

This set of 6 workouts should keep you happy for quite a while!
 
RE: Lost 110 lbs.--looking to really build my fitness l...

Hi Kim, Congratulations on losing so much weight!! If you have been doing the Firm you will love Cathe. Cathe's choreogrophy is more complex on her step routines but after a few tries you will get it. I was a klutz at first but I just kept with it and now I love it. You can't go wrong with any of her strength tapes. And don't doubt your abilities, you've lost 110 lbs:)
 
RE: Lost 110 lbs.--looking to really build my fitness l...

Kim,

It sounds to me like it is time to give Cathe workouts a try. They are great!!

Congratulations on the weight loss!!!! That is great!!

Beverly
 
Congratulations on your awesome results! Yes, do give Cathe a try. You won't regret. I'm thinking the Pyramids are good because they are excellent for shaping, but modifiable to the weight selection that's best for you. Then ME is good for the goals you stated. What they hay, just get the whole Intensity series. You'll be able to carve out a nice routine from just these six.
 
Kim,

Congratulations on such a wonderful achievement. If you think you are ready for Cathe then you are!

I will not recommend which workouts are best to get (they are all fabulous IMO) but rather how to proceed.

When it comes to Cathe's weight tapes, I would strongly suggest to not try to match her weight selection the first few times. Cathe is one tough and very strong woman and trying to match her lb. for lb. when new to her workouts is just asking for a lot of pain and frustration. It can be really tempting to try to keep up with her and/or all the other women on these forums. DO WHAT WORKS FOR YOU!!!!!

When it comes to her cardio workouts, particularly workouts like the IMAXES or MIC, once again modifying is going to be key. Start out with just the step platform or doing the moves on the floor. Pick a section or a length of time or a few intervals and really work on getting that down pat before moving on. Once again, don't feel the need or pressure to do the whole thing all at once. Easing in slowly will help you learn her routines, her style, and her level of intensity (which is unmatched in the fitness industry, IMO).

So the moral of my post is to take it slow, make her workouts work for you, not the other way around, and realize that with Cathe you will be kicking it up several notches so don't get discouraged!
 
Hi Kim, CONGRAULATIONS!:7 and welcome to Cathe workouts. I too worked almost exclusively with THE Firm videos for several years until I found Cathe in January. I started with the Intensity and Body Blast series. I have recently added Slow and Heavy. Follow Cathe's advice and preview the videos before you perform them. While I am watching the strength videos, I jot down in a small notebook what weights I think I can handle for each exercise...that way I am prepared. The cardio sequences are a lot more complex than the Firm cardio tapes but they are so much more fun (and more intense) when you finally get the hang of the choreography. By the way, it took only about 3 times doing the cardio tapes before I got all the steps down pat. I still intersperse these workouts with the Firm, but I am slowly incorporating more Cathe workouts as I go along. :)
 
Hi, Kim! What an awesome accomplishment! It definitely sounds like you are ready for Cathe. I like Kathryn's picks and also suggest the Rhythmic Step/Interval Max/Maximum Intenisty Cardio DVD. RS has complex choreography which confounds me but IMAX and MIC are phenomenal if you like tough, intense cardio with fairly basic choreograhy. I have a feeling another Cathe addict is about to come into being! You are going to love her body of work! Welcome to the fold!
Bobbi http://www.handykult.de/plaudersmilies.de/chicken.gif "Chick's rule!"
 
RE: Lost 110 lbs.--looking to really build my fitness l...

Thank you so very much for all your opinions and advice, and for the very kind words of congratulations and encouragement! Bobbi, I think you're right--I definitely believe I am a Cathe fan in the making!

I'm actually printing out all your comments so that I can do my final research on this site--I can just feel my credit card burning a hole in my wallet as we speak!

I really do appreciate how welcoming you all are, and I thank you once again!

Kim
 
Kim, better late than never!

Kim, chiming in a little late just to say WELCOME and WOWZA!!!! You must be so incredibly proud of yourself for such an awesome accomplishment, and how wonderful you must feel PHYSICALLY! Way to go, girl!

You've gotten some great suggestions here. I especially endorse Kathryn's and Bobbi's ideas, but really, you can't go wrong with any Cathe tapes. Sample a bit of everything, take it slowly and be patient with yourself. Neither the choreography nor the results are going to show up overnight -- but then you are an old hand at keeping your eye on a long-term goal, aren't you??? :)

Hope you'll join us here often and report in on your progress and how you like your purchases!

http://www.click-smilies.de/sammlung0903/sport/sport-smiley-003.gif Kathy S. http://www.click-smilies.de/sammlung0903/spezial/spudniks/spudniklifter.gif
 
Well done KIm. It's a fabulous achievement!!! Way to go!!!!!!

