Need advice re: DVD players, Cathe DVDs

[Rosalie]

Hi everyone,

I'm new here, but I've been lurking for a little while. I've read a lot of good things about Cathe at this forum and at VF, and I've also watched most of the video clips on her website. I love her style, and her workouts look both fun and challenging. I'm ready give her workouts a try . I've been doing Firm tapes for strength training, and mostly CIAs for cardio - along with Gilad, Keli, and Kari. My fitness level is Int/Adv for both cardio and strength (by collage video standards).

I have a question about DVD players. I was in Best Buy looking at the Pioneer DV-C503 model. One of the salespeople told me that DVD players require maintenence - professional cleaning every 3-6 months. He warned me that if I didn't do this, the DVD player would "freeze up" after some time. He told me that I needed a $50, 4-year service plan for the DVD player. I ended up buying nothing, since I wasn't sure whether he was telling the truth, or just trying to sell a service plan that I didn't really need. For those with DVD players - do you really need to have them professionally cleaned, or can you maintain them yourself, like a CD player or VCR? I'm confused :-hmmm.

I also need some advice on Cathe DVDs. I've already decided to buy the PS series DVD (after I get a DVD player, that is!), and I would also like to get a cardio DVD. I've only been doing aerobics (floor and step) for about six months, but I seem to pick up choreography fairly easily, and I'm willing to rewind and take the time to learn a routine. The DVDs that appeal to me right now are: Cardio Hits (Power Max, Step Fit, and Step Works) and Rhythmic Step/IMAX/MIC. Do you think that either of these DVDs would be appropriate for a Cathe newcomer who is coordinated and willing to learn? I know that Cathe has VHS tapes that are very popular with newcomers, but I'd really like to get a DVD instead .

Thanks for reading - sorry this was so long! Any advice would be appreciated.

Rosalie

 

[ErinF]

Hi, Rosalie! I swear those salespeople must get commissions on those blasted service plans of theirs. They push them so hard! If it makes you feel any better, I was told the exact same thing about buying a service plan for my VCR, which I've had for 3 years with no problems. I've only had my DVD player since March, but it's working as well as it did the day I brought it home. Those stores make a lot of money on those service plans because, really, who actually goes to the trouble to unhook their DVD players and/or VCRs every 3 to 6 months and brings them in? I can't absolutely say that he's trying to jerk your chain, since I'm not an expert here, but I've always thought they were just trying to squeeze more $$ out of you.

Your DVD choices sound fantastic to me! I should warn you that there was a small mistake in the chaptering of the MIC workout. The chapters menu will say that you can go directly to the 5 minute interval blast, but it actually goes about 10 minutes into the step section. It's a minor issue, but I wouldn't want you to be surprised if you try to tack that onto a workout. If you like Cathe's weights, all of her weights DVDs are fabulous too! I just finished an Upper Body Split from the CTX series ( put together for you already on the 2nd DVD ) and I loved it! Then I popped over tot he kickbox workout for planks, abs,a nd a nice stretch. It was wonderful!

Have a great day!!!

Erin

 

[SteppingFool]

I do not know much about DVDs, but we did not get a service plan for ours. We got a simple model (1 DVD) and fairly cheap. Our plan is - if it breaks down, we'll get a better one, probably at a cheaper price. Electronic items always go down in prices with time.

I have both of the cardio DVDs you mentioned. I think the Cardio Hits is a good one to start with. Like you said, you might have to rewind several times to get things down, but it is a good DVD. In fact, that's what I started mine with. Rhythmic Step is a little harder to conquer. Imax and MIC are probably two of the toughest cardio. And you will enjoy your PS series too. I know eventually you might want to get S&H in your rotation! You'll never get enough of Cathe's tapes...

Good luck and enjoy your new DVDs!

Haslina

 

[Rosalie]

Thanks for the advice. I went to Circuit City to check out their DVD players, and a salesperson told me that DVD players are easy to maintain and less likely to malfunction than VCRs! I'm hoping that I can find a good price as the holiday sales begin. Once I have the DVD player, I'll start with the PS series and Cardio Hits. S&H looks great, too. I'm sure that eventually I'll end up with all the DVD's ;-). Choosing segments from different workouts sounds like so much fun!

Thanks also for the note on MIC programming. I wrote it down so that I remember it when I get that DVD - since I'm sure I'll buy it eventually!

Rosalie