New and Need Help

[lauraann]

Hello,

I discovered Cathe about a month ago and have been lurking on the website ever since. I think it is time to take the plunge and start her workouts. But, I need expert opinions on where to start.

I have been doing The Firm videos for 6 months and I have been exercising 5 days a week for 2 years. But, I would not consider myself in the advanced category. I still have quite a bit of weight to lose. I feel sure that Cathe's cardio workouts would be too advanced for me at this time.

I really think the S&H series looks good. Or should I buy PH. My funds are also limited, so I can't buy ALL of her videos. (LOL)

Thanks for your input

Laura Ann

 

[getnfit@38]

Hi Laura Ann,

It would help to know what you're trying to achieve through your workouts. You mentioned S&H, which is a fantastic workout, but difficult to do longer than 4 weeks or so as it takes such tremendous concentration. If you have no other videos to rotate to and plan to use it as your main weight training, it would be fine to start with as Cathe gives wonderful advice and demonstrates technique so clearly, it gives the novice, or less advanced with weight training a really good foundation, and by using the slow method, you'd probably nail down the correct form early on. Also, S&H is a strength building training. If strength training is your main focus, you should also read the descriptions for her Pure Strength Series (3 video set), which you could use for a much longer rotation.

However, If you're looking for a weight training video that can be used in longer rotations, and offer a blend of both strength and endurance, PowerHour and MIS (Maximum Intensity Strength) are great choices.

And as far as Cathe's cardios go, don't underestimate yourself. I am not only choreographically challenged, but when I started Cathe's cardio I was still tremendously overweight, and in all honesty, I credit Cathe's cardio completely for burning the fat at a rate that "intermediate cardio" just wasn't doing! Sure it might mean modifying for a while, but week by week the steps get easier and more do-able, and you'll find yourself modifying less and less.

And eventually, you'll own every Cathe anyway! Trust me, my budget is TIGHT, but I still manage to "find" the funds to get another video.

Let us know what you're trying to accomplish (weight loss, tone, strength increase, etc.) and it will be easier to make suggestions that will be cost effective for you.

Donna

 

[lauraann]

Thanks for the post.

I goals are mainly weight loss. I have quite a bit to lose, so I think I should concentrate on that first. I build muscle fairly easy, but you just can't see it underneath the fat. I eventually want that lean and healthy look that Cathe and Firm Master instructors have. I am hoping to build muscle to a)increase metabolism and aid in the fat burning process, and b)to acheive a lean look.

Is Power Hour highly Advanced? Can it be modified to low impact?

Lauraann

 

[barbie]

Power Hour is just strength training and I consider it quite difficult although I guess you could just lighten the weight and that would make it easier. I'm not as "educated" as the rest here..but I would think that you should go with a cardio instead of just weights. Cathe's earlier tapes are easier than her lastest ones...my favorite older tape is Power Max. The first time I did it I couldn't get through the whole tape but I worked up to it and loved it! The only problem for you might be that cathe is very high impact in every cardio tape so then maybe Cathe is not for you! Rhiannon

 

[lauraann]

That is what my husband says. However, I think I need a challenge. Do you have to do high impact to get a good workout? I have always understood that you don't.

 

[getnfit@38]

Hi Laura Ann,

I too still have weight to lose (I weigh 170 lbs now), but when I started using Cathe's weight training videos (MIS and PowerHour) I was over 300lbs, and it really helped blast fat off me at incredible speed. True, I could not see the muscle that I was building for many months, but I could feel it, and it was visible, especially in my legs by 225lbs there or about. I actually firmed up and got rid of cellulite in my lower body before I could see the muscle, but I knew it was worth it by the rate I was losing pounds and inches, and the outward appearance of my legs and buttocks. So don't wait to add weight training to your workout, regardless of your weight now, it can only benefit you. I started with the CTX cardio because they were only 30 minutes, and being so heavy at the time I thought an hour of Cathe might kill me! But there is nothing wrong with mixing your cardio intensities, as a matter of fact, you'll probably get better results!
I do a mix of both high impact and low impact cardio, I also mix my cardio between step, hi/lo, and kickboxing each week to sort of crosstrain a bit. But if Cathe's cardio is too advanced, then by all means go at your own pace with whatever type of cardio you feel best meets your needs. But her weight training is do-able for anyone. You simply modify by using a weight (light or heavy) that suits you. But please don't listen to anyone tell you to lose weight first then add weight training! I kid you not when I tell you that weight training 3x/week (in the beginning) with a mix of MIS and PowerHour melted the fat off me! Plus, my body was gaining a really nice shape to it as I was losing fat and building the muscle underneath. So what that you cannot see the muscle at first, you will feel it, and you will get the benefits of shaping your body as you lose weight.

Donna

 

[lauraann]

Thanks Donna,

I read your profile and you have inspired me. WOW! I want what you have achieved so badly. Thanks for sharing with me. What you have done is fantastic.

I was making great progress (I lost 70 lbs in 2 years) until last August when my Mom died. She was only 51 years old and we didn't know she was sick. Needless to say, I was devastated. I turned to food for comfort. I wanted to cook all of the yummy Southern style food that my Mom had cooked for me when I was little. I have since gained 30 lbs. back. But, I will not give up!

Anyway, I think I will try Power Hour and see how that works out.

Again, Thanks for your input.

Lauraann