I agree w ith Kathryn and Bobbi's DVD suggestions, and with Sabine's caution to not try to match Cathe but take it at your own pace.

And do not worry about not seeing yourself as capable of doing Cathe workouts. Of course you are, but for so long your image of yourself had been that of an overweight out of shape person. You are no longer that person, and your self-image is lagging a little behind, it has yet to catch up to the reality of the new you! It will as soon as you see your increasing accomplishments. You have the marvellous chance to redefine yourself, that is something most of us dream about!!!!

Welcome to the new Kim and the rest of your life!

Clare
 
Kim congratulations on a job well done! You have come a long way and should feel very proud!

I, too, worked my way up on the fitness scale with WATP videos and then regularly using the Firms for a year. They were a great help to me considering I was totally in the dark as to even how to lift a weight before that.

I heard so much about Cathe but was totally "intimidated" to try her. I started off with Cardio Kicks and was totally hooked on her workout style. In the last 2 months I've bought all of her Body Blast and Intensity workouts and am absolutely loving it. I was missing my Firming in the beginning, but not anymore. Cathe is great. Every one of her workouts works you hard. You will never feel cheated of getting in a good workout.

The most worrisome part for me was thinking about how I was going to learn the step workouts with my 2 left feet. But, I bought myself a step and watched her workouts over and over until I learned the steps. I'm not 100 percent perfect with them, but I am getting there and finding them incredibly fun. My thighs have never been so strong and tight before.

If you think you've raised your fitness level incredibly NOW, just wait until you get into Cathe's workouts! You will surely be amazed.

Again, congratulations on your wonderful accomplishment.
 
RE: Lost 110 lbs.--looking to really build my fitness l...

Kim!

Just wanted to let you know that you are truly an inspiration, Girl!!! I've been doing Cathe's workouts since like January and let me tell you - they are ADDICTING! In less than 1 month I bought the whole Intensity series, about 1/2 of Body Blast, and like 6 other misc tapes (MIC,PH,Bodymax, etc):eek: And yes, I got a nice hefty CC bill afterwards, but you know what? It was worth it!!
Also, as you can see, the people on this site are great! You have a nice, big support system here.... :7
 
Congratulations and welcome! I have nothing useful to add to all the great ideas already posted, but wanted to say Hi to a fellow dog lover. I have four basset hounds and a bloodhound cross. One of them helps keep me fit, but the bassets keep me laughing which keeps my abs fit, I suppose. What do you have?
--Ann
 
WOW! I don't think I've felt such a welcoming spirit anywhere! Thank you so very much for all your responses and kind words.! Cathe seems to attract some truly nice people, and I'm so happy to have found you all!

I want every one of her workouts! I can't wait to get started, and you have me soooo pumped! I'm looking forward to getting to know you all better!

Houndogs--We have three yappy, ankle-biting Chihuahuas, all with Napolean Complexes! I also seem to take in every stray on the block and find it a home. I've fostered Greyhounds, too. We started off with ony one chihuahua, but soon added more because they seem to fit into every nook and cranny of the house!

Thanks, once again, for all your help!
 
Kim,

I want to say Welcome & Congratulations losing a 110 pounds, it takes alot to do and you should be proud. :)

We kind of sound like we are in the same boat, I have also lost 116 pds and started working out lightly & then to the Firm well then I came across Cathe thru another friend of mine and let me tell you, there is no turning back, LOL. I started w/ Cardio Kicks then Rythmic Step, well now I own the Intensity Series, Body Blast Series, CTX Series, Circuit Max, and I swear I am missing some but I am HOOKED and I am sure you will be too. So YES I Would definately say you are ready, you will have the time of your life :)

Enjoy, Welcome once again & CONGRATULATIONS!
Laura :)


Laura =)
251.5/135.2/141
Here is a link to my before & after photo's
http://www.picturetrail.com/gyggles1
 
Kim - Congratulations!!! That is one huge accomplishment! Good for you that you've now made fitness a way of life!

I just wanted to chime in and say I agree with what Kathryn said and good luck on your continued healthy lifestyle!
Jo
 
Kim,

Congratulations on your accomplishments! You should be really proud of yourself.

I like Kathryn's suggestions for you. In particular, BodyMax has always been my favorite Cathe video because it is versatile (there are 3 sections--all step, step circuits with legs, and upper body strength), it can be split up into segments if you are low on time, it is tough, and it gives excellent results. After doing BM, you will feel totally worked out.

The only thing to be aware of is that BM is 90 minutes total, so if you are looking for cardio and weights all in one hour, you might be better off with Circuit Max or Cardio and Weights, or even Bootcamp.

Welcome to the world of Cathe! You will become hooked as many of us here already are!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Our Newsletter

Get awesome content delivered straight to your inbox.

Top